Welcome, food enthusiasts! Dive into the delicious world of Santorini’s cuisine, a Mediterranean paradise known for its vibrant flavors and mouthwatering dishes. These 12 must-try recipes will transport you straight to the sun-drenched cliffs of this Greek island, giving you a taste of its rich culinary heritage. So, put on your apron and let’s embark on this gastronomic journey that will leave you craving more of Santorini’s delights!
1. Tomatokeftedes (Santorini Tomato Fritters) – 250 calories per serving
These crispy, golden Santorini tomato fritters, known as Tomatokeftedes, are the perfect appetizer to kick off your culinary adventure. Bursting with the flavors of fresh tomatoes, herbs, and a touch of Greek cheese, they’ll have you dreaming of warm Santorini nights in no time!
Ingredients:
- 4 large ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for frying
Recipe:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomatoes, onion, mint, parsley, feta cheese, and flour. Season with salt and pepper, and mix well.
- Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
- Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of the tomato mixture into the hot oil, and fry until golden brown, turning once (about 3-4 minutes per side).
- Transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve hot and enjoy!
2. Fava Me Koukia (Yellow Split Pea Dip) – 180 calories per serving
Experience the creamy goodness of this traditional Santorini dip, Fava Me Koukia. Made from yellow split peas and topped with caramelized onions, it’s the ultimate Greek comfort food to share with friends and family.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup yellow split peas, rinsed and drained
- 3 cups water
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Recipe:
- In a large pot, combine the yellow split peas, water, chopped onion, and garlic. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the peas are soft and mushy.
- Remove from the heat, and use an immersion blender or a regular blender to purée the mixture until smooth. Add half of the olive oil and the red wine vinegar, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown (about 10-15 minutes).
- To serve, spread the fava dip on a platter and top with the caramelized onions. Garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy with warm pita bread or crudites.
3. Melitzanosalata (Greek Eggplant Dip) – 130 calories per serving
Embark on a flavorful journey with Melitzanosalata, a smoky Greek eggplant dip that perfectly complements any mezze platter. The combination of roasted eggplant, garlic, and lemon creates a zesty and satisfying appetizer.
Ingredients:
- 2 large eggplants
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, for garnish
Recipe:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prick the eggplants all over with a fork and place them on a baking sheet. Roast for 40-45 minutes, or until tender and the skin is charred. Allow the eggplants to cool.
- Once cooled, carefully remove and discard the skin. Chop the flesh and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the minced garlic, parsley, olive oil, and lemon juice to the eggplant. Season with salt and pepper, and mix well.
- Transfer the Melitzanosalata to a serving bowl, garnish with crumbled feta cheese, and serve with pita chips or crusty bread.
4. Santorini Salad – 200 calories per serving
Savor the freshness of the Mediterranean with this colorful and nutritious Santorini Salad. Packed with juicy tomatoes, creamy feta, and crunchy cucumbers, this salad is a true taste of the Greek islands.
Ingredients:
- 4 large ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Recipe:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta cheese, and basil leaves.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately and enjoy the taste of Santorini!
5. Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce – 550 calories per serving
Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Souvlaki, a traditional Greek dish of marinated and grilled meat. Served with a side of creamy Tzatziki sauce, this meal is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
For the Souvlaki:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch (2.5cm) cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 small cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess moisture
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Recipe:
For the Souvlaki:
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cubes and mix well to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
- Grill the chicken for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and slightly charred.
- Remove the chicken from the skewers and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill. Season with salt and pepper, and mix well.
- Cover and refrigerate the Tzatziki sauce for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve the Souvlaki with a side of Tzatziki sauce, warm pita bread, and a fresh Greek salad for a complete Santorini-inspired meal.
6. Kolokithokeftedes (Greek Zucchini Fritters) – 240 calories per serving
Discover the delightful taste of Kolokithokeftedes, crispy Greek zucchini fritters that are perfect as an appetizer or a light snack. These golden fritters are packed with fresh herbs and feta cheese, adding a deliciously tangy twist.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Olive oil, for frying
Recipe:
- Place the grated zucchini in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then squeeze the zucchini with your hands to remove any remaining liquid.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the zucchini, feta cheese, mint, dill, green onions, egg, and flour. Mix well.
- Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of the zucchini mixture into the hot oil, and fry until golden brown, turning once (about 3-4 minutes per side).
- Transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve hot and enjoy the flavors of Santorini!
7. Saganaki (Fried Cheese) – 310 calories per serving
Experience the decadence of Saganaki, a Greek classic featuring fried cheese with a crispy golden crust and a gooey, melty center. Paired with a squeeze of lemon, this dish is simply irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (225g) Kefalotyri or Kasseri cheese, cut into 1/2-inch (1.25cm) thick slices
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Olive oil, for frying
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Recipe:
- Lightly coat each cheese slice with flour, shaking off any excess.
- In a non-stick frying pan, heat a generous amount of olive oil over medium heat. Carefully add the cheese slices and fry for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Transfer the fried cheese to a serving plate and squeeze lemon juice over the top. Enjoy immediately for the ultimate Saganaki experience!
8. Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie) – 350 calories per serving
Delight your taste buds with Spanakopita, a savory Greek spinach pie wrapped in layers of flaky, golden phyllo pastry. This mouthwatering dish is filled with a mixture of spinach, feta cheese, and fresh herbs that will transport you straight to Santorini.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 12 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
Recipe:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic in 2 tablespoons of melted butter over medium heat until softened. Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled spinach mixture with dill, parsley, feta cheese, and beaten eggs. Mix well.
- Grease a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish with melted butter. Lay one sheet of phyllo dough in the dish and brush with melted butter. Repeat with five more sheets, brushing each layer with butter.
