Vegetarian Appetizer Recipes

In Volos, Greece you will find some of the best vegetarian appetizer recipes in Greece. Greeks are masters of "mezededakia".

An appetizer can be as simple as a quartered tomato, some cucumber bits (peeled!), a few black olives, and some feta cheese on a plate.

It can be more sophisticated too- but Greek food is famous for it's simplicity.

The "secret ingredients" are market fresh, sun warmed vegetables, quality olives and feta, salt and pepper, and lots of super good virgin olive oil!

We have spent some unforgettable evenings in Volos having brought our own instruments; guitars, drums, maybe even a bouzouki- playing and singing, munching the delicious little mezedakia and drinking!

Small plates with different salads and “taste-bits” are served with a tiny bottle of “Tsipouro”. Actually, you order a round of Tsipouro, and together with the drink these small platters are served, you never know what you will get.

And for each new round of drinks there are always different dishes.

It is customary in Greece never only to drink, but always to eat as well.

Even in a bar you will be served quite a lot of little “nibbles” for each drink- as well as water!

Example of Greek Vegetarian Appetizers

But appetizers are more than that. Actually, when we go out and eat, we seldom bother with a main meal at all, but instead order many smaller plates of different "mezedakia" that are shared by all. (We always order too much… it is amazing how much you can eat!)

Finally, although I love the Greek vegetarian appetizers, there are plenty of fantastic vegan and vegetarian appetizers around the world. Here is an eclectic mix of vegetarian appetizer recipes that are my favorites. Enjoy!

These recipes keep well in the refrigerator, so you can prepare them a few days in advance to save time if you are expecting company.

Vegetarian Appetizer Recipes:

Falafel Recipe

Falafel is my favorite fast food! And I love that it is actually healthy for you too. Falafel are chick pea patties often served with crisp vegetables in a pita pocket bread.

How to Make Hummus

Learn how to make hummus from scratch! Hummus is a delicious and healthy dip recipe from the Middle East that today can be found all over the world.

Home Made Pita Crisps

Home made pita crisps are super simple to make, and contains no “funny” ingredients like the bought ones. This quick snack is healthy and goes with almost anything. Use them for all the lovely dips below!

Caponata - Eggplant Salad From Sicily

Caponata is a marinated eggplant dish from Sicily. This Mediterranean vegan recipe is delicious as an appetizer or a side dish.

Tzatziki - Cucumber Salad From Greece

Tzatziki is a Greek cucumber salad / dip made with yogurt and garlic. It is one of the most popular Greek vegetarian recipes for appetizers with plenty of local variations!

Guacamole Dip - Avocado Dip

This is a Mediterranean version of this super-delicious Mexican vegan guacamole dip recipe!

Marinated Bean Salad with Giant White Beans

Marinated giant bean salad is a very simple and delicious dish; you could also try mashing the beans for a white bean dip as an alternative. It keeps for a week in the fridge.