Are you thinking of serving Spanakopita for dinner?
If so, then let me guess – you’re wondering about what side dishes go with it!
When it comes to traditional Greek dishes like Spanakopita, you don’t need to feel perplexed by the idea of complementary sides.
You just have to know your options and get a bit creative with flavor combinations.
Whether you want Mediterranean-inspired flavors or more familiar fare, there are plenty of delicious side dish recipes that will pair perfectly with this flaky spinach-filo pie.
From roasted vegetables and cheesy potato dishes to Tzatziki sauce and Greek salad – we’ve got all the details (including 12 must-try ideas) on how to make the ultimate meal when preparing your next Spanakopita experience!
What to Serve with Spanakopita? 12 Must-try Side Dishes
1. Caprese Salad
A classic Caprese salad is always a good idea.
It’s simple, fresh, and can be made in under 10 minutes.
The key to a great Caprese salad is using high-quality ingredients.
Make sure to get some fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and good basil.
Once you have those ingredients, the rest is easy.
The classic Caprese salad is made with just those three ingredients – mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil – but there are ways to elevate it.
If you want to add a little more flavor, try adding some balsamic vinegar or olive oil to the mix.
You could also experiment with different types of cheese or tomatoes.
Heirloom tomatoes would be a great option, or you could try using buffalo mozzarella for a more intense flavor.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Move over, roasted potatoes—there’s a new side dish in town, and its name is roasted Brussels sprouts.
These little green veggies are having a moment, and it’s not hard to see why: they’re delicious, nutritious, and versatile.
If you’ve never had roasted Brussels sprouts before, you’re in for a treat.
When cooked properly, they have a crispy exterior and a soft, creamy interior.
They’re also packed with vitamins and minerals, making them a great addition to any meal.
- Add some bacon: This classic combo is always a hit.
- Try different herbs and spices: Experiment with rosemary, thyme, or even curry powder.
- Add some fruit: Roasted Brussels sprouts are delicious with dried cranberries or diced apples.
- Make it cheesy: A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese takes this dish to the next level.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
There are few things as comforting as roasted sweet potatoes.
They’re warm, fluffy on the inside, and slightly crispy on the outside.
And they go with just about everything.
When it comes to taste and texture, roasted sweet potatoes are hard to beat.
But there are a few things you can do to elevate this dish even further.
First, try roasting your sweet potatoes with some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.
This will give them an extra depth of flavor that is simply delicious.
Another great way to elevate roasted sweet potatoes is to top them with a simple but flavorful sauce.
A balsamic glaze or a creamy herb sauce would both be excellent choices.
Or, if you want something a little heartier, try topping them with grilled chicken or shrimp.
4. Sautéed Kale
Kale is a nutrient-rich leafy green that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
One of them is sautéing it with some olive oil and garlic.
This simple dish is not only healthy but also delicious and satisfying.
Sautéed kale has a slightly bitter taste that is offset by the sweetness of the garlic.
The texture is soft but still has a bit of a bite to it.
Tips on elevating this dish include adding some lemon juice for brightness or red pepper flakes for heat.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish or a hearty vegetable to add to your meal, sautéed kale is a great option.
It’s packed with nutrients and full of flavor.
5. Creamy Polenta
Creamy polenta is classic comfort food that can be enjoyed in so many different ways.
The dish is made with coarsely ground cornmeal, which is cooked in water or broth until it becomes thick and creamy.
You can then add in whatever flavors you like, such as cheese, herbs, or vegetables.
The great thing about creamy polenta is that it can be either savory or sweet, depending on how you flavor it.
The dish is also very versatile when it comes to textures.
You can make it smooth and creamy, or you can leave it a little bit coarser for a heartier dish.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to elevating this classic comfort food.
Here are a few ideas:
- Add in some sautéed mushrooms, onions, and garlic for a flavorful twist.
- Top with grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein-packed meal.
- Stir in some cooked spinach or other leafy greens for extra nutrients.
- Make it sweet by stirring in some honey or brown sugar and topping with fresh fruit.
6. Quinoa Salad
If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy side dish to accompany your spanakopita, look no further than this quinoa salad.
Packed with nutrients and flavor, this dish is sure to satisfy you.
And the best part? It’s so easy to make.
The key to a good quinoa salad is in the dressing.
Be sure to use a light dressing – we recommend a vinaigrette made with olive oil and lemon juice.
This will help to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients in the salad.
To add some extra texture and flavor, top your salad with chopped nuts or crumbled feta cheese.
7. Farro Salad
Looking for a unique and tasty salad to serve at your next gathering? Try a farro salad.
This dish is made with an ancient grain that has a nutty flavor and chewy texture.
