What To Serve With Spanakopita – 20+ Incredible Sides to Try
What is your favorite Greek dish? If you’re like most people, it’s probably spanakopita. This delicious pastry is made with a spinach and cheese filling, and it’s always a hit at parties and potlucks.
But what do you serve as a side dish for your next spanakopita feast?
Over the past few months, I’ve been testing and compiling a list of the best side dishes to serve with spanakopita.
Here are my top picks:
What To Serve With Spanakopita
- Cucumber Salad
- Pita Chips
- Falafel
- Greek Salad With Feta Cheese
- Roasted Potatoes
- Rice Pilaf
- Tzatziki Sauce
- Pasta With Feta Cheese Sauce
- Lemon Couscous
- Mediterranean Cauliflower Rice
Cucumber Salad
Cucumber salad is a refreshing and cooling side dish that goes well with spanakopita. The cool, crunchy cucumbers help to balance out the rich, savory flavors of the spinach and feta cheese in the spanakopita.
Cucumber salad is also a healthy choice, as it is low in calories and fat. The salad can be made with either fresh or pickled cucumbers, and it is typically flavored with vinegar, oil, and herbs.
If you want a light cucumber salad, use white wine vinegar or rice vinegar. On the other hand, for a more robust flavor, use red wine vinegar. Olive oil or vegetable oil can be used for the dressing, and fresh herbs such as dill, parsley, or mint make a nice addition.
Cucumber salad can also be served chilled or at room temperature. If you are serving it chilled, let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes after dressing it to allow the flavors to blend.
Pita Chips
Pita chips make a great side dish for spanakopita because they are crispy, flavorful, and easy to eat. Pita chips can also be used as a side dish for other recipes, such as dips, hummus, or salads.
The benefits of using pita chips as a side dish include that they are healthy (made with whole wheat flour and olive oil), low in calories, and high in fiber. Pita chips are also a good source of iron and vitamins A and C.
When choosing a recipe to pair with pita chips, keep in mind that the chips will add some crunch and saltiness to the dish. For example, if you are taking a dip, you may want to use a milder-flavored dip or decrease the amount of salt in the recipe. Or, if you are making a salad, you may want to add some extra dressing or toppings to balance out the flavors.
Falafel
Falafel is a popular middle eastern dish made from chickpeas or fava beans that are ground and formed into balls or fritters.
This dish is often served as a side dish, but can also be served as a main course. When served as a side dish, falafel pairs well with spanakopita.
Spanakopita is a Greek dish made of spinach and feta cheese that is wrapped in phyllo dough. The combination of these two dishes makes for a perfect meal.
The falafel provides a crunchy contrast to the soft spanakopita, and the spicy flavor of the falafel complements the rich flavor of the feta cheese.
Greek Salad With Feta Cheese
A Greek salad is a perfect side dish for spanakopita. The feta cheese in the salad adds creaminess and tanginess that pairs perfectly with the savory spinach and feta filling in the spanakopita.
The acidity of the tomatoes and onions in the salad cuts through the richness of the spanakopita, making it a more balanced dish. The crunch of the cucumbers and peppers also contrasts nicely with the flaky phyllo dough.
Roasted Potatoes
Roasted potatoes are a delicious and versatile side dish that can be enjoyed with many different recipes. One of my favorite ways to enjoy roasted potatoes is as a side dish for spanakopita.
The crispy, golden-brown potatoes are the perfect complement to the flaky phyllo dough and flavorful spinach filling. Plus, they add a nice contrast in texture to the dish.
If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could also roast the potatoes with olive oil and herbs. This simple preparation allows the natural flavors of the potato to shine through and creates a light and airy side dish that pairs well with spanakopita.
Another great thing about roasted potatoes is that they can be made ahead of time and reheated when you’re ready to eat.
Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf is a versatile side dish that can be used with a variety of recipes. It is rich in flavor and nutrients, and it can help to boost the overall health of your meal.
