Seasoning salt is a trusted game-changer for most of our favorite dishes. But, store-bought versions are not so great for your clean diet. This homemade version is healthier with just 6 simple ingredients!
If you love your store-bought seasoning salt but hate the unhealthy ingredients that come with it, look no further. I’ve got the perfect homemade recipe for you.
I grew up on Lawry’s and what can I say… It just elevates every dish!
But store-bought seasoning usually comes with too much sodium and highly processed ingredients, so I’ve learned to skip that. Which is why I’ve decided to make my own homemade seasoning salt blend.
And honestly, I don’t know why I didn’t do this sooner!
You could put these on homemade burgers, oven roasted chicken, croutons, healthy chicken nuggets and the list goes on.
To top it all off, this homemade seasoning salt recipe only calls for 6 simple ingredients. It doesn’t get any simpler than that.
So if you’re looking to recreate your usual seasoning salt into a healthier homemade version… Follow this simple recipe and you may never look back.
What Is Seasoning Salt?
Seasoning salt is a blend of salt, herbs, and spices that you add to your savory dishes and snacks as needed.
It’s a simple addition to any recipe, but it definitely packs a unique, flavorful punch.
You’ll find a whole bunch of ready-made brands at your local store, or you could make your own mix and save yourself the trip, plus the unhealthy stuff.
What Is Lawry's Seasoned Salt Made Of?
Like most packaged goods you can find in a store, Lawry’s has a considerable amount of processed ingredients you might want to skip.
Here’s what you’ll find in a Lawry’s Seasoned Salt shaker, according to their website:
- Salt
- Sugar
- Spices, including paprika and turmeric
- Onion
- Cornstarch
- Garlic
- Natural flavor
- Extractives of paprika
What's In Mccormick Seasoning Salt?
Mccormick Traditional Season Salt has more or less the same roster of ingredients, with more add-ons on the side.
Both this and Lawry’s highlight their “no MSG” component, though it’s best to make your own seasoning salt for full control of the flavor and ingredients.
These ingredients make up the Mccormick Seasoning Salt, as listed on their page:
- Salt and sugar
- Spices, such as chili pepper, paprika, and turmeric
- Corn maltodextrin
- Onion and garlic
- Tricalcium phosphate (this prevents lumps from forming in the powder)
- Extractive of paprika
- Natural flavor
What Is In This Homemade Seasoning Salt?
You might’ve noticed a few unfamiliar (not to mention complicated-sounding) ingredients in the pre-packaged seasoning salt listed above. While I’m sure they serve a good purpose, nothing beats the comfort and ease of something homemade.
This homemade seasoning salt recipe only calls for a few simple ingredients. What’s even better is that you probably already have these in your pantry!
Here’s what you’ll need to make your own homemade seasoning salt:
- Kosher salt: Like your regular salt, but waaay better. The thicker grains don’t easily dissolve when cooking, which helps you actually see how much you’re putting in your dish – perfect for a seasoning blend! Plus, it’s got less additives and iodine.
- Ground black pepper: It’s known to contain a number of nutrients, like calcium and iron. Freshly ground is ideal for this recipe, but pepper powder should work just fine.
- Paprika: Not only does it taste (and look) good, but it also comes with a bunch of antioxidants that are great for preventing heart disease.
- Garlic powder: Talking about the benefits of garlic would take all day. For starters, it’s a good resource for lowering your blood pressure. Not to mention, it’s practically an essential for that oh-so-savory flavor!
- Granulated onion: Onions, other than being a pantry staple, are loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Sugar: This recipe calls for coconut sugar specifically for an even healthier approach. It’s a great guilt-free alternative!
For an off day where you’re running low on these ingredients, or if you just aren’t a fan of one of these flavors, I got you covered. The great thing about herbs and spices is that you can swap one for another. So, having a handy guide to spice substitutes is a great help in the kitchen.
Why Should You Make Your Own?