- Spread the spinach filling evenly over the phyllo layers. Top with the remaining six sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each layer with melted butter.
- Use a sharp knife to score the top layers of phyllo dough into squares or triangles. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy. Let the Spanakopita cool slightly before cutting and serving.
9. Pastitsio (Greek Baked Pasta) – 620 calories per serving
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Pastitsio, a Greek baked pasta dish layered with seasoned ground beef, creamy béchamel sauce, and tender pasta. This heavenly meal will have you longing for more Santorini-inspired cuisine.
Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1 14.5 oz (411g) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) tubular pasta (e.g., ziti or penne)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, beaten
Recipe:
For the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
- Stir in the red wine, crushed tomatoes, parsley, and cinnamon. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Set aside.
For the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions. Drain and return the pasta to the pot.
- Stir in the butter, Parmesan cheese, and beaten egg. Set aside.
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Remove from the heat and whisk in the Parmesan cheese and beaten egg.
Assembling the Pastitsio:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture, followed by the meat sauce, and then the remaining pasta. Pour the béchamel sauce evenly over the top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Allow the Pastitsio to rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving.
10. Loukoumades (Greek Honey Puffs) – 180 calories per serving
Treat yourself to the sweet taste of Loukoumades, irresistible Greek honey puffs that are golden and crispy on the outside, yet light and fluffy on the inside. Drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon, these delightful morsels are the perfect ending to any meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Topping:
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Recipe:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Allow the mixture to sit for 5-10 minutes, or until frothy.
- Gradually add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture, stirring until a smooth and slightly sticky dough forms. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Heat at least 2 inches (5cm) of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium heat. Drop spoonfuls of dough into the hot oil, and fry until golden brown, turning occasionally for even cooking (about 2-3 minutes per side).
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the Loukoumades to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
For the Topping:
- In a small saucepan, gently warm the honey over low heat. Drizzle the warm honey over the fried Loukoumades and sprinkle with ground cinnamon and chopped walnuts, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet flavors of Santorini!
11. Santorini Fava Dip – 180 calories per serving
Savor the unique flavors of Santorini with this traditional Fava Dip, made from yellow split peas that are slowly cooked until creamy and smooth. Drizzled with olive oil and garnished with fresh herbs, this dip is a true taste of the island.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup yellow split peas, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups water
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Capers, for garnish (optional)
Recipe:
- In a large pot, combine the yellow split peas, water, onion, garlic, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the split peas are soft and have absorbed most of the water.
- Remove the bay leaf and use an immersion blender or a regular blender to purée the mixture until smooth. If the dip is too thick, add a little water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Stir in the olive oil and lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper. Transfer the Fava Dip to a serving bowl, drizzle with additional olive oil, and garnish with chopped parsley and capers, if desired. Serve with pita chips or crusty bread for a true Santorini-inspired appetizer.
12. Santorini Tomato Fritters (Tomatokeftedes) – 210 calories per serving
Savor the delightful crunch and rich flavors of Santorini Tomato Fritters, also known as Tomatokeftedes. Made with ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a touch of feta cheese, these fritters are a perfect way to enjoy the island’s renowned produce.
Ingredients:
- 4 large ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Recipe:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomatoes, red onion, mint, parsley, and feta cheese. Mix well.
- Gradually add the flour to the tomato mixture, stirring until a thick batter forms. Season with salt and pepper.
- Heat about 1/2 inch (1.25cm) of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, and fry until golden brown and crispy, turning once (about 3-4 minutes per side).
- Transfer the tomato fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve hot and enjoy the flavors of Santorini!
Now that you’ve discovered these 12 must-try recipes inspired by the flavors of Santorini, you can bring a taste of the beautiful island right into your own kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a Mediterranean-themed dinner party or simply craving some delicious Greek cuisine, these recipes are sure to transport you and your taste buds to the sun-soaked shores of Santorini. Enjoy!
Top 3 FAQ’s and Answers About Santorini Cuisine:
1. What is the key to making authentic Greek Tzatziki sauce?
The key to making authentic Greek Tzatziki sauce is using fresh ingredients, such as Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill. Make sure to drain the grated cucumber well to prevent the sauce from becoming too watery. Also, allowing the sauce to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving helps the flavors meld together. You can find more tips on making the perfect Tzatziki sauce here.
2. Can I substitute other types of cheese for the traditional Kefalotyri or Kasseri cheese in the Saganaki recipe?
Yes, you can substitute other types of cheese in the Saganaki recipe if you cannot find Kefalotyri or Kasseri cheese. Choose a firm cheese with a high melting point, such as halloumi, provolone, or even a well-drained mozzarella. Keep in mind that the flavor may differ from traditional Saganaki, but the result will still be delicious.
3. Are there any vegetarian options among these Santorini-inspired recipes?
Several vegetarian options can be found among these recipes, including the Greek Salad (Horiatiki), Kolokithokeftedes (Greek Zucchini Fritters), Saganaki (Fried Cheese), Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie), Santorini Fava Dip, and Santorini Tomato Fritters (Tomatokeftedes). These dishes are perfect for vegetarian guests or those looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet.
Well, folks, there you have it! You’re now equipped with 12 mouthwatering Santorini-inspired recipes to bring the flavors of this enchanting island into your own kitchen. So gather your friends and family, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave everyone saying, “Opa!”
And just in case these delicious recipes have you daydreaming about Santorini’s breathtaking sunsets, iconic blue-domed churches, and crystal-clear waters, why not take a moment to discover 15 reasons for the ultimate island escape to Santorini? Who knows, you might just find yourself booking a flight and packing your bags faster than you can say “pass the Tzatziki, please!”
Happy cooking, and as they say in Greece, Kali Orexi! 🇬🇷🍽️
