10 easy dishes for a light summer meal

Summer is definitely here and it's time to be eating lighter! We've got you covered with 10 easy dishes that make for a light summer lunch or dinner or a flavorful appetizer to accompany cocktails and summer drinks. Try one or all of these recipes using our small batch, all-natural Greek products and spread a little love through food (make sure you scroll to the end for my own special love dish!).

1. Healthy mezé aka Greek antipasti

The typical long, drawn-out Greek meal, which unfortunately we don't always have time to prepare and enjoy, always starts with a few small (tiny really!) dishes that are served as appetizers or hors d'oeuvres. These are called mezé and are similar in principle to Italian antipasti or Spanish tapas...but with a flavor that is truly Greek! Try 3 easy, healthy, mezé recipes here.

2. Delicious Greek Orzo Salad

Pasta salad goes greek and super-healthy in our Greek Orzo Salad, thanks to anti-oxidant rich olives, peppers, herbs and our secret ingredient, organic sea fennel! Take a look at an easy-to-follow video on our Zelos Authentic Greek Artisan YouTube channel, too!

3. Spinach filo shells

Here’s a tasty bite-sized appetizer that’s easy to whip up for that last-minute visitor, perfect to offer with a glass of wine or champagne! You can top them with a cherry tomato, instead of bacon, for your veggie friends. Find the 3 ingredient spinach and feta appetizer recipe here.

4. Veggie flatbread

When our friend Sylvia sent us a scrumptious picture of what she did with her Tragano Capia Peppers and Kalamata Olives, we just knew we had to share it. It's a vegetarian delight that kids and adults alike enjoy, whether as an alternative to pizza night or sliced up into pieces and served as a picnic or barbecue appetizer. Find Sylvia's veggie flatbread here.

5. Spinach and feta breakfast pizza

Why not use savory pantry favorites for breakfast, too?! I experimented with ready-made flatbread and played around with what I had in the cupboard and fridge...and I have to say, I was pretty pleased with the results! Learn how to use any of Elli & Manos' all-natural veggie spreads as a base for flatbreads and morning pizzas.

6. Fava with lemon shrimp and sea fennel

If you're looking for something a little fancier, whether as an entrée or with extra shrimp as a main dish, replicate this Santorini Fava with lemon-herbed shrimp and sea fennel. It's easier than it looks and the briny sea fennel gives a unique texture that is truly reminiscent of Greek summers.

7. Spinach and feta pinwheels

One of the most iconic Greek food combinations is spinach and feta, which most people experience in the famous Greek “spanakopita”. Thanks to Elli & Manos, you can enjoy a similar taste in a much easier and lighter version, thanks to this easy puff pastry pinwheels appetizer recipe. If you're really tempted to try the real thing, keep on scrolling ;-)

8. Sea fennel ceviche

Latin America meets Greece in a fusion of sweet and salty ingredients. Find Cincinnati-based Chef José Salazar's recipe for a seafood ceviche with sea fennel here. A summertime classic gets a different topping with this unique organic plant, now sustainably grown in Greece. Try sea fennel on your gazpacho, too!

9. Tomato jelly

We're all about tasty and healthy food here at Zelos. At the same time, we're always on the lookout for time-saving tips, too, because, even though we foodies love our gourmet dishes, no one wants to slave in the kitchen all the time! One go-to party dish we love is an easy tomato jelly recipe that is a nice alternative to heavier dips & salsas.

10. The real Greek spanakopita, from scratch!

OK, we're cheating just a bit on #10, but don't get intimidated by the title, this is as easy as a real spanakopita recipe can get! Theoretically it's meant as a side dish, accompanying traditional Sunday lunches. But whenever I make it, spinach pie is also enjoyed as a quick snack or a light vegetarian meal with a crispy salad. Dive into my mom's traditional spanakopita recipe here.