This homemade Greek seasoning is a simple blend of dried oregano, thyme, mint, garlic, onion, paprika and black pepper. Keep a jar in the cupboard and you have the flavour of Greek grilled meat and roast potatoes ready in one spoonful.

Use it to season chicken souvlaki, lamb chops, roast vegetables, potatoes, salad dressings and even popcorn.

It takes five minutes, and you control the salt.

What Is Greek Seasoning?

Greek seasoning is a mix of dried Mediterranean herbs and spices built around oregano. Most blends add thyme, garlic and onion powder, black pepper and sometimes mint, dill, marjoram or paprika.

In Greece you are unlikely to see a jar labelled ‘Greek seasoning’. Cooks reach for dried oregano, salt, pepper, lemon and olive oil, and add other herbs depending on the dish.

This blend puts those flavours in one jar, which makes weeknight cooking quicker.

A Little History

Oregano, or rigani, is the herb most closely associated with Greek cooking. Greek oregano is a subspecies of wild oregano that grows on dry hillsides across the country and is known for its strong, peppery aroma.

Traditionally it is picked in summer, tied in bunches and dried in the sun, then rubbed between the hands straight onto food.

Ready-mixed ‘Greek seasoning’ blends became popular outside Greece as a shortcut to those flavours, and a homemade version is fresher and free of fillers.

Planning a trip, or just back from one? Our Greece travel and food guide covers where to eat, where to stay and what to explore.