Greek Lamb Souvlaki with Tzatziki: A Mediterranean-California Fusion Delight

Imagine biting into a juicy, perfectly grilled lamb skewer bursting with Mediterranean flavors, wrapped in warm pita bread and slathered with tangy, creamy tzatziki sauce. This Greek Lamb Souvlaki recipe is perfect for a sunny Californian day, bringing the warmth and zest of the Mediterranean to your table while highlighting California's love for fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

Photo byNick Davies

Greek souvlaki, one of the most beloved street foods of Greece, has its roots in ancient times, where soldiers used to skewer meat on sticks and cook it over an open fire. Today, this timeless dish has evolved into a symbol of Greek cuisine, but it's also wonderfully adaptable to the West Coast's culinary scene. With its sunny Mediterranean climate, California shares many of the same bountiful ingredients as Greece—like olive oil, garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs.

The Recipe

To make this dish, you’ll need tender lamb, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and a medley of fresh herbs like oregano and rosemary. What makes it truly Californian is the use of local produce—perhaps lamb from a nearby farm, lemons from the backyard, or herbs fresh from a home garden. Grilled to perfection, the lamb skewers are accompanied by a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce, made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, and California-grown garlic.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs lamb shoulder or leg, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 3 tbsp olive oil (preferably cold-pressed Californian olive oil)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Wooden or metal skewers

Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 cucumber, grated and drained
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dill (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Marinate the Lamb: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Add the lamb cubes and toss to coat. Cover and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible, to let the flavors really infuse.
2. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: While the lamb marinates, make the tzatziki. Grate the cucumber, drain it to remove excess water, and mix with the Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir until well combined, then cover and refrigerate to let the flavors meld.
3. Grill the Lamb: Preheat your grill (or stovetop grill pan) to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated lamb pieces onto skewers. Grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the lamb is browned and cooked to your desired doneness.
4. Serve: Warm some pita bread on the grill, then serve the lamb souvlaki with the tzatziki sauce on the side. Pair it with a Greek salad, or go Californian with a side of grilled seasonal veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or heirloom tomatoes.

Pro Tips for Success:

• Go local: California’s rich agricultural scene means you can easily source fresh ingredients. Look for grass-fed lamb, locally grown garlic, and farm-fresh cucumbers to elevate this dish.
• Perfect grill marks: For the perfect char, make sure your grill is hot before placing the skewers on it. Don’t move them around too much—allow the lamb to sit for a minute or two on each side to get those beautiful grill marks.
• Fresh herbs: If possible, opt for fresh oregano and rosemary from a farmer’s market. The intensity of fresh herbs will truly bring out the best in your lamb souvlaki.

Pairings to Elevate Your Meal

To create a true Mediterranean-Californian feast, serve the lamb souvlaki with a chilled glass of California Sauvignon Blanc or a bright, crisp Rosé. For sides, roasted fingerling potatoes drizzled with olive oil or a grilled vegetable platter will complement the dish beautifully.

And don’t forget dessert! Finish your meal with a simple yet indulgent dish of fresh, sliced figs drizzled with honey and served with creamy Greek yogurt—a perfect nod to both California's fruit bounty and Greek tradition.

Call to Action:

Did you enjoy this Greek-inspired Californian dish? Let us know how your souvlaki turned out in the comments below! Feel free to share this recipe with friends and tag us on social media if you tried it. And don’t forget to follow us for more delicious, easy-to-make recipes inspired by flavors from around the world!

Sources:

Family Recipe