Greek cuisine is renowned worldwide for its vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and wholesome traditions.
Among its many culinary treasures, nistisima recipes hold a special place as they reflect the art of fasting in Greece—meals free from meat, dairy, and eggs, yet bursting with flavor and nutrition.
Whether you’re observing religious fasting periods or simply seeking delicious plant-based meals, Greek nistisima dishes offer a delightful array of soups, stews, salads, and baked vegetables.
In this article, we explore over 21 authentic Greek nistisima recipes that are perfect for nourishing your body while honoring tradition.
21+ Delicious Greek Nistisima Recipes for Healthy Fasting
Exploring these 21+ Greek nistisima recipes reveals the incredible creativity and richness of Greek fasting cuisine.
Far from being restrictive, these dishes showcase how simple, wholesome ingredients like beans, vegetables, olive oil, and fresh herbs can be transformed into hearty, satisfying meals.
Whether you’re following a fast or just love Mediterranean plant-based cooking, these recipes offer a delicious way to enjoy the best of Greek flavors without compromise.
Revithada
Revithada is a traditional Greek chickpea stew that embodies the essence of nistisima — Greek fasting dishes free from animal products.
This hearty, slow-cooked meal is flavored with simple yet aromatic ingredients like olive oil, lemon, and herbs, making it both nourishing and deeply comforting.
Perfect for Lent or any time you want a wholesome, plant-based dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
- Water
Instructions:
Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until softened. Add chickpeas, oregano, salt, and enough water to cover by two inches. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for several hours until chickpeas are tender and the broth is thickened. Stir in lemon juice before serving.
Revithada is a comforting dish that highlights the magic of slow cooking and simple ingredients.
Its creamy texture and bright lemony flavor make it a favorite fasting meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste or satisfaction.
Briam
Briam is a classic Greek roasted vegetable dish that fits perfectly into the nistisima tradition.
Combining seasonal vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, potatoes, and tomatoes, it’s infused with olive oil and herbs and baked to tender, caramelized perfection.
Briam is a celebration of the Mediterranean’s bounty and a colorful, healthy addition to any fasting menu.
Ingredients:
- 2 zucchinis, sliced
- 2 eggplants, sliced
- 3 potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 3 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 onion, sliced
- ½ cup olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, layer all the vegetables evenly. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper over the top. Toss lightly to coat. Cover with foil and bake for about an hour until vegetables are tender. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes to caramelize the edges.
Briam is a vibrant, flavorful dish that showcases the simplicity and depth of Greek fasting cuisine.
It’s a versatile side or main that nourishes the body and pleases the palate, especially when made with fresh, seasonal produce.
Fasolada
Fasolada is often called the national dish of Greece and is a staple among nistisima recipes.
This white bean soup is rich, hearty, and full of wholesome ingredients like tomatoes, carrots, celery, and olive oil.
It’s perfect for fasting periods but satisfying enough to be enjoyed year-round, embodying the rustic spirit of Greek home cooking.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups dried white beans, soaked overnight
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 tomatoes, peeled and chopped or 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper
- Water
Instructions:
Drain and rinse beans. In a large pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened. Add beans, tomatoes, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer gently for a few hours until beans are tender and soup thickens. Remove bay leaf before serving.
Fasolada is the epitome of comfort food in Greek fasting tradition.
Its hearty texture, robust flavors, and nourishing ingredients make it a timeless recipe that connects you to the wholesome simplicity of Mediterranean cooking.
Kolokythakia Laderes
Kolokythakia Laderes is a classic Greek nistisima dish featuring tender zucchini cooked slowly in olive oil with tomatoes, onions, and fresh herbs.
This simple, plant-based recipe celebrates seasonal vegetables and the Mediterranean love for olive oil, resulting in a flavorful and wholesome meal that’s perfect for fasting periods or light everyday dining.
Ingredients:
- 4 small zucchinis, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and sauté until soft. Add zucchinis and cook for a few minutes. Stir in tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer gently for 30-40 minutes until zucchinis are tender and sauce is thick. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Kolokythakia Laderes is a wonderful example of Greek fasting cuisine—simple ingredients that transform into a deliciously satisfying dish.
It’s light yet hearty and perfect as a side or main course when you want a nourishing, vegan-friendly option.
Gigantes Plaki
Gigantes Plaki is a beloved Greek baked bean dish made with giant white beans simmered and then baked in a rich tomato sauce with plenty of herbs and olive oil.
