There are endless possibilities when it comes to cooking, but sometimes we just need quick and easy recipes that can make our meals more flavorful.

When it comes to adding taste to dishes, spins and pastes are the perfect solution, they are versatile and can be used as marinades, dips or dressings. Dina Nikolaou, a renowned Greek chef and author, shares with us 10 easy recipes for spins and pastes that can transform our meals with minimal effort.

1. Classic Tzatziki

Tzatziki is a classic Greek dip that is made with cucumber, yogurt, garlic, and olive oil. This dip is perfect with vegetables, grilled meats, or as a topping for sandwiches. To make the tzatziki, you will need:.

1 cup Greek yogurt
1 small cucumber, grated and drained
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all the ingredients together and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

2. Spicy Harissa Paste

Harissa is a North African condiment that is made with hot chili peppers, garlic, coriander, and other spices. This paste is perfect for adding heat to any dish, such as soups, stews, or roasted vegetables. To make the harissa paste, you will need:.

1/2 cup dried chili peppers
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil

Soak the dried chili peppers in hot water for 30 minutes. Drain and blend the peppers with the garlic, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and salt in a food processor until smooth. Add the olive oil and blend again until well combined.

Store in a jar and refrigerate until ready to use.

3. Lemon and Herb Chimichurri

Chimichurri is an Argentinean sauce that is made with herbs, garlic, and olive oil. This sauce is perfect for marinating and dressing grilled meats or vegetables. To make the lemon and herb chimichurri, you will need:.

1 cup chopped parsley
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt

Mix all the ingredients together and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

4. Roasted Red Pepper Spin

Roasted red pepper spin is a versatile dip that can be used as a spread on sandwiches or as a topping for salads and vegetables. To make the roasted red pepper spin, you will need:.

2 roasted red peppers
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup toasted almonds
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Puree all the ingredients together in a food processor until smooth. Store in a jar and refrigerate until ready to use.

5. Tomato and Basil Tapenade

Tapenade is a French condiment that is made with capers, olives, and anchovies. This tomato and basil version is perfect for adding to pasta or as a spread on crusty bread. To make the tomato and basil tapenade, you will need:.

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 garlic clove, minced
1 cup pitted kalamata olives
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

Puree all the ingredients together in a food processor until chunky. Store in a jar and refrigerate until ready to use.

6. Lemon and Garlic Aioli

Aioli is a traditional Mediterranean sauce that is made with garlic and olive oil. This lemon and garlic version is perfect for dipping roasted vegetables or as a dressing for salads. To make the lemon and garlic aioli, you will need:.

2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup olive oil
2 egg yolks
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and lemon juice. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking until the mixture has thickened. Add the garlic, salt, and pepper and mix until well combined. Store in a jar and refrigerate until ready to use.

7. Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto

Pesto is an Italian sauce that is traditionally made with basil, garlic, and pine nuts. This sun-dried tomato version is perfect for adding to pasta or as a spread on sandwiches. To make the sun-dried tomato pesto, you will need:.

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons pine nuts
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Puree all the ingredients together in a food processor until smooth. Store in a jar and refrigerate until ready to use.

8. Honey Mustard Spin

Honey mustard spin is a sweet and tangy dip that is perfect for dipping vegetables or as a dressing for salads. To make the honey mustard spin, you will need:.

1/4 cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Whisk all the ingredients together in a mixing bowl until well combined. Store in a jar and refrigerate until ready to use.

9. Cilantro Lime Dressing

Cilantro lime dressing is a tangy and refreshing dressing that is perfect for salads or as a marinade for grilled meats or vegetables. To make the cilantro lime dressing, you will need:.

1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup lime juice
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all the ingredients together and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

10. Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Butter

Roasted garlic and rosemary butter is perfect for spreading on bread, or as a finishing touch to grilled meats or vegetables. To make the roasted garlic and rosemary butter, you will need:.

1 head of garlic
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Cut off the top of the garlic head and place it in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. Let the garlic cool and then squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of the skins.

Mash the roasted garlic cloves and mix them with the softened butter, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Store in a jar and refrigerate until ready to use.

Conclusion

Adding spins and pastes to your meals can take them to the next level in terms of taste and flavor. These 10 easy recipes by Dina Nikolaou can be used as marinades, dips, dressings, or spreads and are sure to please your taste buds!.