WHAT IS GREEK FOOD?
The traditional flavors of Greek food come from the sun-drenched Greek herbs and spices grown along the hillsides on the main island of Greece.
Dill weed, thyme, oregano and mint are Greek essentials that really add bold character to fish, meat or vegetables.
Popular Greek ingredients includes olive oil, lamb, potatoes, an abundance of seafood. The most popular dessert in Greece is baklava, a deliciously sweet way to end any Greek meal.
Sprinkle in the purest, most carefully sourced dried herbs and spices to liven up the flavor of any Greek dish.
Tips on How to Cook Greek Inspired Food
- Making Homemade Phyllo is as Easy as Pie
- This Genius, Crazy-Good Roast Chicken Has a Funny Little Secret
- Take Your Taste Buds on a Trip to Greece
- Super Simple Skillet Moussaka
- Real-Deal Spanakopita, Straight From Yia Yia
- How To Make Falafels And Hummus
- Flavor Story: Whole Bay Leaves
GREEK SPICES & HERBS
Explore easy ways to use these herbs and spices for delicious Greek flavor.
Greek cuisine makes exceptional use of oregano’s minty flavor and aroma. We like using our pure oregano in dressing for a classic Greek salad, marinade for lamb and chicken kebabs, seasonings for roasted potatoes and as a spicy edge in pork and lemon stew. Try McCormick Ground Oregano.
Fragrant mint is ideal for adding a refreshing burst of flavor to any dish. It is used in many Greek dishes such as marinated feta, lamb stews, and beverages. Try McCormick Gourmet Organic Mint.
Dill weed adds a fresh green flavor to many easy-to-make Greek dishes. It brings a bright, fresh flavor to chicken kebabs, chicken souvlaki and tzatziki, the classic sauce of yogurt, cucumber and dill. Making your own Greek-style rub for chicken is easy, too. Just combine dill weed, lemon zest and oregano, then fire up that grill for a delicious Mediterranean dinner. Try McCormick Dill Weed.
McCormick's pure thyme is an essential herb rich with complex flavors. It's sweet aroma and mellow flavor make it the perfect addition to all types of recipes. A Mediterranean native, thyme regularly turns up in Greek kitchens particularly in rubs for roast chicken and in garlicky chicken soups and stews. It loves to party with other Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary, oregano and bay leaves. Try McCormick Thyme Leaves.
Garlic delivers an instant flavor boost to whatever you're cooking. The savory essence pairs well with both the rich meatiness of lamb and the the refreshing herbs and vegetables that are prominent in Greek cuisine. Try McCormick Garlic Powder.
You won’t find a more versatile herb than McCormick's pure basil. It's a member of the mint family and offers a fresh, green aroma with a hint of sweet licorice. That makes it a perfect partner for all things tomato which is found in lots of Greek dishes. We find that basil cuts tomato’s acidity and enhances its natural sweetness. Try McCormick Basil Leaves.
The distinctive flavor of black pepper is at home in almost any cuisine. Pepper helps cut through the gaminess of lamb and can bring a delicate spiciness without overpowering the delicate freshness of Greek cuisine. Try McCormick Ground Black Pepper.
Ancient Greeks thought rosemary gave the brain a boost—perhaps because of the herb’s distinctive smell. A Mediterranean favorite, rosemary is an aromatic herb with a piney, floral character. Rosemary goes well with all the herbs of the Mediterranean kitchen. Try McCormick Rosemary Leaves.
HOW LONG DO SPICES LAST?
While dried herbs and spices typically last for 1–2 years, there are some exceptions worth noting when it comes to the shelf life of spices. Maintain the freshness of your spices and herbs with these helpful storage tips.
MUST TRY GREEK RECIPES
Greek Inspired Salad Recipes
- Greek Pasta Salad with Cucumber Yogurt Dressing
- Greek Vegetable Salad With Herb Vinaigrette
- Greek Squash Ribbon Salad
- Tzatziki Potato Salad
- Greek Style Cold Noodle Salad
Greek Inspired Beef Recipes
Greek Inspired Chicken Recipes
- Grilled Chicken Gyros
- Chicken Burgers with Lemon Pepper Yogurt Sauce
- Greek Chicken and Vegetables
- Greek Roasted Chicken & Tomatoes
Other Greek Inspired Recipe Favorites
- Greek Tabbouleh Salad Arepas With Ancho Yogurt
- Greek Turkey Burgers With Spiced Yogurt Sauce
- Greek Tuna Salad Pockets
- Crispy Baked Falafel
Try Some of Our Other Favorite Cuisines Beyond Greek
Switch up some of the herbs and spices for a different take on your favorite dish.
Want to create a meal plan for your Greek recipes? Need help planning your weekly meals and want to try new recipes? Save your favorite food, dessert, drink recipes and organize your ingredients with McCormick Meal Planner.