This nistisima recipe is hearty, nutritious, and packed with comforting Mediterranean flavors. It’s a perfect vegan dish that fills the table with warmth and tradition.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups giant white beans (gigantes), soaked overnight
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 ripe tomatoes, pureed or 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
- Salt and pepper
- Water
Instructions:
Drain and rinse the beans. Boil beans in water until tender but not mushy. In a pan, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until translucent. Add tomatoes, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes. Combine beans and sauce in a baking dish, add some water if needed, and drizzle with olive oil. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about an hour until sauce thickens.
Gigantes Plaki is a staple fasting dish that comforts with its rich tomato flavor and creamy beans.
It’s ideal for batch cooking, sharing, and enjoying leftovers that taste even better the next day.
Melitzanes Imam
Melitzanes Imam is a classic Greek nistisima eggplant dish, baked or stewed with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs.
The name, meaning “the imam fainted,” hints at its irresistible flavor.
This dish captures the heart of Mediterranean fasting cuisine by showcasing humble ingredients transformed into a luscious, satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 3 medium eggplants, sliced or halved
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped or 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Salt the eggplant slices and let sit to remove bitterness, then rinse and pat dry. Heat olive oil in a pan and lightly fry eggplant until golden. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, sauté onions and garlic until soft. Add tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper, and simmer for 15 minutes. Layer eggplants in a baking dish, pour tomato mixture over, drizzle with olive oil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes. Garnish with parsley.
Melitzanes Imam is a delicious example of Greek fasting food’s richness despite lacking meat or dairy.
It’s a deeply flavorful, comforting dish that showcases how plant-based ingredients can shine with simple preparation and vibrant herbs.
Fakes Soupa
Fakes Soupa is a traditional Greek lentil soup that is both hearty and nutritious, making it a perfect nistisima (fasting) dish.
Made with simple ingredients like lentils, onions, carrots, and olive oil, this soup is a staple in Greek households during fasting periods and beyond.
It’s filling, flavorful, and wonderfully comforting on chilly days.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 4 cups water or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté onions, garlic, and carrots until softened. Add lentils, bay leaf, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour in water or broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 40 minutes until lentils are tender. Remove bay leaf and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Fakes Soupa is a wholesome and simple dish that nourishes both body and soul.
Its earthy flavors and bright lemon finish make it a satisfying choice for anyone seeking a traditional, plant-based Greek meal.
Revithosoupa
Revithosoupa is a creamy Greek chickpea soup that’s a popular nistisima recipe during Lent.
Slow-cooked chickpeas combine with olive oil, lemon, and aromatic herbs to create a filling, flavorful soup.
Despite its simplicity, it offers a comforting and satisfying experience that highlights the essence of Greek fasting cuisine.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
- Water
Instructions:
Drain chickpeas and place them in a large pot with water to cover. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1.5 hours or until tender. In a pan, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add to the chickpeas along with oregano, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for 20 minutes. Stir in lemon juice before serving.
Revithosoupa is a comforting, nutritious soup that perfectly embodies the Greek fasting tradition.
Its creamy texture and bright citrus notes make it both hearty and refreshing.
Lahanosalata
Lahanosalata is a classic Greek cabbage salad often enjoyed during fasting periods for its fresh, crisp, and tangy qualities.
Made with shredded cabbage, lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs, this salad is a light yet flavorful side that pairs beautifully with richer nistisima dishes.
Ingredients:
- 1 small head green cabbage, finely shredded
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
Place shredded cabbage in a large bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour dressing over the cabbage and toss well to combine. Let sit for 15–20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Lahanosalata is a refreshing and crisp salad that adds balance and brightness to any Greek fasting meal.
Its simplicity and vibrant flavors make it a perfect companion to hearty dishes or enjoyed on its own as a light snack.
Melitzanosalata
Melitzanosalata is a classic Greek eggplant dip that fits perfectly into the nistisima tradition.
Made by roasting eggplants until smoky and tender, then blending them with garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs, this dish offers a creamy, flavorful way to enjoy vegetables during fasting periods.
It’s a versatile appetizer or side that brings a rich Mediterranean taste to the table.
Ingredients:
- 2 large eggplants
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Pierce the eggplants with a fork and roast over an open flame or in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until skin is charred and flesh is soft, about 40 minutes. Let cool, then scoop out the flesh. In a bowl, mash the eggplant with garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth. Garnish with parsley and serve with bread or vegetables.
Melitzanosalata is a smoky, creamy delight that showcases how simple ingredients can create bold flavors.
