If you’re looking for an easy way to add lots of extra flavor to your cooking WITHOUT using any salt, these Homemade Salt-Free Seasonings are perfect for you! Get ready to whip up the best no-salt seasonings in no time with these 7 simple recipes.
Can someone please explain to me why the h$!! seasonings are soooo expensive? It seems like big spice companies blend up a few different herbs and spices and charge you up the rear for their “special blend” when, in reality, you can totally DIY your own no-salt seasoning blends in mere minutes.
It’s time to save money on your healthy low-sodium seasonings, and I’m going to show you how. But first, some background info.
Tommy and I have been budgeting every month since we got married in September 2017. We follow the Dave Ramsey program and have succeeded in becoming completely debt free.
But, that’s not to say that living in our world of rising costs is easy, even despite all the progress we’ve made.
Do you ever feel like you’re just spending your whole paycheck on food?? Us too! But since I’m a dietitian, I can’t just give up my way of eating and stop buying healthy foods to save some money. (Honestly, if you knew the crazy stuff that’s in processed foods, you wouldn’t want to eat it either.)
It’s become clear that I have to come up with other, more inventive ways to lower our grocery bill. In addition to meal planning, budgeting, and meal prepping, I’ve also been making my own sodium-free seasoning blends.
Jump to:
- What are the nutritional benefits of salt-free seasonings?
- Saving money with homemade seasoning blends:
- Why You’ll Love These Seasonings:
- Ingredients, Substitutions, & Uses
- 1. Fajita Seasoning
- 2. Italian Seasoning
- 3. Cajun Seasoning
- 4. Ranch Seasoning
- 5. Curry Seasoning
- 6. Taco Seasoning
- 7. Pumpkin Spice
- How To Make Salt-Free Seasoning
- How To Store Your Salt-Free Seasoning Blends
- Expert Tips & FAQ
- Recipes to use these seasonings
- Recipe
What are the nutritional benefits of salt-free seasonings?
As it turns out, you don’t need a bunch of salt to make things taste good. But, considering all the super salty processed and fast-food options out there, you’d never know!
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 9 in 10 adults in the United States exceed the daily recommended limit of 2,300 milligrams (mg) per day. In fact, the average daily sodium intake among US adults is over 3,400 mg, which is almost 150% of the daily limit!
So, why is this bad news? High sodium intake is linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. Salt can also make you hold on to a lot more water than usual, especially in the summer months.
Have you ever eaten something really salty and woken up with puffy hands from the water retention? You’re not alone. After a night on the town, my beautiful wedding ring barely fits, and that’s just depressing!
These salt-free seasoning recipes offer a range of benefits, particularly for certain folks. For example, individuals with high blood pressure, which affects over 45% of adults in the US, can benefit from reducing their salt intake by switching to a no-salt seasoning blend.
Additionally, those with kidney disease and older adults who may be more sensitive to the effects of sodium on blood pressure and overall health can benefit from reducing their salt intake. Finally, salt-free seasoning can be a great option for individuals who are watching their weight, as excess sodium can lead to water retention and bloating.
But, all is not lost. You can still make your foods SUPER delicious, all without adding a bunch of extra sodium. When I flavor my meals with any of these seasonings without salt I know I’m doing my body a favor while keeping my tastebuds happy.
Saving money with homemade seasoning blends:
When you visit the spice aisle at your grocery store, you’re not just paying for the herbs and spices — you’re also paying for the containers they come in. While this is useful when you’re first building a pantry, many of us have a tendency to toss (or hopefully recycle) our empty spice jars.
I implore you: STOP wasting your money buying pre-packaged spices.
I’ve learned that buying spices in bulk is so much cheaper than buying spices in the spice aisle. I often buy mine at Winco, but Mexican supermercados and international grocery stores are also great sources of a wide variety of inexpensive bulk spices.
All you have to do is get your bulk spices, mix them up in a small bowl (for seasoning blends), and then decant them into your old containers. If you wanna give your pantry a little upgrade, I highly recommend investing in matching pretty spice containers like these:
Why You’ll Love These Seasonings:
One of the simplest ways to improve your home cooking is by becoming more familiar with your spice cabinet. Dried herbs and spices add depth and complexity to dishes, enhancing the overall flavor profile without adding any extra sodium to your dishes.
Different herbs and spices have distinct flavors and aromas that can be used to elevate different types of dishes, such as cumin for Mexican dishes or oregano for Italian dishes.
Dried seasonings are often less expensive than fresh herbs, making them a cost-effective way to add flavor and nutrition to dishes. They are also more accessible, as they can be found in most grocery stores year-round.
