Learn to make this easy homemade Mediterranean Seasoning with commonly used aromatic Mediterranean spices – it’s sure to become your new favorite spice mix! It’s perfect on everything from eggs to meat, poultry and veggies. And, it makes a sensational dry rub for beef, chicken and lamb!
Jump to:
This Mediterranean spice mix adds tremendous flavor to anything it touches. It’s made with commonly used spices you probably already have in your pantry. While the list of ingredients might be a bit long (11 ingredients), you can use what you have on hand if you don’t have all of them. And, be sure to check out my Variations below!
Honestly, I never thought I’d use another spice blend for our house seasoning besides my All Purpose Seasoning, but this herb and spice mix has become a fast favorite. We love using it as a meat rub for Roast Chicken and these Crockpot Turkey Tenderloins, but it’s found its way into about everything we make these days.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Amazing flavor – this Greek seasoning is complex, aromatic and adds authentic flavor to your recipes
- Save money – no need to purchase pre-mixed blends! Make the same spice mix for much less in your own kitchen.
- No hidden ingredients – making homemade spice blends ensures there are no preservatives, MSG, sugar, hidden FODMAPs or other ingredients that you don’t want
- Easily customizable – the beauty of making seasonings at home is that you can adjust ingredients to suit your taste and dietary needs. Feel free to leave out the salt, explore variations or tweak the amounts of herbs used.
- Special diet friendly – Mediterranean seasoning is suitable for many diet plans such as low-carb, keto, paleo and Whole30. It can be easily modified for low-FODMAP (leave out the onion and garlic) and AIP (leave out the pepper).
Ingredients
- Basil – sweet, aromatic and spicy. Use any variety.
- Oregano – spicy, earthy, peppery and slightly bitter. You can use any variety, but Greek oregano has notes of mint and citrus and really sets this spice blend apart.
- Parsley – slightly bitter, with a clean, earthy taste
- Sage – has a woody, minty and peppery flavor
- Dill – really enhances the spice mix with its fresh, grassy, sweet flavor
- Thyme – herbaceous with strong floral notes. It really livens up the palate!
- Rosemary – a little goes a long way. Its distinct flavor adds notes of pine, wood, mint, pepper and lemon.
- Garlic and onion powders – these round out the flavor, but can be eliminated for low-FODMAP. Consider substituting with chives.
- Salt (optional) – feel free to eliminate the salt. I usually don’t add salt to my blends because I almost always will be adding it to the dish and don’t want to over-salt the recipe.
- Pepper – brings everything together
Instructions
Simply combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix thoroughly.
How to use
There are endless possibilities for using this spice mix, but here are a few favorites:
- Greek marinade for meat – mix with olive oil to use as a lamb chop marinade. It also makes a superb Greek lamb seasoning on Smoked Leg of Lamb.
- Dry rub – use as a spectacular dry rub for steak, poultry, pork and fish. Try mixing some in with ground meats like hamburger – it truly makes a next-level burger. TIP: When using as a dry rub for meat, I recommend adding additional salt. Generally, about ½ teaspoon of salt per pound work perfectly to draw out moisture and create a flavorful crust.
- Holiday gifting – DIY spice blends make perfect gifts for the holidays
- Salad dressings and dip – try mixing in to a vinaigrette or making a creamy Greek salad dressing with yogurt. Also, try mixing with olive oil for an oil and herb dipping sauce.
- Baked goods, stews and soups – add some to your next batch of chicken soup, use in place of oregano in Parmesan Oregano Bread or mix in to or top Pull-Apart Dinner Rolls
TIP: To use as a dry rub, consider grinding for a finer texture. Grind in a mortar and pestle or run through a spice grinder for a few seconds.
How to store
Always store your spices and herbs in a cool, dry place, away from light and heat, in a container with a tight fitting lid. Glass containers are less porous than plastic and will keep your seasonings fresh and aromatic for longer.
Variations
The beauty of making your own seasonings is you get to experiment! Trying new flavors and combinations is fun and this recipe is very customizable.
- Spicy – add some red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper. Read more about one of my favorite spices in my Aleppo Pepper Ingredient Spotlight.
- Warm it up – paprika, cumin, cinnamon and coriander add depth, warmth and earthiness
- Brightness – include mint, lemon or orange peel or sumac. Not familiar with sumac? It’s bright citrus notes make a wonderful Sumac Salad Dressing and it’s delicious to top dips like my Whipped Ricotta Dip or salads like this Fattoush Salad.
FAQ
Greek oregano has a stronger, more pungent flavor, with notes of camphor. Italian oregano is lighter and more balanced and complex, with notes of citrus.
Yes, this recipe contains AIP spices with the exception of pepper, that can easily be eliminated.
Yes, simply eliminate the onion and garlic powder and consider using chives instead.
The best replacement for onion powder is to use dried chives. I love to use asafoetida as a garlic substitute, just in very small quantity. Just a pinch or two is all that’s needed. Read more in my Asafoetida Ingredient Spotlight.
More homemade spice blends
Did you make this recipe? Let me know how you liked it by giving a star rating and leaving a comment!
📖 Recipe
Mediterranean Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano (Greek is best)
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (replace with dried chives for low-FODMAP)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (omit for low-FODMAP)
- ½ teaspoon salt (optional)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (omit for AIP)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix thoroughly.
Notes
Variations
The beauty of making your own seasonings is you get to experiment! Trying new flavors and combinations is fun and this recipe is very customizable.- Spicy – add some red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper. Read more about one of my favorite spices in my Aleppo Pepper Ingredient Spotlight.
- Warm it up – paprika, cumin, cinnamon and coriander add depth, warmth and earthiness
- Brightness – include mint, lemon or orange peel or sumac
Nutrition
*Net carbs = carbohydrates - fiber
Nutritional information is an estimate, calculated using online tools and does not include optional ingredients unless otherwise indicated.
Tracey Hatch-Rizzi
This is one of the most versatile condiments in our kitchen. It's wonderful on pan-fried chicken thighs, in frittata and on salmon. Just add an extra sprinkle of salt. We always make a double batch because we go through it so fast!