It’s an essential nistisima dish that’s perfect for sharing as part of a meze or as a light snack.
Fasolakia Ladera
Fasolakia Ladera is a traditional Greek dish of green beans cooked in a rich tomato and olive oil sauce, perfect for fasting days.
This wholesome, plant-based recipe emphasizes fresh vegetables and simple seasoning, making it a flavorful and comforting choice for those observing nistisima.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 ripe tomatoes, chopped or 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh dill or parsley (optional)
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onions and garlic until translucent. Add tomatoes and oregano and cook for 10 minutes. Add green beans, salt, and pepper, then cover with water. Simmer gently for 40-50 minutes until beans are tender and sauce thickens. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Fasolakia Ladera is a bright and nourishing dish that perfectly balances the sweetness of green beans with the richness of olive oil and tomatoes.
It’s a staple fasting recipe that brings freshness and comfort to any meal.
Revithia Plaki
Revithia Plaki is a traditional Greek baked chickpea dish, perfect for nistisima.
Chickpeas are cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and plenty of olive oil, then baked until tender and infused with Mediterranean herbs.
This dish is hearty, nutritious, and an excellent way to enjoy plant-based protein during fasting periods.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 ripe tomatoes, chopped or 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Cook soaked chickpeas in boiling water until tender but not mushy. In a pan, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper and simmer for 10 minutes. Combine chickpeas and tomato mixture in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about an hour until flavors meld and top is slightly browned. Garnish with parsley.
Revithia Plaki is a delicious and wholesome dish that highlights the best of Greek fasting cuisine.
Its rich tomato sauce and tender chickpeas make it a filling, flavorful meal suitable for any occasion.
Briam
Briam is a traditional Greek baked vegetable dish perfect for nistisima, featuring a medley of seasonal vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, potatoes, and tomatoes, all drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with herbs.
This hearty and colorful dish showcases the simplicity and freshness of Mediterranean cooking, making it a satisfying vegan meal.
Ingredients:
- Zucchini, sliced
- Eggplant, sliced
- Potatoes, peeled and sliced
- Tomatoes, chopped
- Onion, sliced
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Layer the vegetables in a baking dish, drizzle generously with olive oil, and sprinkle with garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss lightly to combine. Cover with foil and bake for about an hour until the vegetables are tender. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to brown the top.
Briam is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a rich and flavorful dish.
Its tender vegetables and aromatic herbs make it a nourishing and delicious choice during fasting periods or any time you crave wholesome comfort food.
Gigantes Plaki
Gigantes Plaki is a beloved Greek dish featuring giant white beans baked in a savory tomato sauce with olive oil, onions, garlic, and herbs.
This classic nistisima recipe is hearty and full of Mediterranean flavors, making it an excellent source of plant-based protein during fasting periods.
Ingredients:
- Giant white beans, soaked overnight
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Tomatoes, pureed or crushed
- Olive oil
- Dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley
Instructions:
Cook the soaked beans in boiling water until tender. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft, then add tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Combine the beans with the tomato mixture in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about an hour until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
Gigantes Plaki is a comforting and filling dish that beautifully represents the simplicity and richness of Greek fasting cuisine.
It’s perfect for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week.
Melitzanes Imam
Melitzanes Imam is a traditional Greek eggplant dish, stewed or baked in a fragrant tomato sauce with onions, garlic, and herbs.
Its name, which translates to “the imam fainted,” hints at the irresistible flavor and richness of this nistisima recipe. It’s a delicious, plant-based option perfect for fasting days.
Ingredients:
- Eggplants, sliced or halved
- Onions, sliced
- Garlic, minced
- Tomatoes, chopped or crushed
- Olive oil
- Dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley
Instructions:
Salt the eggplants and let them sit to remove bitterness, then rinse and pat dry. Fry the eggplant slices in olive oil until golden, then set aside. In the same pan, sauté onions and garlic until soft. Add tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper, and simmer. Layer eggplants in a baking dish, pour tomato sauce over, drizzle with olive oil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Melitzanes Imam is a flavorful and satisfying dish that exemplifies the richness possible within fasting cuisine.
Its combination of tender eggplant and aromatic tomato sauce makes it a favorite for meat-free meals.
Fasolakia Ladera
Fasolakia Ladera is a classic Greek dish featuring tender green beans slowly cooked in a rich tomato and olive oil sauce.
This nistisima recipe is vibrant, healthy, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, making it a staple during fasting periods.
The combination of fresh vegetables and herbs creates a comforting and satisfying plant-based meal.
