Spanakopita is a delicious Greek dish made up of layers of crisp phyllo pastry filled with savory spinach, feta cheese, and onion filling.
Its flavors are rich and complex, but the dish itself is surprisingly easy to make. It’s a great option for a main course that can be served at both casual and formal dinners.
But what to serve with spanakopita? Here are some delicious side dishes that pair perfectly with spanakopita and will make your meal complete.
I have enjoyed these sides along with spanakopita with my friends and family, and I am sure you will also feel creative while making it and, of course, definitely enjoy these sides eating with spanakopita.
What is spanakopita? What does spanakopita taste like?
Spanakopita is a savory Greek pastry made with layers of flaky phyllo dough filled with spinach and feta cheese. It is often served as an appetizer or side dish.
The flavors are intense and well-balanced; the salty feta cheese pairs perfectly with the tartness of the spinach. Spanakopita has a crispy exterior that gives way to a creamy, cheesy center.
The combination makes for a delicious snack or meal! Serve it hot out of the oven or at room temperature – either way, it’s sure to be enjoyed by all!
This classic dish can also be adapted in many ways – using different types of cheeses, vegetables, proteins, herbs and spices to create a unique flavor profile.
Whether you prefer a traditional spanakopita or something completely different, it is sure to be enjoyed by everyone at the table!
Give this classic dish a try and create your own twist – there’s no wrong way to make spanakopita! Enjoy!
15 Sides to serve with Spanakopita
1. Greek Salad
A classic Greek salad is the perfect accompaniment to spanakopita.
Start by combining fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, red onions, and feta cheese in a large bowl.
For the dressing, mix together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic powder, salt and pepper until combined.
Pour the dressing over the vegetables and cheese and give everything a good toss. The flavors of this salad will complement those of the spanakopita nicely.
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2. Roasted Potatoes
Another great side dish to serve with spanakopita is roasted potatoes. Cut potatoes into equal-sized pieces and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle them generously with garlic powder, dried oregano, salt and pepper before roasting in preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside but tender inside. These potatoes are sure to be a hit!
3. Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables are an excellent addition to any meal—especially one featuring spanakopita!
Start by choosing your favorite vegetables—zucchini, summer squash, bell peppers, mushrooms—and cut them into bite-sized pieces if necessary.
Place them in a shallow dish and pour enough olive oil over them to coat them evenly before adding salt and pepper to taste.
Stir everything together so that all the vegetables are evenly coated with oil, then transfer them to a hot grill pan or griddle over medium heat until they’re lightly charred on each side (about five minutes per side).
Serve this flavorful vegetable medley as an accompaniment to your spanakopita-filled dinner plate!
4. Tzatziki Sauce
Tzatziki is a popular Greek condiment made with cucumber, yogurt, garlic, dill, salt and pepper. (Recipe)
It pairs perfectly with spanakopita since it adds a cool refreshing flavor that cuts through the richness of the dish.
Not only does it taste great, but it’s also a healthier option than many other sauces as it’s low in fat and calories.
Serve tzatziki on the side or drizzle over the top of your spanakopita for an added flavor boost!
5. Hummus
Hummus goes excellent with spanakopita. Hummus is a great source of protein and fiber that can be served as a dip for pita bread or as an additional topping for spanakopita slices.
6. Flatbreads
Flatbreads eat well with spanakopita. Serve up warm pita bread or lavish flatbreads alongside the spanakopita for extra crunchiness when dipping into yogurt-based dips like tzatziki or hummus.
7. Grilled Fish
Grilled salmon or any other type of white fish makes an excellent pairing with this classic Greek dish, as they both have similar Mediterranean flavors and aromas.
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8. Olives
Olives are packed full of nutrients and make for great snacks paired with spanakopita as well as salads or sandwiches on their own!
9. Feta Cheese Dressing
Instead of using plain olive oil for dressing your salads, why not keep it consistent with feta cheese?
Feta cheese dressing adds creaminess while still being light enough not to overpower the flavors in the spanakopita itself!
10. Baba Ganoush
Baba Ghanoush is a creamy eggplant spread that adds smokiness and depth to your meal and pairs perfectly with crispy slices of spanakopita!
Explore More: Ideal Sides to Serve with Baba Ganoush
11. Fried Calamari
Fried calamari is an easy appetizer to whip up before dinner, which goes great served around some pieces of warm Spanakopita!
12. Artichokes
Artichoke hearts are incredibly flavorful and pair nicely with Spanakopita due to their unique nuttiness as well as their ability to stand up against bold flavors such as feta and phyllo dough!
13. Grilled Lamb Chops
Grilling lamb chops enhance their already strong flavors even further; serve them alongside some Spanakopita for an unforgettable meal experience!
14. Greek Yogurt
Plain Greek yogurt can replace sour cream in many recipes, including Spanakopita; this makes it easier than ever before to enjoy this dish without compromising its taste!
15. Fried Eggplant
Fried eggplants offer an alternative version to roasted eggplants; they provide crispness which contrasts nicely against the creamy filling inside Spanakopita!
With all these delicious possibilities, you’ll never get bored of the classic Greek dish that is Spanakopita! Enjoy!
What are the best flavors to go with spanakopita?
The flavor of spanakopita is best complemented by a range of fresh herbs and spices. Popular ingredients used to enhance the dish include dill, parsley, garlic, onion, nutmeg, oregano and black pepper.
For an even more flavorful bite, try adding crumbled feta cheese or a squeeze of lemon juice. Alternatively, for a sweet twist on the classic recipe, you can top it with some honey or a sprinkle of sugar.
