Outside of Greece, loukaniko is typically described as a pork sausage that is generously seasoned with orange zest and fennel. However, in Greece and Cyprus, the term encompasses fresh, smoked, or cured sausages that are prepared with different types of meat such as pork or lamb, and a variety of regionally influenced ingredients such as leeks, red wine, coriander, and typically orange zest and fennel.

Most commonly, loukaniko is grilled and enjoyed as an appetizer or a meze dish.