Greek Seasoning

This Greek seasoning recipe is a delicious way to infuse any recipe with Mediterranean flavors. The spice blend tastes particularly good in Greek recipes, but the combination of savory, herbaceous and warming flavors works with all types of recipes. You can use this versatile seasoning with chicken, beef, lamb, vegetables, salads, grain bowls and more.

What is Greek seasoning?

Greek seasoning is a blend of Mediterranean herbs and spices you probably already have in the pantry. Our recipe combines salt with 10 herbs and spices to create an all-purpose seasoning that adds Greek-inspired flavor to any dish.

Greek Seasoning Ingredients

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• Dried herbs: We use a vibrant combination of oregano, basil, dill weed, rosemary, thyme and parsley flakes. This is an instance where dried herbs are better than fresh herbs. You can make homemade spice blends with fresh herbs, but they’ll only last for about a week. Dried herbs are shelf-stable, so you can toss the mixture together and keep it in the pantry for several months.
• Onion and garlic: This recipe calls for onion and garlic powders. If you prefer to use granulated garlic or onion, use twice the amounts called for in the recipe.
• Salt: We keep the salt level relatively low for this blend. You can always add more to the final dish, but it’s hard to use less if the salt is already mixed in!
• Black pepper: This spice adds a touch of heat to the seasoning blend. Learn more about the different types of peppercorns (and when to use each one).
• Nutmeg: This warming spice adds a lightly nutty, peppery essence.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the ingredients

In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients.

Step 2: Transfer to a storage container

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Store the seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to six months.

Ways to Use Greek Seasoning Blend

• Meat and vegetables: Use seasoning to make chicken souvlaki or lamb chops, or add it to chopped vegetables just before sauteing, grilling or roasting. You can also use the blend to make a marinade for meat or vegetables.
• Grains: This seasoning tastes great in grain bowls made with couscous or farro and in side dishes like Greek orzo salad.
• Salad dressings: Whisk the seasoning into oil and vinegar to make Greek salad dressing.
• Soups: Use this Greek seasoning blend instead of the spices called for in your favorite soup, like Greek lentil soup.
• Dips: Combine the seasoning with Greek yogurt, sour cream or cheese, like in our whipped feta dip.

Recipe Variations

• Include other herbs and spices: If you enjoy herbs like marjoram or mint or want to add spice with crushed red pepper flakes, feel free to include those additions. Similarly, if you don’t care for an herb like thyme, go ahead and leave it out.
• Add cinnamon: Cinnamon might sound like a weird ingredient for a savory Greek seasoning blend, but there are plenty of savory ways to cook with cinnamon! Cinnamon’s warming vibes add an earthy, almost sweet flavor.
• Make a salt-free Greek seasoning: We include salt in this recipe, but you don’t have to. Reduce the amount to create low-sodium seasoning, or omit it entirely and go salt-free.
• Blend it: For a finer consistency, pulse the seasoning blend in the food processor.

How to Store Greek Seasoning

Store homemade Greek seasoning in an airtight container, and keep it in a cool, dry place like the pantry. The seasoning blend lasts up to six months if you use fully dried herbs and spices.

Greek Seasoning Tips

What is the difference between Greek oregano and Mexican oregano?

Greek oregano (sometimes called “true oregano” or “Italian oregano”) is an herb in the mint family. It has a robust, earthy flavor and is typically used in Mediterranean recipes. Mexican oregano is in the verbena family (like lemon verbena) and exhibits a subtly sweet, citrus-forward flavor. Depending on the desired flavor profile, you can use either type of oregano in this recipe.

Can you substitute Greek seasoning for Italian seasoning?

Depending on the recipe, you may be able to use Greek seasoning and Italian seasoning interchangeably. Italian seasoning is an easy spice blend that typically includes dried herbs like basil, thyme, rosemary, oregano and marjoram. Greek seasoning can also contain these herbs but includes additional ingredients like dill weed, garlic and onion powder, plus warming spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. These additional spices may not be compatible with a recipe calling for Italian seasoning.