Nitrate & Nitrite Free Greek Herb Marinade
Bright, garlicky, and deeply aromatic, this Mediterranean-inspired marinade is built entirely from pantry staples and fresh aromatics — no processed shortcuts, no cured meats, no hidden preservatives. That matters more than it sounds, because many store-bought marinades and spice blends sneak in additives that people trying to avoid nitrates and nitrites have to watch out for. Here, every single ingredient is clean and straightforward: extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and a handful of dried herbs and spices you likely already have on your shelf. The cumin adds a subtle warmth that rounds out the brightness of the lemon, while the oregano and thyme keep things unmistakably Greek. Whisking the oil and acid together creates a loose emulsion that clings beautifully to whatever you're marinating, helping those bold flavors really penetrate. A handful of fresh parsley stirred in at the end adds a pop of color and a grassy finish if you want it. Make a batch, stash it in a jar in the fridge, and you've got a reliable, wholesome marinade ready to go all week long.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl and whisk until the mixture looks slightly emulsified and uniform.
- 2
Add the garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Whisk again until all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the oil mixture.
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