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ssherie_

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I’m looking for some traditional Greek desserts to make for Easter (Pascha) this year. I know Tsoureki is a must, but I’d love to add a few more sweet treats to the table. Are there any classic Easter desserts that your family always makes?

I’ve heard about Galaktoboureko and Melomakarona, but are those common for Pascha, or are there more festive options? Also, any tips on making the perfect Tsoureki would be appreciated—mine always turns out too dense!

If you have any favorite recipes or recommendations for traditional or even modern Greek Easter sweets, I’d love to hear them. Bonus points for anything that pairs well with Greek coffee after the big feast.

Looking forward to your suggestions - thanks so much!
 
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I’m looking for some traditional Greek desserts to make for Easter (Pascha) this year. I know Tsoureki is a must, but I’d love to add a few more sweet treats to the table. Are there any classic Easter desserts that your family always makes?

I’ve heard about Galaktoboureko and Melomakarona, but are those common for Pascha, or are there more festive options? Also, any tips on making the perfect Tsoureki would be appreciated—mine always turns out too dense!

If you have any favorite recipes or recommendations for traditional or even modern Greek Easter sweets, I’d love to hear them. Bonus points for anything that pairs well with Greek coffee after the big feast.

Looking forward to your suggestions - thanks so much!
Hi! One dessert I make for Easter is Greek Ekmek Kataifi! It's not as sweet as other Greek desserts and I think it's a perfect way to end the meal. I have a 2 different ways to make it on my blog, with lots of different tips, too. Melomakarona are Christmas cookies, but these Ladokouloura (sesame cookies) are amazing with Greek coffee - they're my Yiayia's recipe! As for the Tsoureki, I have a complete guide on my blog with tons of tips and how to get the perfect stringy texture! My Tsoureki recipe includes 2 methods (stand mixer & an easy no-knead method). You'll find the complete recipes at the end of each post, which includes exact quantities, etc. Let me know how it goes!
 
Love that you’re bringing Greek sweets to your Pascha table! Tsoureki is definitely essential—make sure your dough gets plenty of time to rise, and try adding mahlepi and mastiha for that authentic aroma. If it’s turning out too dense, your yeast may need more warmth or time—let it double in size before shaping.

For other Easter treats, Koulourakia (buttery twisted cookies with a hint of orange) are a must in many households—perfect with Greek coffee after the feast! While Melomakarona and Kourabiedes are more common at Christmas, they’re still delicious any time.

Galaktoboureko isn’t traditionally Easter-specific but makes a stunning dessert for guests—who can say no to creamy custard and syrupy phyllo? For something festive, try Portokalopita (orange phyllo cake) for a zesty finish.

Wishing you a joyful and sweet Pascha celebration—kali anastasi!
 

Best regional Greek salads beyond horiatiki?

I realized recently that whenever people talk about Greek salads, it almost always comes back to horiatiki. I am just curious because I KNOW Greeks are eating different salads. I was in a taxi once where the driver parked at an Aldi, ran in, bought lettuce, and then proceeded to drive us where we were going. Anyway, that got me curious about what people eat.

I’ve heard of dakos in Crete and I know some islands and villages seem to use different vegetables, herbs, breads, cheeses, etc.. I’m especially curious about dishes that people actually eat in the summer rather than restaurant versions made for tourists. What do you think?

Best side dishes to serve with grilled fish?

Now that the weather is getting warmer, I’ve been grilling fish more often, usually things like branzino, salmon, or whole dorade with olive oil, lemon, and herbs. The fish itself always turns out great, but I feel like I fall into the same side dishes every single time and could use some new ideas.

I usually do something simple like roasted potatoes or a Greek salad, which I love, but I’m curious what everyone else likes serving alongside grilled fish. Do you prefer lighter sides that let the fish stand out, or more filling dishes to make it a complete meal?

I’m especially interested in traditional Greek combinations if anyone has favorites. Things like horta, gigantes, rice pilaf, grilled vegetables, or even dips and spreads. I’d love ideas that feel fresh, summery, and Mediterranean without being too heavy. What side dishes do you always come back to with grilled fish?

Greek street foods for summer?

I might be going to Greece in July, and one thing I’m really looking forward to is the street food. I’ve had gyros and souvlaki plenty of times here in the U.S., but I’m guessing the experience in Greece is completely different.

I’d love recommendations for the best street foods to try during the summer, especially things that are refreshing or easy to grab while walking around. Are there certain foods that are more popular in the hotter months? I’ve heard about koulouri in Thessaloniki and loukoumades from street vendors, but I’m sure there’s a lot more I don’t know about.

Also curious if there are regional specialties depending on which islands or cities you visit. I’m hoping to avoid overly touristy spots and try things locals actually eat regularly. What street foods would you put at the top of the list?

What Makes a Perfect Greek Salad?

I've always loved a traditional Greek village salad (horiatiki), and the older I get, the more I appreciate how simple it is. For me, the perfect Greek salad starts with ripe tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, a generous piece of feta on top, good olive oil, and a sprinkle of oregano. No lettuce—just the classic ingredients.

That got me wondering how everyone else likes their Greek salad. Do you prefer the traditional village-style version, or do you add other ingredients? I've seen some people include green peppers, capers, or even different types of cheese depending on the region.

I'm also curious about dressing preferences. Do you stick with olive oil, oregano, and maybe a little vinegar, or do you use something more elaborate?

What makes a Greek salad perfect in your opinion? I'd love to hear about family traditions, regional variations, and any tips for making it extra flavorful.

Tzatziki - making it thicker?

I've been experimenting with making homemade tzatziki, and while the flavor came out great, the texture was much thinner than I expected.

I used Greek yogurt and grated cucumber, and I did squeeze the cucumber before mixing everything together. The problem is that after it sat for a while, it became fairly watery. It still tasted good, but it didn't have that thick, creamy texture you get at many tavernas and Greek restaurants.

For those of you who make tzatziki regularly, what do you do to keep it thick? Do you squeeze the cucumber multiple times? Let it drain longer? Use a particular brand of yogurt? I've also heard some people strain the yogurt itself.

I'm curious about traditional methods as well as any family tips you've picked up over the years. What has worked best for you?
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