For starters – it’s the healthier choice. With simple ingredients, no added preservatives, and and only 5 minutes… You’ll have your own seasoning salt mix without the unnecessary fillers.
I personally feel a lot better knowing exactly what ingredients go into my family’s meals and snacks.
Apart from health reasons, making your own seasoning mix in bigger batches will most likely cost less than buying store-bought brands. Consider this as another grocery shopping tip from me to you!
Another bonus is that you can customize your homemade seasoning salt depending on your taste and preference. Need more spice? More sweetness? Adjust your portions to taste, and you’ll end up with your favorite seasoning salt staple to go with your savory cravings.
How Do You Make Homemade Seasoning Salt?
The best part about this homemade seasoning salt is that it requires little to no effort at all.
Here’s all there is to it:
- Gather all your ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
- Transfer your blend in an airtight container or shaker and store in a cool, dry area. This will make your homemade seasoning salt good to use for up to six months.
And just like that, you have your new go-to seasoning salt – ready to use as needed!
For even easier prep, you could opt to throw all your ingredients directly in the airtight container and shake well. An already easy recipe, made even easier!
What Recipes Should I Sprinkle With Seasoning Salt?
This homemade seasoning salt recipe is crazy versatile, making it the perfect addition to any (if not all) of your savory favorites.
I use this seasoning on burgers, sliced avocados, sandwiches, scrambled eggs, chicken, pan roasted steak, and tons of other dishes. You can even add it to your own homemade healthy popcorn for your next movie night!
It’s super flexible, tasty and useful as a basic all-purpose seasoning. Try it out and let me know what you think!
More Homemade Seasoning Recipes
If you’re a fan of seasoning blends (or if I’ve successfully turned you into one)... Here are a few more homemade seasoning recipes and resources for you to try at home!
This post contains affiliate links for products I use regularly and highly recommend.
Homemade Seasoning Salt
*This post may contain affiliate links for products I use often and highly recommend.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon granulated onion
- ¼ teaspoon coconut sugar
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
- Use as needed.
- Can be stored in air-tight container or shaker for up to 6 months.
Stevi
Looking forward to trying this recipe!
paul
i found it ironic, you said "mexican coke" like its a bad thing... mexican coke is made with pure sugar and less additives, making it the better option..
abby
hi! i'm so happy i found this recipe. thanks, lacey. btw, i was just wondering if you used hungarian paprika or spanish paprika.
Christine L
This is GREAT! Thanks for sharing this recipe! So much better than the original.
Laurie
The secret ingredient missing is Tumeric. It also adds color.
Kathleen Shusta
Thank you Lacey! I like that this recipe cuts the salt in half and almost eliminates the sugar, leaves out the cornstarch... very good changes from the original recipe. And, "Yea!" I'm glad to see that you added in one of my favorite seasonings: black pepper! Hmmm… I happen to like turmeric… and it a very trendy seasoning now-a-days for it's health benefits, so I WOULD add that one back in. I was wondering why you chose to leave it out?
Lacey Baier
I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe concept, Kathleen! I personally don't cook with a lot of turmeric for no real reason lol, but I can see how that would be a great addition to the recipe.
Alice Boor
I just found your recipe for the seasoning salt. I love using the seasoning salt, but I don't like seeing the sugar being first, or almost first on the label. Can your recipe be used without the sugar? I know that the sugar in your recipe is at t he bottom, and that is great! Just wanted to know for my husband's sake.
Lacey Baier
Alice, that is a great question! I actually make this nowadays often with no sugar or with coconut sugar for an unrefined version. While no sugar will alter the flavor some, it will still work very well for whatever you would use seasoning salt for. Enjoy!
Marjie Lischer
How much does this make if you double or triple the recipe? thanks.
Lacey Baier
Hi Marjie. The recipe, as written, makes just shy of 2 tablespoons of the seasoning so 2x would be roughly 4 tablespoons (about 1/4 cup) and 3x would be roughly 6 tablespoons (about 1/3 cup). I hope that helps!