If you’re looking for an easy way to add fresh flavor to everyday meals, this Homemade Garlic Herb Salt is a pantry staple you’ll reach for again and again.
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Made with fresh herbs, garlic, and sea salt, this simple seasoning blend adds delicious flavor to roasted vegetables, chicken, potatoes, pasta, homemade bread, and so much more.
Whether you grow herbs in your garden or buy them fresh from the grocery store, making your own herb salt is an easy way to preserve their flavor and stock your homemade pantry with versatile seasonings.
It also makes a thoughtful homemade gift tucked into a mason jar with a ribbon and handwritten tag.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made with fresh herbs and garlic
- Easy to customize
- Perfect for everyday cooking
- Great for homemade gifts
- A wonderful addition to your homemade pantry
- Supports simple homemade living
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarse sea salt or kosher salt
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
How to Make Garlic Herb Salt
1. Prepare the Herbs
Wash the herbs thoroughly and pat them completely dry.
Remove the rosemary and thyme leaves from the stems and finely chop all of the herbs.
2. Mince the Garlic
Finely mince the garlic cloves.
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For an even finer texture, pulse the garlic in a food processor.
3. Mix Everything Together
Combine the salt, herbs, and garlic in a large bowl.
For a finer seasoning, pulse everything together in a food processor several times.
4. Dry the Mixture
Spread the herb salt onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Allow it to air dry overnight, or dry in a 170°F oven for 30–45 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
The garlic and herbs should be completely dry before storing.
5. Store
Transfer the finished garlic herb salt to clean mason jars or airtight spice jars.
Store in a cool, dry pantry.
How to Use Garlic Herb Salt
This versatile seasoning is delicious on:
- Roasted potatoes
- French fries
- Chicken
- Pork chops
- Steak
- Grilled vegetables
- Homemade bread
- Garlic bread
- Focaccia
- Pasta
- Eggs
- Buttered popcorn
- Avocado toast
- Homemade croutons
It also makes an excellent seasoning for olive oil bread dipping.
Tips for Success
Use fresh herbs for the brightest flavor.
Be sure the garlic and herbs are completely dry before storing to prevent spoilage.
If you prefer a finer seasoning, pulse everything in a food processor after the mixture has dried.
Variations
Italian Garlic Herb Salt
Add:
- Fresh basil
- Oregano
- Marjoram
Perfect for pasta and pizza.
Lemon Garlic Herb Salt
Add 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest before drying.
Excellent on fish and chicken.
Spicy Garlic Herb Salt
Mix in ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes.
Garden Herb Salt
Use whatever fresh herbs are growing in your garden, including sage, dill, chives, parsley, thyme, or oregano.
Storage
Store Garlic Herb Salt in an airtight jar or container in a cool, dry pantry.
For the best flavor, use within 6 to 12 months.
Homemade Gift Idea
Fill small mason jars with garlic herb salt and tie them with twine or ribbon.
Pair with:
- Homemade herb-infused olive oil
- Fresh baked bread
- A wooden spoon
- A bottle of herbal vinegar
It’s a thoughtful gift for Christmas, housewarmings, teachers, neighbors, or anyone who enjoys cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried herbs?
Yes. Substitute about 2 tablespoons total dried herbs for the fresh herbs. Since dried herbs are more concentrated, you’ll need less.
What salt works best?
Coarse sea salt and kosher salt both work well. Flaky sea salt makes an attractive finishing salt.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes. Use 2 teaspoons garlic powder if you prefer a shelf-stable version that doesn’t require drying.
Why do I need to dry the mixture?
Drying removes moisture from the fresh garlic and herbs, helping the seasoning last longer and preventing mold during storage.
More Homemade Herb Salt Recipes
If you love simple homemade living and from scratch living, be sure to explore more homemade pantry staples, including herb salts, infused olive oils, herbal vinegars, homemade seasoning blends, flavored sugars, vanilla extract, and other easy recipes that help stock your pantry with delicious homemade ingredients.
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