Greek food—salads, sandwiches, entrees, snacks, and desserts—is fresh and savory. Although Greek cuisine shares many of the qualities of the foods eaten in other Mediterranean countries, here are five ingredients that epitomize Greek-style cooking.

Tasty Greek Cuisine Ingredients

1. Greek Olives

Both olives and olive oil are staple Greek foods. Olives are rich in monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, vitamin E, and fiber. Olive oil is a heart-healthy cooking fat with known anti-inflammation properties. Whether you add it to sauces or use it for sauteing fish, its nutty flavor is sure to delight. Olives, when pitted and chopped, add zest to salads, dips, and dressings. Or serve them whole as an appetizer to enjoy with cheese and bread. 

2. Feta Cheese

Cheese is a favorite ingredient of Greek cooks. Salty and crumbly feta is one of the most popular Greek cheeses and is often sprinkled on salads or wrapped into pita bread. It stands alone as a snack or as an appetizer alongside bread, olives, and figs. It adds a creamy richness to Greek pastries and pairs well with honey, too.

3. Greek Yogurt

Plain Greek yogurt is thick and has a sour tang. It’s usually used as the basis for creamy dips and dressings, and you may find a dollop in soups. Mixed with honey and fruit, it’s a classic breakfast dish in Greek homes. An incredible source of protein and calcium, Greek yogurt contains beneficial bacteria for gut health.

4. Herbs & Spices

Both sweet and savory Greek food is filled with herbs and spices, including oregano, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Greeks flavor sauces, dips, and pastas with herbs and spices and also rub them into meats like lamb, pork, and beef.

5. Phyllo

Filo pastry dates back to ancient times and is a common component of Greek food, both savory and sweet. Made from flour, water, and a little bit of oil or vinegar, phyllo dough is then rolled out into thin sheets and layered and shaped into pies and pastries like baklava and spanakopita, 

When you are craving Greek food or a delicious slice of pizza in Crossville, TN, head over to Gondola Pizza House. Located in the Woodmere Shopping Center, this family-owned restaurant has been serving a delectable menu of Italian and Greek delights, such as lasagna, veal Parmesan, gyros, and spinach- and feta-topped pizzas, for more than 40 years. Call (931) 484-7647 for reservations, or visit them online for a look at their specialty-filled menu.