Authentic Mediterranean Seasoning

Make your own Mediterranean Seasoning to bring the sunny, herbaceous flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your kitchen! Featuring a vibrant blend of spices like sumac and za’atar, this mixture adds the perfect burst of tangy, earthy notes to any dish.

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Why This Recipe Works

Once you try this homemade Mediterranean seasoning recipe, you’ll never go back to store-bought options. It’s unbelievably quick and simple to throw together, and it tastes incredible!

You can easily make this blend yourself by combining salt, garlic powder, sumac, Aleppo pepper, coriander, and za’atar in a jar. The blend of tangy, earthy, and slightly spicy elements makes it the perfect pairing for elevating any grilled lamb, Mediterranean meatballs, chicken, or roasted veggie dish.

Plus, sumac and za’atar add a unique and authentic depth of flavor, giving the mixture an indescribable quality that will have everyone asking for the recipe. You can thank me later!

Ingredients

Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the blend, providing a balanced taste. If you prefer to season your dishes on an as-needed basis, omit the salt.
Garlic Powder: Adds a savory depth and a hint of toastiness. Make sure to use garlic powder here, not granulated garlic.
Sumac: Offers a tangy, lemony flavor that brightens up the seasoning. Look for sumac at any Mediterranean or Middle Eastern market or large grocery store.
Aleppo Pepper: Brings a mild heat and a subtle fruitiness. Again, you’ll have the most luck finding Aleppo pepper at Middle Eastern markets or specialty food sites like Zamouri Spices and Burlap & Barrel.
Ground Coriander: Adds a warm, citrusy note that pairs well with sumac and za’atar. Make sure your coriander is fresh or stored properly for the most vibrant flavor.
Za’atar: This unique blend of herbs, sesame seeds, and sumac provides an earthy, nutty, tangy, and savory taste. Look for za’atar at the same places as sumac and Aleppo.

Instructions

Combine the Spices: Add the salt, garlic powder, sumac, Aleppo pepper, ground coriander, and za’atar to a jar, and mix everything thoroughly to combine.
Add to Meals: Use your freshly made Mediterranean seasoning on your favorite lamb, beef, chicken, or veggie dishes with a little extra-virgin olive oil.
Store: Keep your mixture in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard. As long as it is kept in an airtight container, it should be fresh for up to 6 months.

Jar of Mediterranean seasoning with a spoon.

Substitutions & Variations

Kosher Salt: If you don’t have kosher salt, substitute it with an equivalent amount of coarse sea salt or half the amount of table salt.
Garlic Powder: If you don’t have garlic powder, replace it with 1 ¼ teaspoons of granulated garlic for every teaspoon of garlic powder.
Sumac: If you can’t find sumac, an equivalent amount of lemon zest mixed with a pinch of salt will work in a pinch. The blend won’t last as long since the zest is fresh.
Aleppo Pepper: Crushed red pepper flakes combined with sweet paprika can be used instead. Use ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes and ½ teaspoon of paprika for every teaspoon of Aleppo pepper.
Ground Coriander: Cumin makes a good alternative for an earthier but equally complementary flavor. Use the same amount as coriander.
Za’atar: You can create your own za’atar blend by combining dried thyme, oregano, marjoram, sesame seeds, and sumac.

Serving Mediterranean seasoning on a plate.

Storing & Reheating

To keep your homemade Mediterranean seasoning fresh for the longest time, store it in an airtight glass container in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard. I prefer small mason jars or spice jars with tight-fitting lids.

These storage techniques will preserve the freshness and potency of your seasoning for up to 6 months. To maintain the vibrant flavors, I also recommend avoiding exposure to heat and moisture as much as possible.

Expert Tips

Freshness: Use fresh spices for the best flavor! Check the expiration dates and buy your spices in small quantities if you don’t use them often.
Mix Well: Make sure all your spices are thoroughly combined for a consistent flavor in every sprinkle.
Toast the Spices: If you have whole spices or sesame seeds on hand, you can lightly toast them before grinding for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
Add a Label: Always label your spice mix with the date to keep track of its freshness.
Double the Batch: I recommend making a larger batch and storing it in an airtight container for convenience, especially if you know you’ll use this seasoning blend often.

FAQs

What dishes can I use this seasoning on?

Mediterranean seasoning works well on meats like lamb, chicken, and beef. You can also sprinkle it over roasted vegetables and even salads. Try it on roasted potatoes or mixed into hummus for an extra kick.

Can I make this seasoning mix without salt?

Yes, you can simply omit or reduce the salt to suit your taste. It’s still flavorful without the added salt, making it a great option for low-sodium diets or if you want to add salt on a dish-by-dish basis.

Is this seasoning gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients in this Mediterranean seasoning are naturally gluten-free. This blend is a great choice for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

How do I use Mediterranean seasoning in marinades?

If you’d like to marinate your meats or fish with Mediterranean flavors, mix the seasoning with a bit of extra-virgin olive oil and lemon juice before tossing it with your proteins.

If you enjoyed this Mediterranean seasoning recipe, be sure to check out some more Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes and condiments like these:

If you try this Mediterranean Seasoning, let me know what you think! Rate and review this recipe in the comments below. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me on Instagram @lenaskitchenblog!