Try These Greek Salads to Cool Off This Summer

Greek salads are ideal for cooling off during the sweltering summer months. Fresh veggies, tangy feta cheese, tasty olives, and a light olive oil and lemon juice dress make up the classic Greek salad. It’s simple to locate a Greek salad that meets your tastes because there are many varieties. We’ll try some of the top Greek salad dishes in this blog post this summer.

Benefits of Eating Greek Salads

Greek salads are not only delectable but also quite nutritious. Greek salad ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers are bursting with nutrients and antioxidants that support health. Healthy fats found in olives, a mainstay in Greek salads, are advantageous for heart health. Another essential ingredient in Greek salads, feta cheese, is a good source of calcium and protein.

Top 5 Greek Salad Recipes

Classic Greek Salad: This traditional Greek salad recipe has delicious feta cheese, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and oregano-lemon vinaigrette.

Watermelon and Feta Salad: This variation of the traditional Greek salad includes slices of luscious watermelon, fresh mint, and a honey-lime sauce.

Grilled Chicken Greek Salad: For a heartier supper, try this recipe for grilled chicken Greek salad, which includes marinated chicken breasts, roasted red peppers, and Kalamata olives.

Greek Pasta Salad: This pasta salad recipe puts a fun spin on the traditional Greek salad by combining rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese with a zesty Greek vinaigrette.

Chickpea Greek Salad: This vegetarian-friendly Greek salad dish replaces the conventional lettuce with protein-rich chickpeas and includes diced red onions, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and the usual ingredients.

 

Visit Greco Truly Greek

If you are looking for a salad option to cool off this summer, visit Greco at one of our locations across Boston, MA. We have a variety of different fast-casual Greek dishes for you to indulge in while escaping the soon-to-come summer heat.

Top 5 Places To Visit During Your Trip to Boston This Summer

Boston is a city rich in culture and history. Whether you are a history buff, sports fan, or foodie, this place offers plenty. With summer just around the corner, now is the ideal time to start organizing your trip to Boston, a famous tourist destination. The top five attractions in Boston this summer will be covered in detail in this blog.

Fenway Park

Fenway Park, the renowned baseball stadium home of the Boston Red Sox since 1912, is a must-see on any trip to Boston. Fenway Park is a must-see even if you are not a baseball fan because of its rich history and allure.

Freedom Trail

The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile route that passes 16 historical locations significant to the American Revolution. This path is a fantastic way to discover Boston’s rich history and discover more about the city’s significance in the founding of the US.

Boston Common and Public Garden

The Boston Common opened in 1634 and is the country’s first public park. It is a lovely grassy area that provides a break from the bustle of the city. The Public Garden is next to the Common and is renowned for its stunning flowers, swan boats, and iconic statues.

New England Aquarium

Several species of marine life, including sea turtles, sharks, and penguins, can be seen at the well-liked New England Aquarium. Visitors can take a behind-the-scenes tour, watch animal feedings, and explore the exhibits.

Quincy Market

Many different culinary and shopping options are available at Quincy Market, a historic marketplace. Everyone can find something at Quincy Market, which offers everything from gourmet chocolates to fresh seafood. It’s a terrific location for shopping and eating while enjoying the lively environment.

5 Popular Greek Desserts to Try

Greece is a country known for its diversity, further illustrated by the various sweet desserts in the country. One can try multiple desserts when visiting the country for the first time. Many desserts are made with exciting ingredients and different preparation methods. In this article, we will look at 5 of the most common Greek desserts and review them and the methods used in their preparation.

 

Baklava

This Greek treat is made up of layers consisting of Flaky Phyllo pastry filled up with crushed nuts that the customers like. The dessert is topped off with honey. Baklava is quite a unique dessert; unlike others, it can be prepared about two days before and retains its untouched nature. This is especially possible if all the ingredients used are in a new state during preparation. After making your baklava, you can store it in a freezer for up to four months. Keeping the dessert in batches is advisable, so you don’t have to thaw out a whole pan when you want a piece.

