Marinade for souvlaki

Souvlaki marinade is a vibrant Greek mixture typically featuring olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like oregano, used to flavor and tenderize skewered meats such as pork, chicken, or lamb before grilling. This simple yet flavorful combination is a cornerstone of Greek cuisine, often used for the popular street food souvlaki.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This marinade is low in carbohydrates and protein but is a good source of healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil, along with antioxidants from garlic and herbs. A typical serving (about 2 tablespoons) contains roughly 120-150 calories, primarily from the oil.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	45 kcal
Protein	0.2 g
Carbs	1.5 g
Fat	4.5 g
Fiber	0.1 g
Sugar	0.5 g
Sodium	580 mg
Sodium	580 mg
Potassium	25 mg
Iron	0.3 mg
Vitamin C	1.5 mg
Calcium	10 mg
Magnesium	5 mg
Phosphorus	8 mg
Manganese	0.1 mg

Per 2 tablespoons (30 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, the use of acidic lemon juice and herbs in the marinade is a classic Mediterranean technique believed to help tenderize meat while infusing it with bright, fresh flavors that complement the smoky char from the grill.