Syros is not only famous for its loukoumi sweets and neoclassical mansions but also for its distinctive gastronomy.
One of the island’s most emblematic dishes is the parsley dip (maintanosalata): a refreshing green paste made with parsley, capers, and olive oil.
It’s served alongside fish and seafood or simply spread on toasted bread as a flavorful mezze.
Its origins lie in the resourcefulness of islanders who made the most of simple ingredients: bread or potato for binding, plenty of parsley that grew abundantly, and olive oil from the Cyclades.
In the 19th century, in more “urban” households, it even appeared enriched with mayonnaise—a reflection of cosmopolitan Syros, where Eastern and Western influences blended.
Today, Syros parsley dip remains a dish full of freshness, aromas, and memories of island cooking. Here’s how to make it the traditional way.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch of parsley (leaves only)
- 1 slice of bread, soaked in water and well-squeezed
- 30 g capers
- 1–2 garlic cloves
- 1 small onion
- 1–2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 medium potatoes, boiled and peeled
- 150–200 ml extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1–2 lemons
- Salt & freshly ground pepper
Method
- Place parsley, capers, garlic, onion, vinegar, and about 100 ml olive oil in a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Add the squeezed bread and potatoes. Blend again, gradually adding the remaining olive oil until the mixture is creamy.
- Stir in the lemon juice, season with salt and pepper, and adjust to taste.
- Serve in a bowl, drizzled with extra olive oil and garnished with caper buds.
Tips & Variations
Fasting version: Use only potato (no bread) for a lighter result.
Creamier texture: For the “old urban” variation, add a little mayonnaise.
Serving: Pairs perfectly with grilled fish, fried seafood, or as a dip with breadsticks and crackers.
Nutritional Value
This parsley dip is not only delicious but also nourishing:
Parsley: rich in vitamins C, K, and antioxidants.
Olive oil: heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
Potato & bread: provide energy through carbohydrates.
Capers: low-calorie, full of phytonutrients.
Garlic & onion: immune-boosting and naturally flavorful.
A mezze that combines freshness with balanced nutrition—perfect for any table.
CookTheGreekWay 