 

Loukoumades

These are tiny bite-sized honey balls which are the Greek version of donuts. When preparing this dessert, it is fried until a golden brown is obtained. This is when the dessert is at its crispiest and purest form. The traditional paper of loukoumades is dipped in honey syrup and served alongside cinnamon and chopped nuts to the customer’s liking. Chocolate lovers can also drizzle this delicacy in a chocolate sauce. The perfect loukoumades are gotten if you leave your dough to rise for a while, so patience is essential in preparing this snack.

 

Bougatsa

This is a Greek custard pie made with creamy custard, which is then placed into golden brown phyllo. Melted butter is rubbed over the phyllo, and icing sugar or cinnamon is used as toppings. Good quality fresh butter is essential in ensuring a perfect bougatsa. Butter made from cow’s milk is historically the best dessert option. An important tip to note when making this dessert is to make the phyllo crispier and flakier; the butter should be sprinkled rather than brushed on.

 

Melomakarona

These are known as Greek honey cookies. These cookies are incredibly moist and can be prepared in just a few minutes. The Ingredients used in making these cookies are common everyday items, so you can easily incorporate them into the meals you make at home. The dessert can be topped using cinnamon or icing sugar. It is a very common Christmas delicacy here in Greece, and it is common to go out in the festive season to give them out to people experiencing homelessness and others in need.

 

Visit Greco Today

The list of savory Greek desserts goes on. There is never a dull moment in any of our restaurants. We at Greco are committed to providing your taste buds with that extra wonder in every bite. Visit our website today to find out which desserts are available.

Healthy Greek Meals You Should Try

Are you a big fan of Greek cuisine and want to get healthier? Fortunately, there are many healthy Greek meals for you to try! If you wish to eat more fruits and vegetables or lose a few pounds, these healthy Greek meals might help you.

 

Traditional Greek Salad

This traditional Greek salad may be the best option for a quick and healthy meal. It is low in calories while also being filling and loaded with vegetables. As a bonus, it’s delicious! This salad is super easy to make because it has so few ingredients. You can make it yourself with cucumbers, tomatoes, kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Add a dressing of olive oil, herbs, and spices, and you’ll have a new favorite lunch item!

 

Greek Chicken Bowls

This Greek chicken bowl recipe can make a filling, healthy, and tasty meal in less than an hour. The bowl includes marinaded chicken strips, rice, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and red onions mixed with herbs, spices, and oil. It is a flavorful and exciting dish your family will beg you to make weekly! While the prep time takes a little longer than other healthy Greek recipes, this one is unforgettable. Even better, it is a fantastic meal to make ahead of meal prep. Consider this recipe for your lunches this week!

 

Greek Dolmades

Dolmades is a vegetarian dish with a rice mixture stuffed inside grapevine leaves. This meal can be an excellent option for those seeking a lighter dish for dinner. The rice is seasoned with lemon juice, onions, dill, parsley, salt, and pepper before being added to the leaves and rolled. 

 

Avgolemono Chicken Soup

Traditionally, avgolemono is a sauce made of chicken broth, the juice of a lemon, and egg yolks. Add broth, chicken, and rice to make it into a soup. This avgolemono chicken soup recipe brings a delicious and healthy dinner option in 30 minutes or less.

 

Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki

If you’ve never had souvlaki, you’re missing out! If you’ve never had tzatziki, you’re also missing out! These two Greek favorites are flavorful and may become your favorite protein-packed dish. The chicken souvlaki with tzatziki requires a garlic-heavy marinade for the best flavor. It is typically served on a skewer or in a pita with various toppings. Whether you opt for the skewer or the pita version, you won’t be disappointed with this meal. 

 

Try Greek Meals!

Are you a lover of Greek food but need more energy to cook the meals yourself? That’s okay! Greco is ready to serve you some of the most incredible healthy Greek meals you’ll ever have. Stop by Greco in Boston, MA, for a delicious bite today.

5 Popular Greek Desserts to Try This New Year

You may have heard of rice pudding or baklava and not attributed it to Greek desserts, but they are two of the more available options. Although Greek desserts are less commonly known than in other cultures, there are many delicious sweets to choose from. This new year, consider trying one of these five popular Greek desserts.

