Greek food features everything from savory meats and fresh salads to gyro platters, kabobs, and delicious desserts. If you see some of your favorite authentic Greek dishes on this list, you may be wondering how they are prepared. While recipes vary from cook to cook, there are several signature ingredients used to add flavor to most Greek dishes. Whether you want to make your own Greek food or learn more about the cuisine in general, dig into these five go-to ingredients.

5 Common Greek Food Ingredients

1. Fresh-Cut Meats

Meats like chicken, pork, lamb, and beef are used in gyros and meat kabobs, or accompanied by vegetables on Greek plates for lunch and dinner. You can also find rabbit and veal in some Greek dishes.

2. Olive Oil

Olive oil is often used to cook chicken and other meats in Greek cuisine. It’s also combined with flavorful spices to create zesty dressings and sauces.

3. Oregano

You can find oregano along with feta cheese, kalamata olives, cucumbers and tomatoes on most Greek salads. You can also find oregano, onions, and tomatoes in some gyros.

4. Cinnamon

While you can probably detect a hint of cinnamon in baklava, the popular Greek dessert, it's also used in savory dishes like moussaka and stifado.

5. Greek Yogurt

Since Greek yogurt is thicker than other varieties, it’s often used as a dip or sauce in many dishes. For example, Greek yogurt is combined with lemon juice and garlic to prepare tzatziki sauce.

Yia Yia's Homemade Greek Food in New York, NY, serves fresh, delicious Greek cuisine, including gyro platters, moussaka, and baklava. Whether you want to dine in, order delivery, or take your food home, you can enjoy mouthwatering meals and friendly service. Check out their menu online, or call them at (212) 545-1210 today.