Aside from adding a big boost of flavor to your favorite meals, these salt-free seasoning recipes are also:
- Quick & Easy To Make – Measure, mix, and decant. That’s the whole of it! Each spice blend takes less than 5 minutes to make, making this one of the most low-lift ways to improve your cooking that I know of.
- Convenient – As a working mama of 2 little ones, I need all the help I can get. By pre-blending spices into a mix, I can reach for just one jar of flavor-boosting goodness rather than emptying my whole spice cabinet.
- Budget-Friendly – Making your own salt-free seasonings can be more cost-effective than purchasing pre-made blends, especially if you already have a well-stocked spice rack at home and/or have easy access to bulk spices.
- Super Versatile – Homemade salt-free seasonings can be tailored to your personal taste preferences and dietary needs. You can experiment with different herbs, spices, and other flavorings to create unique blends that suit your palate.
- Wholesome & Healthy – By making your own salt-free seasonings, you can control the amount of sodium in your food and reduce your risk of health problems associated with excess sodium intake, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
Ingredients, Substitutions, & Uses
Keep in mind that each no-sodium seasoning recipe can be customized by adding more or less of each spice, or adding your own secret “special sauce” ingredients. Below I list the herbs and spice ratios my family likes, as well as how I like to use them in the kitchen.
1. Fajita Seasoning
Say goodbye to salt-induced thirst and hello to fiesta-worthy flavors with my salt-free fajita seasoning! Packed with zesty spices like chili powder, paprika, and oregano it’s sure to give your taste buds a spicy kick in the right direction.
Uses: This salt-free fajita seasoning is what I use for my Chicken Fajita Tacos! It’s also great for making sheet pan fajitas or adding zippy Mexican-inspired flavor to roasted veggies and grilled meats.
- Salt-free Chili Powder – For a smoky and spicy flavor. In case you didn’t know, chili powder is actually a seasoning blend in and of itself. It generally contains several types of ground-dried chiles plus warming spices like cumin. You can also swap in smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes to add heat and smokiness.
- Paprika – For a mild sweetness and a rich red color. Feel free to use sweet paprika, smoked paprika, or even hot paprika if you’re an adventurous eater. You can also use ancho chili powder or tomato powder to add color and flavor to the blend.
- Garlic Powder – For a mild hit of sweet, garlicky pungency. While you can’t add them to a shelf-stable blend, feel free to add minced fresh garlic, garlic paste, or roasted garlic to the meal while cooking. Alternatively, you can use an Indian ingredient known as asafoetida (a.k.a. hing) to add garlic flavor without any alliums. Just note that some asafoetida brands are processed with wheat, so read your labels if you are gluten-sensitive.
- Cumin – When you smell fajitas or tacos, cumin is one of the most obvious standouts. It’s used for adding a warm and earthy flavor with a hint of bitterness. Coriander, caraway seeds, or garam masala are all potential swaps.
- Oregano – If possible, reach for Mexican oregano for a brighter, more citrusy flavor than Italian or Greek oregano. If you don’t have any, marjoram or “true” oregano are acceptable substitutes.
- Black Pepper – For a mild heat and a pungent flavor. Use freshly ground black pepper for the best results. White pepper or cayenne pepper can be used to add a similar heat and pungent flavor.
- Onion Powder – For a complex sweet and savory allium flavor. Feel free to swap in dehydrated onion flakes instead. You can also wait and add minced fresh onion or shallots to the dish while cooking.
- Cayenne Pepper – For fiery heat and a fruity, smoky flavor. Red pepper flakes or other dried, ground chilies can be used instead.
- Cornstarch – For acting as a thickening agent to help the low-sodium fajita seasoning blend adhere to the meat and vegetables. Arrowroot powder, potato starch, or tapioca starch can all be used instead if corn is a no-no.
Yield: 2/5 cup or just under 7 tablespoons
2. Italian Seasoning
Want to add some amore to your dishes without the extra sodium? My salt-free Italian seasoning is the perfect match for any pasta, pizza, or sauce. With aromatic herbs like basil, oregano, and marjoram, it’s like a Tuscan vacation for your tastebuds!
Uses: This one goes great in my Layered Beef Noodle Casserole recipe! It’s also a delightful way to add a punch of flavor to salad dressings, hummus, pasta dishes, pizza, soups, and stews.
- Oregano – This real Italian staple adds a distinct pungent taste, but if you’re out of it, you could try using marjoram, thyme, basil, or rosemary instead.
- Marjoram – This spice is a little milder and sweeter than oregano, but it still brings that herbaceous kick. Feel free to swap it for oregano, thyme, basil, or sage.