 

Loukoumades

Loukoumades are a Greek dessert made of fried dough. It is often compared to a donut or funnel cake. The dough comprises flour, yeast, sugar, and water rolled into a small ball and fried in oil. Once the frying is complete, bakers typically top loukoumades with a honey sauce.

Cinnamon and chopped nuts are often an additional topping to Greek loukoumades. Other tasty topping options include chocolate, caramel, and Nutella. These delicious treats are usually found at festivals or celebrations.

 

Portokalopita

Imagine a cake with layers of phyllo dough and custard with a custard filling. This delectable dessert brings varying flavors and textures to create a popular Greek dish. Greeks make the custard of eggs, sugar, and semolina. 

Once baked, the cake is typically soaked in a sweet syrup made from orange juice and sugar. The orange flavor is strong in this dessert!

It’s also good to note that portokalopita is famous for even those that don’t often bake, as this is one dish where you don’t have to be gentle with the phyllo dough. 

 

Kserotigana

As with many Greek desserts, kserotigana features phyllo dough. The phyllo dough is deep-fried in this decadent dish and rolled into mixed nuts and cinnamon sugar. They are served in a delicate spiral shape, drizzled with honey or syrup. 

Kserotigana can be found at nearly any bakery or sweet shop in Greece but is also a common feature at weddings, baptisms, and other special events. Most commonly, kserotigana is associated with Easter.

 

Diples

Diples are a Greek dessert somewhat similar to Kserotigana, especially in preparation. Diples is a phyllo dough pastry that is deep fried and folded. It often includes extra flavors like cinnamon and vanilla. They are served in long spirals with a honey glaze and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.  

 

Halvas

If you’re looking for the Greek version of fudge, it’s halvas. Halvas is created with tahini, a paste made from sesame seeds. It also includes nuts, sugar, and spices to make a delicious little sweet. A bit of honey or syrup adds to the sweetness of the dish.

This dessert is firm enough to form blocks, balls, or other shapes and is served as a standard dessert at special events and in cafes. 

FAQ: The Different Types of Greek Meats

Greek cuisine is renowned for its use of flavorful and unique meats. There is something for everyone, from lamb to beef, pork, and chicken! But what do you know about the different types of Greek roots? Read on and discover a world of traditional recipes sure to tantalize your taste buds.

 

Lamb

Lamb is one of the most popular types of meat in Greece and is used in various recipes. Souvlaki skewers, roasted leg of lamb, and pastitsio are all popular dishes that feature this delicious meat. Lamb can also be found in traditional dishes such as moussaka or pasticcio.

 

Seafood

The sea surrounds Greece, so seafood is essential to its cuisine. From classic dishes such as taramosalata (a fish roe dip) and grilled octopus to modern creations like shrimp skewers and fried calamari. Seafood is incredibly versatile and can be found in almost any Greek restaurant.

Beef

Beef also plays a vital role in Greek cuisine. It can be used to make dishes like yiouvetsi (a baked casserole dish) or gyros (a popular food item served with pita bread). Beef is also used in other traditional words such as kokoretsi (stuffed intestines) and pastichio (a pasta bake dish).

 

Pork

Pork has been a staple in Greek cooking for centuries, and it’s no surprise why! This tasty meat can be found in various dishes such as lahmacun (Turkish-style pizza), bifteki (meat patties), and kreatopita (meat pie). Pork is often served alongside potatoes, making it both flavorful and filling. 

 

Chicken

Greek cuisine offers plenty of delicious options when it comes to chicken dishes! Try classic favorites like spetsofai – sausages cooked with onions, tomatoes, red peppers, feta cheese, and oregano – or tavas – chicken baked with potatoes and vegetables. You can even experiment with modern recipes such as lemon-roasted chicken or grilled kebabs if you want to go beyond the classics.

 

No matter what type of Greek meat you are looking for, there is something to suit every taste. The possibilities are endless, from lamb and beef dishes to pork and chicken recipes!

