Everyday Marinade for Proteins & Veggies

This Everyday Marinade is your go-to blend for bringing bold, balanced flavor to everything from grilled chicken to roasted veggies. Made with olive oil, lemon juice, and a mix of aromatic herbs and spices like oregano, smoked paprika, and cumin, it’s both versatile and easy to whip up in minutes. Whether you're prepping a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this marinade transforms simple ingredients into something crave-worthy.
Total: 5 minutes
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Ingredients 

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/4 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions 

  • In a mixing bowl or mason jar, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice until lightly emulsified.
  • Add oregano, thyme, cumin, coriander, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  • Whisk well until the marinade is fully combined.
  • Use immediately or store in the fridge for up to 1 week in a sealed jar. Shake or whisk again before using if refrigerated.
  • To marinate:
  • Vegetables – at least 30 minutes
  • Chicken or pork – 1 to 4 hours
  • Beef or tofu – up to 8 hours
  • Discard any used marinade that has come in contact with raw meat.

Notes

  • Let proteins come to room temp before cooking for even searing
  • Double the recipe and freeze in portions for quick weeknight prep.
  • This marinade works great as a salad dressing too—just whisk in 1 tsp of Dijon.
  • Use it on skewers for perfect grilled kabobs.
  • For extra flavor, reserve a tablespoon to drizzle over the final dish before serving.
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About Stephanie Alvarado

I am a Los Angeles-based, first generation Salvadoran/Guatemalan-American creator and home cook with a passion for experimenting in the kitchen. I started my blog, thisisavocado.com, in November 2020 as a creative outlet for expressing my love for all things food.

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