Some recipes earn a permanent spot in the dinner rotation, and this Slow Cooker Mediterranean Pulled Pork is one of them. It’s been a favorite in my freezer meal collection for years because it’s incredibly easy to make, packed with bright lemon-garlic flavor, and always a hit with my family.
I almost always make a double batch because it freezes beautifully and is one of my favorite meals to bring to friends who could use a little dinner help. The flavors remind me of pork souvlaki, but with the ease of a slow cooker. Pile the tender shredded pork into warm pitas with tzatziki, lettuce, tomatoes, and olives, or serve it over rice bowls or roasted potatoes for a meal everyone will love. This is an amazing freezer meal too (I originally shared this as part of the best freezer meals!)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No pre-cooking required. Simply add everything to the slow cooker and let it do the work.
- Perfect freezer meal. Prep ahead and freeze before cooking for an easy future dinner.
- Bright Mediterranean flavors. Lemon, garlic, oregano, and olive oil create an irresistible combination.
- Great for meal prep. Make a batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week.
- Family-friendly. Everyone can customize their own pita or bowl.
- Excellent for sharing. This is one of my go-to meals to bring to friends or new parents.
- Versatile serving options. Pitas, rice bowls, salads, roasted potatoes—it’s delicious every way.

Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the lemon zest. It adds incredible flavor and brightness.
- Make a double batch. You’ll be happy to have leftovers in the freezer.
- Shred directly in the juices. This helps keep the pork moist and flavorful.
- Crisp it before serving. A few minutes in a hot skillet creates delicious crispy edges.
- Use fresh lemons. The fresh juice and zest make a huge difference in flavor.
Customizations
- Add 1 teaspoon paprika for a slightly smoky flavor.
- Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Swap pork tenderloin for pork shoulder for an even richer result.
- Add chopped fresh parsley before serving.
- Turn it into a grain bowl with rice, quinoa, or farro.
- Serve over a Greek-style salad instead of in pitas.
Serving Suggestions
This pork is incredibly versatile. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:
Mediterranean Pitas
Stuff warm pita bread with:
- Lemon garlic pork
- Tzatziki
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Red onion
- Kalamata olives
- Feta cheese
Mediterranean Rice Bowls
Layer:
- Rice
- Lemon garlic pork
- Cucumber
- Tomatoes
- Olives
- Tzatziki
- Feta
With Roasted Potatoes
Serve alongside crispy roasted potatoes for a simple Mediterranean-inspired dinner.
Mediterranean Salad
Pile the warm pork on top of a Greek salad for a protein-packed meal.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pork shoulder instead of pork tenderloin?
Yes. Pork shoulder works beautifully and becomes extra tender. Cooking time may increase slightly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. This recipe is ideal for meal prep and freezer cooking.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Freeze cooked pork for up to 3 months.
What’s the best way to reheat this pork?
For the best texture, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and lightly crispy around the edges.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. The pork itself is naturally dairy-free. Simply skip feta and choose a dairy-free sauce if serving with toppings.

If you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, this Slow Cooker Mediterranean Pulled Pork delivers every time. The bright lemon-garlic flavor, tender shredded pork, and endless serving possibilities make it a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, stocking your freezer, or bringing dinner to a friend, this is one of those dependable recipes that’s always a winner.

Slow Cooker Mediterranean Pulled Pork
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Pork Tenderloin trimmed and cut into large chunks
- 2 lemons 1 juiced, 1 zested and juiced
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- 4-6 cloves garlic pressed
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons oregano dried
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
Instructions
- Freezing Instructions (before cooking): Label gallon freezer bag. Combine all ingredients into freezer bag and squeeze out any excess air. Massage ingredients around so they're all combined. Lay flat and put in the freezer.
- Make Now + Slow Cooker Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, until pork is tender and can be shredded with a fork
- Instant Pot InstructionsAdd all ingredients to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine. Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 25 minutes. Allow a 10-minute natural pressure release, then carefully release any remaining pressure. Shred the pork and return it to the juices before serving.
- Cooking From Frozen Instructions: Remove gallon bag from freezer. Allow to thaw overnight in the refrigerator on a plate or in an empty baking dish. Put contents of the bag in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until pork is easily shredded. OR this pork could be baked at 350 for 45 minutes or until pork is cooked through for a non-shredded option.
- Freeze after cooking. Allow cooked pork to cool completely. Store in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
- Serve With Suggestion: serve on pita with lettuce, tzatziki, tomato, onion and olives
Video
Photos by Laurelyn Harrig




Sara says
Favorite slow cooker recipe is Chinese 5 spice pork. It’s so flavorful and delicious!
Sweetphi says
Oh yum, I’m going to have to google a recipe for that, it sounds sooo good!
Susan Craig says
This is a great recipe. Crisping the finished meat in a skillet makes all the difference. My favorite crockpot meal is Maryland Crab Soup.
Sweetphi says
I love to crisp up the finished meat, good call, I should add that to the recipe card lol! And wow, crab soup sounds yummy!
Denise L says
I rarely use my slow cooker but this Mediterranean Pulled Pork recipe looks so delicious that I may drag it out today!
Sweetphi says
I think it’s worth the dragging out of the slow cooker 🙂
Lisa B says
My favorite in the slow cooker is cheesy potatoes. Just toss in the frozen hash browns and other ingredients and set it and forget. Always a crowd favorite. Making it tomorrow
Sweetphi says
Oh yum, how could one forget cheesy potatoes, so yummy!
Gail says
My fav is polenta cooked in a slow cooker. So easy and you only need to stir occasionally, and it turns out perfect every time – So you can spend all your time making other goodies to go with it.
Sweetphi says
I think you’ve mentioned polenta in the slow cooker before and I completely forgot about that, I neeeed to try that!!!