Cozy Up With These Greek Comfort Foods

As the days grow colder and daylight fades, nothing sounds better than cozying up with some mouth-watering Greek comfort food. After all, what’s more, comforting and homey than a steaming dish of moussaka or a bowl of avgolemono soup? From classic to contemporary, here are five iconic Greek words sure to bring warmth to your winter nights.

 

Moussaka

This layered eggplant dish is the jewel in the crown of Greek cuisine. Combining layers of eggplant, ground beef, vegetables, and a creamy béchamel topping creates an unrivaled flavor experience. No matter where you try it, you will surely be delighted by this comfort meal.

 

Gemista (Stuffed Vegetables)

Another famous Greek comfort food is genista – tomatoes and bell peppers filled with rice and herbs and baked until tender perfection. This tasty dish is surprisingly easy to make yet offers plenty of fragrant aromas from its mix of spices such as oregano, thyme, mint, or basil.

Pasticcio

This hearty pasta bake consists of layers of macaroni smothered in ground beef and tomato sauce, then topped with white béchamel sauce for that extra velvety texture. Za’atar or grated kefalotiri cheese often added on top, adds another layer of flavor, making this casserole one filling meal.

Avgolemono Soup

A cold winter night calls for something warm like Avgolemono soup, a traditional lemony chicken broth served with chunks of chicken breast and short grain rice (orzo). This classic has been around since Ancient Greece due to its simple yet unforgettable taste, which blends sweet lemon juice into a rich, brothy base made from chicken stock and eggs.

 

Bougatsa

The perfect way to end your cozy night is with Bougatsa – a dessert pastry made from phyllo dough rolled up around creamy custard or ricotta cheese filling, sprinkled with powdered sugar or cinnamon on top. This delicious treat can be served warm or cold, depending on your preference, but either way, it will have you wanting more after that first bite. 

Activities For a Fall Day in Boston, MA

As the days get warmer, Boston starts buzzing with activity and things for you to do during your time here – whether you are vacationing or want to do something different. The options for how to spend your fall day in Boston will consist of beautiful parks, fun dining venues, and spectacular weather. Continue reading to learn about the countless ways to spend your day in Boston!

 

Public Garden

Enjoy a beautiful day in Boston by taking a stroll or having a picnic in Boston’s Public Garden! This is known as the first botanical garden in America. Grab some takeout at Greco Truly Greek at any of our locations, and pick your spot at the Public Garden. The fall season is the perfect time to visit the public garden so you can see the beautiful foliage. While you’re in the public garden you can take a ride in a swan boat, and see the garden while being pedaled around the lagoon. This is definitely something to do while visiting Boston in the fall! 

Historic Options

When in Boston, you are surrounded by plenty of historic landmarks that are embedded throughout the city. A great way to spend your day in Boston is by visiting historic sites all around the city! Great places to visit include The Freedom Trail, Old State House, Faneuil Hall, Bunker Hill Monument, USS Constitution, and more! You can visit these historic sites through a tour group company or do the touring on your own.

Dine out

Boston is well-known for its delicious food options. When visiting Boston there is countless food stop you should make depending on what you like. Whether you’re heading into Seaport for seafood, or North End for delicious Italian food, food in Boston is a must! While in Boston, get a taste of authentic Greek food at Greco Boston at any of our locations. Visit one of their three locations around the city while sightseeing! You will not regret making a stop at Greco, the Greek cuisine is not something to miss out on.

Visit Greco Boston

if you’re wondering how to spend a fall day in Boston, after sightseeing all day, head into a Greco Boston location for delicious Greek cuisine. Our team is serving up must-try Gyros all day for you to try. Give us a call at (617) 572-3300 or place your order online to pick it up! We look forward to serving you.

Favorite Greek Desserts to Try This Fall

Fall is almost upon us, and with a new season comes many new delicacies to try. In this sense, Greece has a lot of dessert ideas you can try this fall, each with its twist. Traditionally, walnuts and apples are associated with fall dessert recipes in Greece.