- Thyme – Thyme is another herb you’ll often find in Italian seasoning blends. It has a fresh, minty flavor with a hint of lemon and goes great with oregano, rosemary, sage, or marjoram.
- Dried Basil – A classic addition that brings a sweet and aromatic taste to the Italian blend. If you don’t have any, you can try using oregano, thyme, marjoram, or parsley instead.
- Dried Sage – This herb adds an earthy and slightly bitter taste that provides depth and complexity. If you don’t have any sage, try swapping it for oregano, thyme, marjoram, or rosemary.
Yield: 1/2 cup or 8 tablespoons
3. Cajun Seasoning
Get ready to spice up your life with my salt-free cajun seasoning. With a fiery blend of paprika, cayenne, and garlic, it’s perfect for adding some Southern heat to your dishes. So, laissez les bons temps rouler and pass the hot sauce, y’all!
Uses: It’s perfect for those times when you want to add a little kick to your food without all the extra salt. I love using Cajun seasoning on my fish, like for my Blackened Tilapia With Mango Avocado Slaw. It also goes great in traditional Cajun dishes like jambalaya or for adding some sweet Louisiana heat to your grilled meats.
When it comes to making a no-salt cajun seasoning blend, each spice plays an important role in creating a unique and flavorful taste:
- Salt-free Chili Powder – For a bit of heat and a smoky flavor. If you don’t have any on hand, you could try using cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes instead.
- Black Pepper – For even more heat, as well as a sharp and slightly bitter taste.
- Oregano – For some herbal notes and a slightly minty and lemony flavor.
- Garlic Powder – For a savory kick of allium goodness. You can substitute with fresh garlic if you prefer, but you’ll need to wait until you’re actually cooking to add it.
- Onion Powder – For a sweet and slightly pungent taste you could swap for dehydrated onion flakes. You can also wait to add fresh onion or scallions to whatever dish you’re cooking.
- Cayenne Pepper – The real star of the show, bringing intense heat to the blend. If you can’t handle the heat, you could use less of it or substitute it with paprika, which has a milder and sweeter taste.
- Paprika – For a subtly sweet flavor and bright red color. Feel free to use either sweet paprika as suggested, or swap in smoked paprika or hot paprika for even more flavor.
- Thyme – Great for reinforcing oregano’s minty, lemony qualities.
Yield: Just under 1/2 cup, or 7 tablespoons
4. Ranch Seasoning
Who needs a packet of Hidden Valley when you can have my salt-free ranch seasoning? With a blend of tangy herbs like dill, parsley, and chives, it’s like a flavor party in your mouth. So go ahead, add it to your veggies, dip it in your chips, or sprinkle it on your popcorn — everything’s better with ranch!
NOTE: You’ll need to combine this one in a food processor, spice blender, or mortar and pestle because of the chives. Just pulse until the chives are all flaked and everything is combined.
Uses: I love this homemade ranch-flavored salt-free seasoning blend in my buffalo chicken dip recipes. It also goes great with many of my other great freezer meals here. You’re also welcome to stir it into some plain Greek yogurt for a delicious, protein-packed veggie dip!
- Dried Parsley – For a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the blend. If you don’t have dried parsley, you could substitute it with fresh parsley leaves that have been finely chopped or other fresh herbs like basil or cilantro.
- Dill Weed – For a unique flavor that adds a slightly sweet and tangy taste to the seasoning blend. If you don’t have dill weed, you could substitute it with fresh or dried tarragon or fennel seeds.
- Garlic Powder – For a savory and pungent taste to the seasoning blend. If you don’t have garlic powder, you could substitute it with fresh garlic cloves that have been minced or other garlic substitutes like garlic flakes or granulated garlic.
- Onion Powder & Onion Flakes – Onion powder adds a slightly sweet and sharp taste to the seasoning blend whereas onion flakes have a slightly sweeter and milder taste.
- Black Pepper – For a spicy and pungent taste to the seasoning blend. If you don’t have black pepper, you could substitute it with other types of peppercorns like white pepper, pink pepper, or green pepper.
- Dried Chives – For a mild and onion-like flavor to the seasoning blend. If you don’t have dried chives, you could substitute them with finely chopped fresh chives (don’t add them until you’re cooking) or other onion substitutes like onion flakes or granulated onion.
- Oregano – If you don’t have oregano, you could substitute it with other Mediterranean herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil.
Yield: Just under 1/3 cup, or 6 tablespoons.
