Learn how to make a classic Greek Souvlaki recipe with tender marinated meat, grilled to perfection. Serve in pita bread or as a platter for a delicious Mediterranean meal. is one of the most iconic and beloved dishes in Greek cuisine. Known for its tender, marinated meat skewers, this dish combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful meal that can be enjoyed on any occasion. Whether it’s served in a pita wrap or as a plated dish alongside fresh vegetables and tzatziki sauce, souvlaki brings a taste of Greece right to your table. Traditionally made with pork, but also commonly prepared with chicken or lamb, souvlaki is the perfect blend of grilled goodness and Mediterranean flavors.

What is Souvlaki?
Souvlaki, which means “small skewer” in Greek, is a popular street food in Greece. It consists of marinated meat, usually pork, chicken, or lamb, threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection. The skewers can be served in a variety of ways: wrapped in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables and tzatziki sauce, or served on a plate with rice, roasted potatoes, and a side salad. The beauty of souvlaki lies in its simplicity—marinated meat, fresh accompaniments, and a zesty sauce that elevates the entire dish.
The Key to Flavor: The Marinade
The heart of any great souvlaki is the marinade. A combination of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, the marinade infuses the meat with bold flavors while keeping it tender and juicy. Classic Greek spices like oregano, thyme, and paprika add layers of flavor to the dish. The longer the meat marinates, the deeper the flavors will be. Ideally, you should marinate the meat for at least 1-2 hours, but for best results, marinating overnight allows the flavors to fully develop.
Cooking Souvlaki
Souvlaki is typically cooked on a grill or a grill pan. The high heat gives the meat a slightly charred, smoky flavor while sealing in its juices. The skewers are turned regularly during grilling to ensure the meat cooks evenly on all sides. For added flavor, you can occasionally brush the meat with leftover marinade as it grills. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or using a stovetop grill pan, the result is always juicy, flavorful meat with a hint of char that defines great souvlaki.
Serving Souvlaki
Once the souvlaki is grilled to perfection, there are many ways to serve it. The most traditional way is in a pita wrap. Warm pita bread is stuffed with grilled souvlaki, fresh slices of tomato, cucumber, and onion, then generously drizzled with tzatziki sauce. The combination of smoky meat, fresh veggies, and cool, tangy tzatziki is nothing short of divine. For a more filling meal, souvlaki can be served as part of a platter with sides like rice, roasted potatoes, or a fresh Greek salad.
Tzatziki, a cucumber and yogurt-based sauce, is the classic accompaniment to souvlaki. Its cool, refreshing taste balances the grilled meat and adds a creamy texture to the dish. You can make your own tzatziki by combining Greek yogurt, minced garlic, grated cucumber, olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Variations of Souvlaki
While pork is the traditional choice for souvlaki, you can easily swap it out for other proteins:
- Chicken Souvlaki: A lighter option, chicken souvlaki is equally delicious and takes on the flavors of the marinade beautifully.
- Lamb Souvlaki: For a more indulgent version, lamb offers a rich, tender bite that pairs perfectly with the herbs in the marinade.
- Vegetarian Souvlaki: If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can use halloumi cheese or vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms as an alternative to meat. Grilled halloumi skewers offer a unique, salty twist on the traditional recipe.

Classic Souvlaki Recipe
Equipment
- Skewers
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowl
- Basting brush
- knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 Ib Pork tenderloin (or chicken/lamb)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper
- Wooden skewers soaked in water if using
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the marinade:In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. This fragrant mixture will serve as the marinade for the meat.2. Marinate the meat:Add the pork (or chicken/lamb) pieces to the bowl, tossing them in the marinade until fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the meat for at least 1-2 hours, or overnight for more intense flavors.3. Prepare the skewers:Once the meat has marinated, thread the pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.4. Preheat the grill:Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.5. Grill the Souvlaki:Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the meat is golden brown and cooked through. Use a basting brush to occasionally brush on any leftover marinade while grilling for extra flavor.6. Assemble the Souvlaki:Warm the pita breads on the grill or in a pan for 1-2 minutes. Serve the grilled Souvlaki skewers with pita bread, thinly sliced onions, cucumber, tomatoes, and a generous drizzle of tzatziki sauce.
Notes
- Marinate Longer: For even more flavorful meat, marinate the pork, chicken, or lamb overnight.
- Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for 20-30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Tzatziki Sauce: Homemade tzatziki is a great complement to Souvlaki. You can make it by mixing Greek yogurt with minced garlic, grated cucumber, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Vegetarian Option: You can make a vegetarian version by using chunks of halloumi cheese or vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
Conclusion
Souvlaki is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and the joy of grilling. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual family dinner or firing up the grill for a summer barbecue, this dish is sure to impress. The simplicity of souvlaki allows the quality of the ingredients to shine, and with a zesty marinade and a smoky finish from the grill, it’s no wonder why this dish has remained a staple in Greek cuisine for centuries. Whether served in a pita or on a platter, one thing is for certain: souvlaki will transport your taste buds straight to Greece with every bite.