A GREEK THANKGIVING MENU

Thanksgiving is a time to gather around the table and celebrate tradition, but why not bring a little Mediterranean flair to the feast? While it’s an American holiday at its core, there's no reason you can't embrace the season with a Greek-inspired menu that celebrates fresh, wholesome ingredients and bold, vibrant flavors.

A Thanksgiving menu based on Greek cuisine.

This year, I’m excited to offer a Greek Thanksgiving spread that features plenty of healthy and vegetarian-friendly options—especially for appetizers and sides—that will complement your holiday classics without feeling heavy.

Whether you prepare the entire menu or select a few standout dishes, these recipes allow you to honor the spirit of Thanksgiving while adding a touch of Greek heritage to your table. From light, fresh appetizers to a savory main course and a sweet finish, these dishes bring flavor and celebrate the season's essence with wholesome, nourishing ingredients. Whether you're Greek or simply looking to try something new, these dishes add depth, culture, and a festive touch to your Thanksgiving celebration.

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Design the Thanksgiving menu
Appetizers & side dishes
Salads
The pie
Main dish
Dessert
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Design the Thanksgiving menu

Planning Thanksgiving dinner can feel like a lot—whether it’s a feast for a crowd or an intimate dinner for two. But with a bit of organization, this complete list of recipes, and some helpful tips, I’m sure your celebration will be unforgettable! Here are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare:

Decide on your guest list: Knowing how many people you’re cooking for will help you plan the right amount of recipes. Once you have that number, start organizing with a Thanksgiving game plan in place weeks ahead.
Map out your menu: Begin with crowd-pleasing appetizers, plan for a show-stopping main, choose delicious side dishes, and end with a sweet treat to cap off the evening.
Gather your kitchen and dining essentials: After finalizing the menu, double-check that you have all the necessary kitchen tools and tableware. Use your favorite serving bowls, plates, and platters to make the meal feel extra special—it’s a night that celebrates food, after all!

Appetizers & side dishes

The best Thanksgiving menus begin with… delicious appetizers and side dishes. Get everyone in a festive mood with these easy-to-prep, delicious starters and side dishes. Plus, they can be made the day before, giving you more time to focus on the main event. Each one is designed to shine alongside the main course.

Important note: If you make my stuffed rooster (or turkey if you prefer), you will get two more side dishes: insanely delicious stuffing and roasted potatoes (see below the main dish).

Whole Wheat Pita Bread

A delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional bread options. Its hearty texture and nutty flavor pair wonderfully with Thanksgiving dishes like roasted turkey, stuffing, and dips. Additionally, it's a versatile option that works for both appetizers and sides, offering a fresh twist while still complementing the classic flavors of the holiday. Its whole-grain base also adds a wholesome touch, making it a great choice for health-conscious guests.

Check out this recipe

Spicy Feta Dip - Tyrokafteri

A flavorful, bold appetizer that adds a lively kick to the table. It’s creamy, spicy, and packed with savory depth. This dish offers a refreshing contrast to the heavier, richer holiday dishes, and its versatility makes it perfect for pairing with bread and roasted vegetables. Plus, it is part of the cabbage-pear salad dressing that I propose for this menu (see below). It’s a great way to introduce guests to Mediterranean flavors while providing a healthy, vegetarian option that’s full of character.

Check out this recipe

A small bowl with Greek spicy feta dip surrounded by roasted vegetables.

Greek Green Beans

Greek green beans offer a healthy, flavorful, and vibrant vegetarian alternative to traditional side dishes. Made with tender green beans, tomatoes, olive oil, and fresh herbs, fasolakia (as we call it in Greece) is a light yet satisfying dish that complements heavier holiday fare. It’s a great way to add more vegetables to the spread, while the Mediterranean flavors bring a unique twist to the table. A nutritious dish for guests seeking a lighter, plant-based choice.

Check out this recipe

Braised Greek Green Beans #mediterraneanfood #mediterranean recipe #mediterranean diet

Greek Potato Soufflé

This traditional Greek potato casserole offers a deliciously creamy, lighter, vegetarian alternative to traditional mashed potatoes or casseroles. Made with fluffy potatoes, eggs, and cheese, this dish combines the comfort of potatoes with a Mediterranean twist, making it both hearty and healthy. It’s a great way to add more depth to your vegetable sides while keeping things light and satisfying for guests looking for a vegetarian option. In addition, the souffle’s airy texture and savory flavors make it a standout dish that can easily complement the rest of your Thanksgiving spread.

Check out this recipe

A close up of a baking dish with Greek potato soufflé.

Beetroots with Greek Yogurt

A vibrant, healthy, and flavorful vegetarian option that offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of traditional holiday dishes. The earthy sweetness of roasted beets, paired with creamy Greek yogurt, a touch of garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil, creates a light and satisfying dish. Beets are a great source of antioxidants and fiber, making this appetizer a healthful addition to the spread. It's a colorful, seasonal dish that adds a Mediterranean twist while providing a lighter, plant-based alternative for guests looking for something fresh and wholesome.