5. Curry Seasoning
Say goodbye to boring dinners and hello to my homemade curry powder. With a blend of exotic spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander, it’s like a one-way ticket to Flavortown. So grab your apron and get ready to impress your taste buds with this homemade flavor explosion!
Uses: This one could go great on some chicken or curried beef! It’s also excellent for adding lots of flavor to roasted veggies, mixing into Greek yogurt chicken salad, or using in various soups, stews, and dals.
- Coriander – For a slightly sweet and citrusy flavor that can add a bright and fresh note to a curry blend. If you don’t have coriander, you could try substituting it with a mix of cumin and dried lemon zest.
- Cumin – For a warm and earthy flavor that adds depth and complexity to the curry blend. It’s also a good source of iron and may have anti-inflammatory effects. If you don’t have cumin, you could try substituting it with coriander or a mix of caraway and fennel seeds.
- Turmeric – For a warm and slightly bitter flavor and vibrant yellow color. If you don’t have turmeric, you could try substituting it with a mix of cumin and paprika for color.
- Dried Ground Ginger – For a spicy and slightly sweet taste that adds warmth and depth. It’s also known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. If you don’t have dried ginger, you could try substituting it with fresh ginger that has been grated or minced — just don’t add it until you’re cooking since it won’t be shelf-stable.
- Dried Mustard – For a pungent and slightly bitter taste that adds a unique flavor. If you don’t have dried mustard, you could try substituting it with a mix of turmeric and cayenne pepper.
- Black Pepper – For a sharp and spicy taste that adds a little kick. It may also improve digestion and absorption of nutrients. If you don’t have black pepper, you could try substituting it with white pepper or a mix of cumin and coriander.
- Cinnamon – For a sweet and warm taste that adds a cozy and comforting flavor to a curry blend. If you don’t have cinnamon, you could try substituting it with a mix of cardamom and cloves.
- Cayenne Pepper – For a spicy and slightly smoky taste that adds heat and depth. It’s also high in capsaicin, which may have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. If you don’t have cayenne pepper, you could try substituting it with red pepper flakes or a mix of paprika and black pepper.
- Red Chili Flakes – For an added layer of heat. Feel free to swap in extra cayenne or a mix of paprika and black pepper.
Yield: Just over 1/2 cup, or 9 tablespoons
6. Taco Seasoning
Get ready to spice up your Taco Tuesday with my salt-free taco seasoning recipe. Packed with a fiesta of flavors like chili powder, cumin, and garlic, it’s like a party in your mouth without the added sodium. So grab a margarita and get ready to dance your way to a delicious dinner!
Uses: There are SO many ways to use this no-sodium taco seasoning mix. It’s amazing in these vegan black bean tacos and even in my healthy taco salad recipe. It’s also great for sautéing ground meat like chicken or turkey, adding to your meatloaf for a fun Tex-Mex flavor, or stirring into plain Greek yogurt for a zesty veggie dip.
- Salt-Free Chili Powder – Chili powder is a blend of spices, including ground chilies, cumin, and garlic. It adds a slightly spicy and earthy flavor to this taco seasoning mix. If you can’t find a no-sodium chili powder, you can make your own.
- Garlic Powder – If you don’t have garlic powder, you could use fresh minced garlic when it’s time to get cooking or use garlic salt (but be careful to adjust the salt content in the recipe accordingly).
- Onion Powder – For a lovely sweet and savory flavor. If you don’t have onion powder, you could use dried onion flakes, or add fresh minced onion when you start cooking.
- Paprika – For a smoky and slightly sweet flavor. If you don’t have sweet paprika, you could use smoked paprika, hot paprika, or a combination of cumin and cayenne pepper for a similar flavor.
- Cumin – A key spice in many Mexican and Southwestern dishes, this adds a warm and earthy flavor to the taco seasoning mix. If you don’t have cumin, you could use coriander or a combination of smoked paprika and chili powder.
- Black Pepper – For a sharp and slightly pungent flavor. If you don’t have black pepper, you could use white pepper or omit it altogether.
- Cayenne Pepper – For a spicy and slightly sweet flavor. If you don’t have cayenne, you could use red pepper flakes or omit it altogether for a milder seasoning mix.
Yield: Just over 3/4 cup or 13 tablespoons
7. Pumpkin Spice
Who needs a spendy Starbucks PSL when you have homemade pumpkin spice seasoning on hand? With a cozy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, it’s like a warm hug in a jar. So break out your flannel and get ready to fall in love with this autumn-inspired flavor bomb!
It’s important to note that the proportions of these spices in the pumpkin spice seasoning blend can vary based on personal preference. You could also add a pinch of salt or a sweetener like brown sugar to the blend to enhance the flavors.
