Homemade Greek Seasoning Recipe

This homemade Greek seasoning blend is an easy shortcut, providing a vibrant and aromatic taste to many dishes. Keep a jar on hand to bring the essence of Greece to your kitchen.

Greek seasoning

Greek cuisine is renowned for its bold and lively flavours, with a strong use of herbs.

This simple Greek seasoning blend, crafted from aromatic herbs, brings an Eastern Mediterranean twist to everyday meals.

Follow the simple instructions to create your own homemade Greek seasoning and infuse your dishes with the unmistakable flair of Greece’s vibrant culinary tradition.

This blend really reminds me of my trip several years ago to the Greek island of Tinos.

A mixture such as this one might not be considered to be traditionally Greek, I find it so useful, and such a time saver, to have a mix like this one on hand to add flavour to many dishes.

See Also

• Italian Seasoning – another easy to make seasoning blend
• Use this homemade seasoning to make a Greek dressing  
• Greek orzo salad – is filled with feta, olives, tomato and cucumber 

Buying and storing dried herbs

When buying herbs and spices, I find that if I buy large packets or jars, they can become stale before I can finish the packet. On the other hand, small jars found at supermarkets aren’t good value for money.

I have found that opting for medium sized packets found in the ‘world foods’ aisle of the supermarket or at our local corner shop works more effectively for me.

To ensure freshness, I recommend using plastic kitchen clips instead of relying solely on resealable bags. These clips really help maintain an airtight seal. Additionally, storing the bags in sealed plastic boxes placed in a cool and dark location slows the deterioration.

Personally, I prefer having separate boxes for savory spices, herbs, and sweet spices to prevent the herbs from absorbing the strong aromas of the spices.

For those interested in drying their own herbs from the garden, a suitable method involves hanging them in bunches from the ceiling or a clothes airer in a dry area like a shed or garage. Once dried, place the herbs in a jar, leaf-end first, holding onto the stalk, and gently shake to capture the dry leaves.

Why make homemade Greek seasoning

• Seasoning blends are so handy for frequently made recipes. A jar of ready-made herb blend really helps to save time to add layers of flavour to your dish.

• Having your own blend makes it simple to adjust the blend to your taste.

• A pre-mixed blend means that the flavours have been balanced, so you won’t overwhelming a dish with too much of one herb.

• Use it as a base for other recipes, including salad dressings, pasta sauces, dips and as a seasoning for grilled or baked meat, chicken and fish.

• I love having my own signature secret ingredient!

Greek seasoning ingredients

• Dried oregano – adds a warm and earthy flavours to this mix. Its robust, slightly bitter is primarily earthy, but with green flavours of hay and a hint of mint.
  
• Dried thyme – A staple of Mediterranean cooking, thyme is known for its delicate yet distinct flavour; earthy with an almost minty flavour. There are floral hints and it’s is a little bit sweet and a little bit peppery.
  
• Dried rosemary – Rosemary offers a fragrant aromas, reminiscent of pine trees. This herb is a wonderful addition to roasted meat, particularly lamb, potatoes, and focaccia bread.

Helen’s Fuss Free Tip
Crush up the long needle-shaped rosemary leaves with your fingers before adding them them to the mix.

• Dried mint – Mint has a cooling and refreshing flavour, it adds to the blend here without overpowering it.
  
• Dried basil – Basil has a peppery flavour, with a hint of anise. It’s most well known for pairing well with tomatoes, particularly on salads and pizza.

• Dried dill – Dill has a grassy taste, with overtones of anise or licorice. While well known in Scandinavian cooking, it’s a great addition to this blend.

• Garlic powder – Garlic is a staple of many cuisines; using garlic powder allows you to enjoy its flavour straight form the store cupboard.

How to make Greek seasoning – step by step

Before you start, read these step-by-step instructions, with photos, hints and tips so you can make this recipe perfectly every time.

Scroll down for the recipe card with quantities and more tips at the bottom of the page.

Step One – Check the size of your storage jar before you start, to see it will hold all the seasoning. This recipe makes a scant half cup of the blend.

Measure the ingredients into a small mixing bowl, tweaking according to your preference.

Step Two – Mix the blend well, making sure that the herbs are evenly distributed.

There’s no need to dirty a food processor here: it will only grind the mix down to a textureless powder. A good stir will is plenty, and only takes a few seconds.

Helen’s Pro Tip
It’s easier to mix the herbs well in a bowl rather than putting everything in a jar and shaking, especially if the jar is full.

Step Three – Transfer the freshly made Greek seasoning to a clean, dry jar for storage. I usually use a jam funnel for this, to avoid spills.

Seal tightly and store in a cool, dark place. Label and date.

Serving suggestion

There are so many ways to use this herb blend. Here are a few of my favourites:

• Scatter on mince pizza
  
• Sprinkle on Greek lemon potatoes
  
• Into easy one-pot Greek rice 
  
• Add to Greek chicken  
  
• Greek pasta salad  
  
• Use as a rub for chicken, lamb or pork before grilling or roasting.
  
• Sprinkle a small pinch over seafood and fish just before eating.
  
• Use as a herb mix on roasted vegetables.
  
• Elevate dips and spreads: Add a teaspoon or two of the seasoning to homemade tzatziki, hummus, or Greek yoghurt-based sauces.

Helen’s Pro Tip
Give your Greek seasoning a good stir with a teaspoon or shake before using, as the contents can settle.

Storage

Store homemade Greek seasoning sealed into an airtight jar in a cool, dark cupboard.

The ‘best before’ date will be the same as the shortest dated of the ingredients. It’s best to make a note of this when making the blend.

Although ‘best before’ is a guide, it doesn’t mean you have to throw your mix away. If you keep it a long time, the flavour fades, so just use a little more.

Hints and tips 

• Label the jar with the shortest date from the ingredients

• Shake the jar before using as the contents can settle, or if there’s enough room, give it a stir with the handle of a teaspoon.

• Crush the the long pine needle like rosemary between your fingers before adding to the mixture.

Variations

• Try some different herbs such as marjoram, sage, a little onion powder or even some dried coriander.

• Add a little chilli for a hint of heat.

FAQs

More seasoning blends

• Peri peri seasoning – ideal for speedy fakeaway chicken

• Shish kebab seasoning – makes making homemade kebabs a breeze