Check out this recipe

Do you want to try more appetizers for your Thanksgiving table? Great! Check out my appetizer selection on the Thanksgiving page and make your guests skip the main course!

Salads

Fresh salads to complete your menu. Salads have a way of balancing any Thanksgiving spread. They add refreshing flavors and vibrant colors between the heavier dishes. They’re the perfect pairing for your holiday menu. I have two propositions for you and it's all about cabbage this year!

Cabbage Salad - Politiki

This salad offers a healthy, crunchy, and refreshing alternative to heavier holiday sides. It combines shredded cabbage with veggies, vinegar, and olive oil. It’s light yet full of flavor and packed with fiber, and vitamins. A nutritious, plant-based option that adds a Mediterranean flair while helping to cut through the richness of classic Thanksgiving foods. Plus, its crisp texture and vibrant flavors bring a fresh, seasonal touch to your menu. Bonus: excellent meal-prep dish. For the best flavor, prepare it the day before and let the ingredients meld together overnight.

Check out this recipe

2 white plates with chopped cabbage salad and another small with chopped peppers

Cabbage Pear Salad

This salad offers a light, crisp, and refreshing contrast to the richer, heavier dishes typically served during the holiday. The combination of crunchy cabbage and sweet, juicy pears creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures. A tangy, creamy dressing elevates the dish and the basic ingredient is the spicy feta dip I have already proposed above (see appetizers). It’s a perfect way to incorporate fresh, seasonal ingredients into your spread, and the natural sweetness of the pears pairs beautifully with savory dishes like roasted turkey or stuffing.

Check out this recipe

A platter with festive Christmas salad with cabbage and pear.

Do you want more ideas for salads? Great! Check out my salad selection on the Thanksgiving page and make your guests skip the main course!

The pie

While savory pies aren't typically part of the classic Thanksgiving menu, they are an essential part of a festive Greek table. For a unique twist on the usual pumpkin dishes, I propose this amazing savory pumpkin pie.

Savory Pumpkin Pie

A delicious and unexpected twist on a classic fall ingredient. Unlike the traditional sweet pumpkin pie, this version combines pumpkin with feta, savory cheeses, and fresh herbs, creating a rich, hearty dish. The savory and slightly sweet flavors complement the rich dishes on the Thanksgiving table. Plus, it’s a great option for those who seek a vegetarian or Mediterranean-inspired alternative. With its tender crust and bold flavors, this pie stands out and becomes a memorable addition to your holiday spread.

Check out this recipe

savory pumpkin pie with feta piece www.30daysofgreekfood.com

Do you want more Greek pies? Great! Check out my Greek traditional pie selection on the Thanksgiving page and make your guests skip the main course!

Main dish

For the main event. A beautifully roasted turkey is the classic centerpiece, but feel free to try something new, like my rooster recipe. It can be easily adapted to any poultry including turkey, of course. The stuffing is divine. I highly recommend making it!

Stuffed Rooster with Roasted Potatoes

A unique and flavorful twist on the traditional turkey. In Greece, this dish is a beloved classic, where the rooster or turkey (or any other poultry of your choice) is stuffed with a savory blend of minced beef, chestnuts, cheese, pine nuts, and other aromatic ingredients. Next, we arrange potatoes around the meat allowing the stuffing and roasted potatoes to absorb all the delicious flavors. The result is a win-win situation: you get a succulent, flavorful main course along with two amazing side dishes — a rich, hearty stuffing and perfectly roasted potatoes — all made in one pot. It’s a convenient, impressive centerpiece that brings both the main dish and sides to your table in one effortless recipe.

Check out this recipe

Do you want more traditional Greek recipes for the main Thanksgiving course? Great! Check out my main course selection on the Thanksgiving page and make your guests skip the dessert!

Dessert

End the evening with the perfect dessert. There’s always room for dessert! I chose one of my favorite desserts which is super easy to make and so so good for the perfect finale to your Thanksgiving feast.

Greek Orange Cake - Portokalopita

It offers a delightful balance of sweetness and citrusy brightness, which is a perfect way to finish a rich and savory holiday meal. The cake’s moist texture, enhanced by the syrup made from fresh orange juice, adds a refreshing contrast to the heavier flavors of Thanksgiving dishes. Its aromatic flavor also provides a lovely alternative to more traditional pies like pumpkin or pecan, offering a fresh twist that feels comforting and seasonal. It’s a simple but elegant dessert that can become a new favorite at your Thanksgiving table.

Check out this recipe

A baking pan with Greek portokalopita cut in pieces and topped with sliced oranges. A wooden spatula is ready to take out a piece.

Do you want more dessert ideas? Great! Check out my dessert selection on the Thanksgiving page and make your guests forget the classic pumpkin pie for good!

I hope this Thanksgiving menu sparks some inspiration for your holiday meal. Remember to enjoy the process, share gratitude, and savor this time with loved ones. And if you make any of these dishes, I’d love to hear about your favorites in the comments! HAPPY THANKGIVING!

Design the Thanksgiving menu

Appetizers & side dishes

Salads

The pie

Main dish

Dessert

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