Ingredients:
- Fresh green beans, trimmed
- Onion, sliced
- Garlic, minced
- Ripe tomatoes, chopped or crushed
- Olive oil
- Dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh dill or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until softened. Add tomatoes and oregano, simmering to develop a flavorful sauce. Add green beans, salt, and pepper, then cover with water. Cook gently until beans are tender and the sauce thickens. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley before serving.
Fasolakia Ladera showcases the beauty of simple ingredients transformed by slow cooking and quality olive oil.
It’s a delicious and wholesome dish perfect for fasting days or anytime you want a nutritious vegetable meal.
Revithada
Revithada is a hearty Greek chickpea stew that embodies the essence of nistisima. Slow-cooked with onions, garlic, olive oil, and lemon, this dish is both nourishing and satisfying.
Its creamy texture and bright, tangy flavors make it a favorite fasting meal that warms the soul and delights the palate.
Ingredients:
- Dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add chickpeas, oregano, salt, and pepper, then cover with water. Simmer gently for several hours until chickpeas are tender and the broth is thickened. Stir in lemon juice before serving.
Revithada is a comforting and wholesome dish, perfect for fasting periods or whenever you crave a simple yet flavorful plant-based meal.
Its balance of earthiness and citrus makes it deeply satisfying.
Lahanosalata
Lahanosalata is a refreshing Greek cabbage salad that pairs beautifully with richer nistisima dishes.
Made with finely shredded cabbage, lemon juice, olive oil, and oregano, this crisp salad adds brightness and texture to any fasting meal.
It’s quick to prepare and brings a burst of fresh flavor to the table.
Ingredients:
- Green cabbage, finely shredded
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Toss shredded cabbage with olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let sit for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Lahanosalata is a perfect light and tangy side dish for fasting days, balancing heartier recipes with its crisp freshness and simple Mediterranean flavors.
Patates Plaki
Patates Plaki is a traditional Greek dish of potatoes baked slowly in a rich tomato and herb sauce, making it a perfect nistisima (fasting) recipe.
The potatoes absorb the flavors of olive oil, garlic, and oregano, resulting in a tender and aromatic dish that pairs wonderfully with other plant-based Greek meals.
Ingredients:
- Potatoes, peeled and sliced
- Onion, sliced
- Garlic, minced
- Ripe tomatoes, chopped or crushed
- Olive oil
- Dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, layer potatoes and onions. Mix tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper, then pour over the potatoes. Cover with foil and bake for about an hour until potatoes are tender. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to brown the top. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Patates Plaki is a hearty and comforting dish that beautifully showcases the flavors of simple, fresh ingredients.
It’s ideal for fasting days or whenever you want a delicious vegetable-based main or side.
Revithosoupa
Revithosoupa is a creamy Greek chickpea soup that is a staple among nistisima dishes.
Slowly simmered chickpeas blended with olive oil, lemon, and herbs create a comforting and filling soup that’s both nutritious and satisfying, perfect for fasting periods.
Ingredients:
- Dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Cook chickpeas in water until tender. In a pan, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft, then add to the chickpeas along with oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer together for 20 minutes. Before serving, stir in lemon juice for a fresh, bright flavor.
Revithosoupa is a nourishing soup that comforts and energizes. Its creamy texture and zesty lemon finish make it a favorite during fasting and beyond.
Horta Vrasta
Horta Vrasta is a simple yet essential Greek dish consisting of boiled wild greens dressed with olive oil and lemon. It’s a quintessential nistisima recipe, celebrating the fresh, earthy flavors of seasonal greens.
This dish is light, healthy, and pairs perfectly with richer fasting dishes.
Ingredients:
- Mixed wild greens (such as dandelion, chicory, or spinach)
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Salt
Instructions:
Wash greens thoroughly. Boil in salted water until tender, then drain. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, toss gently, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Horta Vrasta is a refreshing and nutritious dish that exemplifies the simplicity and wholesomeness of Greek fasting cuisine.
It’s a perfect way to enjoy seasonal greens with minimal fuss.
Conclusion
Greek nistisima recipes demonstrate that fasting can be a time of culinary inspiration rather than limitation. With over 21 dishes featuring seasonal vegetables, legumes, and aromatic herbs, you can enjoy a wide variety of meals that are both nutritious and deeply flavorful. These recipes invite you to experience the heart of Greek tradition, where food is a celebration of nature’s bounty and mindful living. Try them out and bring a taste of the Mediterranean’s wholesome fasting heritage to your table.