 

Here is a look at some of our favorite Greek desserts, some of which you can find right here in Boston MA. 

Milpitas

As discussed earlier, apples are a very important part of fall, so adding an apple-based dessert to this list was a given. Milpitas, also known as the “Greek Apple Cake,” is a famous dessert in Greece.

This is because this dessert is easy to put together compared to the other items on the list, with no need for special equipment. In addition, this dessert screams fall, with ingredients like cinnamon and cloves also used and walnuts added.

Baklava

It is impossible for baklava not to come up when discussing Greek desserts. This Phyllo and nut dessert is considered the cream of the crop in traditional desserts, and almost all of Greece knows that.

This dessert is an old classic known for its sweet and nutty flavor. The nuts used in baklava are freshly picked, and the prepared dessert is also sold in many stores.

Karidopita

As previously discussed, fall means nuts and walnuts, which is why this walnut cake is a surefire addition to the list. This cake dessert is made from finely ground walnuts which are transformed into a sort of floury texture.

The Karidopita is known for its unique texture, and it is normally topped with honey for a sweet taste as well.

Pasta Flora

Pasta Flora is a jam-based dessert that is a must-have for anyone who likes jam. This jam tart dessert is considerably easy to make, with no need to use any special equipment.

 In addition to that, this dessert has a very sweet flavor, which is enjoyed immensely by the Greek locals, along with a nice hot cup of tea to compliment that sweet-tart flavor.

Greek Style Baked Apples

Considering apples are a recurring theme for fall, it is safe to say that there will be more than one mention of an apple-based dessert on this list. Greek-style baked apples, also known as Mila Psita, are considered to be a common way to eat apples in Greece, and many traditional, earthy Greek flavors go into this dessert.

Visit Greco Today

These were just a few Greek-inspired dessert ideas you could implement to your menu this fall. There are many more desserts available that are as interesting as these and can be as easy as whisking and baking. Visit Greco at one of our locations across Boston MA today to try some of our favorites. 

Celebrate Labor Day with Greco Catering

Labor Day Weekend is approaching, and what better way to celebrate with parties and cookouts amongst friends and family? To make your weekend party a bit easier, consider ordering catering through Greco in Boston, MA. Deciding to cater your Labor Day Weekend party is a great choice as it takes the pressure of cooking away so you can simply enjoy your time and indulge in food you didn’t have to make!

 

Continue reading this blog to learn about catering options for Labor Day Weekend from Greco Boston.

 

Catering

Make menu planning for your event easy! Cater with Greco Boston for your Labor Day Weekend cookout, party, tailgate, or more. We will serve you with our fresh ingredients and authentic Greek flavors! When catering, there are packages available for you to choose from to fit your event perfectly. Greco Boston offers Alpha and Beta packages which consist of different size meals for each person! When deciding on your catering options, think about how many people, how much food, etc. you will need.

 

Salads

Greco Boston also offers catering salads for you to have at your event! Bring some fresh flavors to your Labor Day Weekend gathering with our delicious Greek-flavored salads. The catering salads can feed up to 12 people, it is important to keep how many guests you’re having in mind when ordering catering! Three salad options to choose from are Horiatiki, Crete, and Santorini. View our catering menu online to learn more!

 

Sides

Everyone loves good side dishes! Greco Boston offers a large portion of sides when ordering catering. The sides we offer are Greco fries, zucchini chips, Greek slaw, and mixed beans. Find the perfect sides to cater to at your Labor Day Weekend event!

 

Sauces

When ordering fresh, delicious Greek food, you of course need mouth-watering homemade sauces! Greco Boston caters our homemade sauces in trays and is served with fresh pita. The homemade sauces available to cater are Tzatziki, spicy feta, and charred eggplant! Indulge in the delicious sauces at your Labor Day Weekend party!

 

Contact Greco Boston

Considering catering for your Labor Day Weekend event? Greco Boston has you covered with our catering options! Contact our team today at one of our three locations to order your catering. You can view our catering menu online at any time to plan ahead or give us a call at (617) 572-3300. We look forward to serving you!