Rice pilaf is an excellent choice for spanakopita because it is rich in flavor and nutrients, and it can help to boost the overall health of your meal. It is also a healthy alternative to traditional side dishes such as pasta or potatoes. Plus, it is lower in calories and fat, and it is packed with fiber and vitamins.
Additionally, rice pilaf is a good source of protein and can help to keep you feeling full longer. When choosing a recipe to pair with rice pilaf, look for one that is hearty and nutritious.
Tzatziki Sauce
The tzatziki sauce is a traditional Greek side dish made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill. It’s a refreshing and cooling accompaniment to spanakopita, spinach, and feta cheese pie.
While it’s traditionally served as a side dish, tzatziki sauce can also be used as a dip for bread or vegetables, or as a topping for grilled meats or fish.
There are many benefits to using tzatziki sauce as a side dish. First, it’s packed with nutrients. Yogurt is a good source of calcium and protein, while cucumbers are high in vitamins A and C. Garlic is also known for its numerous health benefits, including its ability to boost the immune system and fight off infection.
Additionally, the cooling effect of tzatziki sauce can help to offset the richness of spanakopita. Finally, tzatziki sauce is incredibly easy to make – all you need are some basic ingredients and a little bit of time.
Pasta With Feta Cheese Sauce
Some people may feel that pasta is too heavy to be a good side dish for spanakopita, but I strongly disagree. Pasta with feta cheese sauce is the perfect accompaniment to this Greek classic.
The saltiness of the feta pairs perfectly with the spinach and feta filling in the spanakopita, and the pasta helps to balance out the richness of the dish.
Additionally, this side dish is incredibly easy to make. Simply cook the pasta according to package directions and then stir in some crumbled feta cheese. If you want a bit more of a flavor punch, you can also add in some chopped fresh herbs or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Lemon Couscous
If you’re looking for something unique to pair with your spanakopita, look no further than lemon couscous. This flavorful dish is made with Israeli couscous and fresh lemon juice, and it’s perfect for adding a light and refreshing touch to any meal.
Best of all, it takes just minutes to prepare. Simply cook the couscous according to package instructions, then stir in the lemon juice and your favorite seasonings. For a truly indulgent experience, try serving it with grilled salmon or roasted chicken.
Mediterranean Cauliflower Rice
Cauliflower rice is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional rice. It’s perfect as a side dish for spanakopita, as it adds a subtle flavor that pairs well with the feta and spinach in the dish. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients and fiber, making it a healthy option for any meal.
There are several ways to prepare cauliflower rice. You can simply chop up a head of cauliflower into small pieces and then cook it in a pan with some olive oil.
Or, you can grate the cauliflower into rice-sized pieces using a food processor or grater. If you’re looking for a quicker option, you can purchase pre-made cauliflower rice at most grocery stores.
Cauliflower rice is an excellent option for those on a low-carb or gluten-free diet. It’s also a good choice for anyone who is trying to eat more vegetables. When served as a side dish, it can help to boost the nutrient content of any meal.
Commonly Asked Questions When Choosing What To Serve With Spanakopita
What are some other options when choosing what to serve with spanakopita?
- Lemon Orzo
- Greek Style Black-Eyed Peas
- Olive Stuffed Mushrooms
- Gyro
- Greek Roasted Potatoes
- Pita bread
- Greek Lemon Chicken
- Greek Pasta Salad
- Chickpea Salad
What are some tips when choosing what to serve with spanakopita?
Some general tips can help when choosing what to serve with spanakopita.
First, consider what type of dish you are serving. If it is a heavy dish, you may want to choose a lighter side. Conversely, if the spanakopita is a light dish, you may want to choose a heavier side.
Second, think about what flavors will pair well with the spanakopita. If you are unsure, a quick Google search can help you to determine what flavors go well together.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment! Try new things and see what you like best.
Conclusion
When it comes to what to serve with spanakopita, the options are endless. You can choose anything from simple sides like pasta or couscous, to more elaborate dishes like lemon chicken or Greek roasted potatoes.
No matter what you choose, your meal will be sure to impress. So get creative and have fun with it!