To elevate the dish, consider adding in some roasted vegetables or dried fruit.
Here are some tips on how to make a delicious farro salad:
- Start by cooking the farro according to package instructions. Once it is cooked, allow it to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked farro with your desired vegetables and fruits. For example, you could add roasted Brussels sprouts, diced apples, and crumbled goat cheese.
- Create a simple dressing by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and salt. Pour this over the salad and mix everything together until coated.
- Serve the salad at room temperature or chilled. Enjoy.
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8. Roasted Cauliflower
When it comes to side dishes, roasted cauliflower is a staple that can be enjoyed by everyone.
This dish is simple to make and can be easily elevated to fit any occasion.
Roasted cauliflower has a slightly sweet and nutty taste that is delicious on its own or as an accompaniment to other dishes.
The texture of roasted cauliflower is soft and tender with a slight crunch.
There are many ways to elevate this dish.
For example, you could add cheese, herbs, or spices to the cauliflower before roasting it.
You could also top the roasted cauliflower with a sauce or serve it alongside dipping sauces.
9. Beet Salad
Beet salad is a dish that is often overlooked but definitely deserves more attention.
This salad is perfect for those who are looking for something that is both healthy and delicious.
Beets are packed with nutrients and have a unique taste and texture that is simply irresistible.
When it comes to taste, beets are slightly sweet and earthy.
Their texture is firm yet tender, making them the perfect addition to any salad.
To elevate this dish, we recommend adding some goat cheese and walnuts.
The creaminess of the cheese pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the beets, while the walnuts add a nice crunch.
Trust us; this salad is sure to impress.
10. Grain Bowl
A grain bowl is a simple yet satisfying dish that can be enjoyed any time of day.
Consisting of cooked grains, vegetables, and a protein of your choice, grain bowls are an easy way to pack in a lot of flavor and nutrients into one meal.
And with so many different ways to make them, you’ll never get bored of eating grain bowls.
The key to a good grain bowl is balance.
You want to have a mix of different tastes and textures in each bite.
That’s why a grain bowl typically includes both cooked and raw vegetables, as well as a protein like grilled chicken or tofu.
And, of course, the star of the show is the grain.
Whether you choose quinoa, rice or couscous, make sure it’s cooked properly so that it’s not too mushy or dry.
One last tip for elevating your grain bowl game: don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations.
From sweet to savory, there are endless possibilities when it comes to crafting the perfect grain bowl.
11. Green Beans
Green beans are a versatile, tasty side dish that can be enjoyed by everyone.
They have a slightly nutty flavor and a crisp, crunchy texture.
While they are delicious on their own, there are many ways to elevate this simple dish.
One way to do this is by roasting the green beans in the oven.
This brings out their natural sweetness and makes them extra crispy.
You can also add herbs and spices to your roasted green beans for additional flavor.
Another option is to sauté the green beans in a pan with some garlic and olive oil.
This is a quick and easy way to cook them that will result in a flavorful side dish.
If you’re looking for a unique way to prepare green beans, try grilling them.
This gives them a smoky flavor that is perfect for summer BBQs.
Simply toss the green beans in a little olive oil and place them on the grill over medium heat.
Cook for about 10 minutes or until they are tender and slightly charred.
12. Roasted Tomatoes
When it comes to side dishes, roasted tomatoes are a must-try.
They are simple to make and elevate any dish they are served with.
Roasted tomatoes have a lovely balance of sweetness and acidity, with a slight smokiness from the roasting process.
The key to making roasted tomatoes is to use ripe but firm tomatoes.
If they are too ripe, they will fall apart during the roasting process.
I like to use Roma tomatoes for this dish as they hold their shape well.
Cut the tomatoes in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.
Then, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Roast in a preheated oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes.
Roasted tomatoes are delicious on their own or served with other dishes.
Try them on top of grilled chicken or fish, in a salad, or as a part of a charcuterie board.
For an extra special touch, garnish with some fresh basil leaves before serving.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a few things you should consider when trying to figure out what to serve with spanakopita.
Consider the season, what type of event you are hosting, and most importantly, what your guests will enjoy.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to side dishes, so have fun exploring new recipes and flavors.
And don’t forget to try some of the dishes on this list.
What to Serve with Spanakopita? 12 Must-try Side Dishes
Ingredients
- 1. Caprese Salad
- 2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- 3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- 4. Sautéed Kale
- 5. Creamy Polenta
- 6. Quinoa Salad
- 7. Farro Salad
- 8. Roasted Cauliflower
- 9. Beet Salad
- 10. Grain Bowl
- 11. Green Beans
- 12. Roasted Tomatoes
Instructions
- Select your favorite sides from the list above.
- Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
- If you’re short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- Serve and enjoy!
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!