Introduction: Embark on a culinary journey to taste the epitome of Greek cuisine with our World’s Best Greek Weight Watchers Spanakopita recipe. This iconic dish, bursting with flavors and heritage, is reimagined here to fit seamlessly into your wellness journey. With layers of delicate phyllo pastry enveloping a savory filling of spinach, feta cheese, and aromatic herbs, each bite transports you to the sun-drenched hillsides of Greece. Join us as we unravel the secrets to creating this culinary masterpiece while staying true to the principles of Weight Watchers.

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound fresh spinach, washed and chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 4 ounces reduced-fat feta cheese, crumbled
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

For the Assembly:

  • 6 sheets phyllo pastry
  • Cooking spray or olive oil spray
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

  1. Preparation of Filling:
    • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
    • Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
    • Add chopped spinach to the skillet in batches, allowing it to wilt down. Cook until the spinach is tender and any excess liquid has evaporated.
    • Stir in chopped dill and parsley, then remove the skillet from the heat. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
    • Once cooled, crumble the reduced-fat feta cheese into the spinach mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if desired. Mix well to combine.
  1. Assembly:
    • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
    • Lay one sheet of phyllo pastry in the prepared baking dish, allowing any excess to hang over the edges. Lightly spray the sheet with cooking spray or brush with olive oil.
    • Repeat the process with five more sheets of phyllo pastry, spraying each layer with cooking spray or brushing with olive oil.
    • Spoon the spinach and feta filling evenly over the layered phyllo pastry, spreading it out to cover the surface.
  2. Final Touches:
    • Fold the excess phyllo pastry over the filling to enclose it, creating a neat parcel.
    • Lightly spray the top of the spanakopita with cooking spray or brush with olive oil. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top for added flavor, if desired.
  3. Bake and Serve:
    • Place the assembled spanakopita in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
    • Once baked, remove the spanakopita from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares or triangles.
    • Serve warm as a delightful appetizer, side dish, or even a light main course, savoring each bite of this classic Greek delicacy.

Conclusion: Our World’s Best Greek Weight Watchers Spanakopita recipe offers a delightful fusion of traditional Greek flavors with the principles of healthy eating. With its light and flaky phyllo pastry, flavorful spinach and feta filling, and a fraction of the usual fat content, this dish proves that indulgence can indeed be guilt-free. Whether enjoyed as part of a Mediterranean-inspired feast or as a standalone delight, this spanakopita is sure to become a staple in your repertoire of Weight Watchers-friendly recipes. Embrace the richness of Greek cuisine while staying true to your wellness goals, one delicious bite at a time.