With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to find the perfect combination that suits your taste buds! Enjoy!
How do you jazz up spanakopita?
Jazzing up spanakopita can be done in several different ways. One of the easiest and most flavorful options is to add some spices and herbs to the filling, such as garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper, oregano or thyme.
You can also add additional ingredients like feta cheese or olives for an extra punch of flavor.
Finally, consider adding a topping with crunchy texture elements like chopped walnuts or chopped pistachios for added texture and depth.
In addition to changing up the flavors and textures of spanakopita, you can also get creative with its presentation.
Try baking it into individual servings instead of one large pie dish; this will make serving easier (and create more servings).
Or serve it as “stacks” by layering thinly sliced phyllo dough sheets between layers of your favorite fillings!
How do you display spanakopita on a platter?
The best way to display spanakopita on a platter is to arrange the triangles in two concentric circles and then fill in the spaces between them.
To make it look more attractive, top it with additional feta cheese and fresh herbs like oregano or dill. If you want to go for a more decorative look, you can use toothpicks to attach small olives or slices of lemon or lime around the edges of the platter.
Serve with a Greek salad, some tzatziki sauce, and extra wedges of fresh lemon and lime on the side. Enjoy!
Wrap Up on What to serve with Spanakopita
Whether you’re hosting an elegant dinner party or just making dinner for yourself at home, finding side dishes that pair well with spanakopita can be tricky.
Thankfully there are plenty of options that will work perfectly with this tasty Greek dish, from tzatziki sauce to roasted potatoes – you can’t go wrong with any one of these delicious sides!
With these recipes in hand, you’ll have everything you need to create a memorable meal that everyone will love!
FAQs
How much spanakopita per person?
Spanakopita is a traditional Greek delicacy and is typically served in individual square portions.
Generally, each person should get one or two pieces, depending on the portion size.
For example, if the portions are two inches square, then one piece per person would be appropriate.
If they are four inches square, then two pieces per person would be more suitable.
For larger groups, it may be necessary to serve more than two pieces per person.
What is a good accompaniment to spanakopita?
A classic accompaniment to spanakopita is a Greek salad. This typically includes lettuce, tomatoes, feta cheese, red onions, olives, and cucumbers dressed with olive oil and vinegar.
You can also include other vegetables like bell peppers or artichokes.
To add an extra zing of flavor, try adding some oregano or freshly chopped herbs like dill and parsley.
Pair the salad with a light white or rose wine, and you’ve got a delicious meal! Enjoy!
Do Greeks eat spanakopita for breakfast?
No, spanakopita is usually served as a savory snack or appetizer.
However, many Greeks enjoy it as part of their traditional breakfast menu, often with eggs and toast.
Additionally, some Greek families will serve spanakopita for a light lunch or dinner. It is also common to find spanakopita in most Greek bakeries and cafes, where it can be enjoyed at any time of day.
Regardless of when it’s eaten, spanakopita is always a delicious treat!
What sauce to serve with spanakopita?
Spanakopita is a traditional Greek dish that consists of layers of phyllo pastry filled with savory spinach and feta cheese filling. It’s usually served as an appetizer, but it can also make for an excellent main course.
To bring out the flavors of this delicious dish, it pairs well with a variety of sauces.
Tzatziki sauce, which is made from yogurt, cucumbers, garlic and fresh herbs like dill or mint, is one popular option.
You can also serve it with a simple tomato-based sauce or even a creamy béchamel sauce flavored with sautéed onions and garlic.
For an extra flavor boost, try adding some sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce or topping the spanakopita with feta cheese crumbles before baking.
What dip to serve with spanakopita?
A classic accompaniment to spanakopita is a Greek-style cucumber yogurt dip or tzatziki.
This creamy yet refreshing dip pairs perfectly with the savory flavor of the spinach and feta filling in spanakopita.
You could also serve a creamy dill-infused sour cream to provide a contrast with the flaky outer crust or a simple Greek salad as an extra side dish.
For something even more flavorful, you could try making your own seasoned olive oil and balsamic vinegar dipping sauce – the perfect combination for your tasty spanakopita!
Should you refrigerate Spanakopita?
Yes, spanakopita should be refrigerated.
Spanakopita is a traditional Greek dish made of phyllo dough filled with spinach and feta cheese, and sometimes other ingredients such as onion and herbs.
As this dish contains dairy products, it is best to keep the spanakopita in the fridge to ensure that all ingredients remain at an optimal temperature and safe for consumption.
In addition to refrigerating the spanakopita, it is important to store it in an air-tight container or wrap it tightly in plastic or aluminum foil to prevent bacteria from entering and spoiling the food.
This will also help keep moisture out of the pastry dough so that it does not become soggy over time.
It is important to remember that once spanakopita has been cooked, it should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours before being put into a refrigerator.
To maximize its shelf life, spanakopita can be frozen for up to three months after cooking.
Can you eat spinach and feta parcels cold?
Yes, you can eat spinach and feta parcels cold. These delectable parcels can be served as a snack or appetizer in either hot or cold form.
Typically, the ingredients used to make these parcels are cooked before they are assembled, but once they are wrapped up, they can be chilled and enjoyed later.
The flaky pastry crust gives a crunchy texture to the parcel that tastes amazing, both cold and hot.
The feta cheese and spinach inside the parcel also provide an interesting flavor profile that is sure to tantalize your taste buds, whether eaten warm or cold.
