Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Mediterranean Olive and Herb Relish

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender slow-roasted pork shoulder served with a vibrant relish of Kalamata olives, fresh herbs, and lemon, evoking the rustic flavors of the Mediterranean coast. This mediterranean-inspired pork (mediterranean) ready in about 255 minutes pairs pork shoulder, olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 240 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F. Rub 4 lbs pork shoulder all over with 4 tbsp olive oil, 5 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp dried oregano, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Place in a roasting pan and roast uncovered for 4 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and the exterior is browned.
  2. Step 2: While the pork roasts, prepare the relish by combining 1 cup chopped Kalamata olives, 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 small finely diced red onion, and 1 tbsp red wine vinegar in a bowl. Stir gently to combine and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Once the pork is done, remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes. Shred the meat with two forks and serve topped with the Mediterranean olive and herb relish for a fresh, tangy contrast.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Mediterranean Olive and Herb Relish take to make?

Total time is about 255 minutes (15 min prep + 240 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Mediterranean Olive and Herb Relish?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Mediterranean Olive and Herb Relish?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Mediterranean Olive and Herb Relish for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Mediterranean Olive and Herb Relish?

Mediterranean pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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