Quick answer

Mix dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and a touch of lemon zest and sugar for a balanced Greek seasoning you can make in under five minutes.

Why make your own instead of buying a blend?

Store-bought blends are convenient, but making your own lets you control the salt level, skip anti-caking agents, and adjust the lemon-herb balance. A homemade batch also costs less per ounce if you already have the individual spices.

Customizing the blend to your taste

This recipe leans savory and tangy. For a sweeter profile, increase the sugar or add a pinch of cinnamon. For more heat, include a small amount of cayenne or Aleppo pepper. If you prefer less salt, cut the salt in half and add it later when cooking.

Steps to make your own Greek seasoning

  1. Gather your ingredients: You need dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, fine sea salt, black pepper, sugar, and dried lemon zest (or finely grated fresh lemon zest dried overnight). Measure each into a small bowl. Fresh lemon zest adds the brightest flavor, but it must be completely dry or the blend will clump. If you use dried zest, reduce the salt slightly.
  2. Mix the base seasonings: Combine 2 tablespoons dried oregano, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1½ teaspoons fine sea salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Stir thoroughly with a fork or small whisk. Oregano is the star; do not substitute it with marjoram unless you want a noticeably milder, sweeter flavor. Taste after mixing and adjust salt only if needed.
  3. Add the citrus and finish: Stir in 1 teaspoon dried lemon zest. If you want a tangier blend, add ½ teaspoon citric acid (optional). Transfer the seasoning to an airtight jar and store in a cool, dark pantry. Citric acid mimics the tang of fresh lemon without moisture. Skip it if you plan to use the blend within a month and prefer a softer citrus note.
  4. Use and adjust for the dish: Rub 1–2 teaspoons per pound of meat before grilling or roasting. For vegetables or sauces, start with ½ teaspoon per serving and add more to taste. Because homemade blends lack anti-caking agents, shake the jar before each use. The salt may settle at the bottom over time.

What we use

  • Greek Seasoning: Our Greek Seasoning is a salty, sweet, and tangy spice blend geared for lamb dishes, stews, sauces, marinades, casseroles, meat kabobs, and vegetables. Inspired by traditional Greek blends of lemon, garlic, and oregano. If you want a ready-made shortcut with a consistent flavor profile, this blend saves time while still delivering the classic lemon-garlic-oregano base.

    Greek Seasoning

    Greek Seasoning