Uses: Perfect for adding deliciously cozy vibes to everything from your morning coffee and oatmeal to your favorite cookies and pies.
- Cinnamon – This is the main spice in pumpkin spice seasoning, giving it its warm, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor. If you don’t have cinnamon, you could use a combination of nutmeg and allspice for a similar flavor.
- Dried Ground Ginger – For a spicy and piquant flavor. If you don’t have ginger, you could use ground cloves or cardamom instead.
- Cloves – For a strong and slightly bitter flavor. If you don’t have cloves, you could use a combination of nutmeg and allspice instead.
- Nutmeg – For a nutty and slightly sweet flavor. If possible, try to use freshly grated nutmeg for the best flavor. If you don’t have nutmeg, you could use mace or allspice instead.
Yield: Just over 1/3 cup, or just under 6 tablespoons
How To Make Salt-Free Seasoning
Making a homemade spice blend is a great way to elevate the flavor of your favorite dishes and add your own personal touch. It’s also super fast and easy! Here’s how it’s done:
Step 1: Choose your spices. Start by selecting the spices you want to include in your blend. Consider the flavors of the dish you’ll be using the blend in and what spices would complement those flavors. You can use a combination of dried herbs, spices, and seasoning blends.
Step 2: Gather your equipment. You’ll need some basic kitchen tools to make a spice blend, including measuring spoons, a spice grinder or mortar and pestle, and a small mixing bowl.
Step 3: Measure and grind the spices. Use a measuring spoon to measure out the appropriate amount of each spice, and grind them if needed. Some spices, like dried chives, cinnamon sticks, or whole nutmeg, will need to be ground before mixing.
Step 4: Mix the spices. Add the ground spices to a small mixing bowl and stir until well combined. Use a spoon or your hands to mix the spices thoroughly.
Step 5: Taste and adjust. Once you’ve mixed your spices, give them a taste to see if they need any adjustments. You can add more of a particular spice or add other ingredients to fine-tune the flavor.
Step 6: Store properly. Once you’ve made your spice blend, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to maintain its flavor and freshness. Be sure to label the container with the name of the spice blend and the date you made it.
Remember, there’s no one right way to make a homemade spice blend. Experiment with different spices and proportions until you find a blend that works for you and your favorite dishes.
How To Store Your Salt-Free Seasoning Blends
Once you have your salt-free seasoning blend mixed up, all you need to do is decant it into a clean, airtight container (e.g. old spice bottles) and store them in a cool, dark, and dry spot.
How long do homemade spice blends stay fresh?
Generally speaking, dried ground spices have a shelf-life of about 6 months to a year. If possible, using whole spices that you grind yourself will give you better flavor and a longer lifespan.
Expert Tips & FAQ
Reducing sodium intake is important for maintaining good health and preventing chronic diseases. Here are some tips for replacing salt in your day-to-day cooking:
1. Use herbs and spices: Herbs and spices can add a lot of flavor to dishes without the need for salt. Use fresh or dried herbs, such as basil, oregano, thyme, or rosemary, or spices like cumin, coriander, or paprika.
2. Use citrus: Fresh lemon or lime juice, or citrus zest, can add a bright and tangy flavor to dishes. Try squeezing fresh lemon juice over grilled chicken or fish, or adding lime zest to a stir-fry.
3. Try vinegars: Vinegars can add tangy flavors to dishes without the need for salt. Use balsamic, apple cider, or red wine vinegar to add depth of flavor to salads, roasted vegetables, or marinades.
4. Use low-sodium or no-sodium broths: Broths can add flavor to soups, stews, and sauces. Look for low-sodium or no-sodium options to reduce the sodium content.
5. Experiment with new flavors: Try using new ingredients to add flavor to dishes. Umami-rich ingredients like mushrooms, miso, or tomato paste can add depth of flavor to dishes without adding tons of salt.
6. Avoid processed and packaged foods: Many store-bought convenience foods and fast foods contain high amounts of sodium. Try to cook more meals from scratch using fresh, whole ingredients.
Remember, when reducing salt in your cooking, it’s important to taste your food to ensure it’s properly seasoned. It may take some time to adjust to lower-sodium foods, but over time, your taste buds will adapt and you’ll appreciate the natural flavors of the food more.
If you’re someone with a green thumb, consider growing your own fresh spices and drying your bumper crops. If possible, try growing the herbs from seed for the greatest cost savings.
Drying herbs at home is a great way to preserve their flavor and aroma for future use. Here’s a simple guide:
Step 1: Harvest the herbs. The best time to harvest herbs for drying is in the morning after the dew has evaporated but before the sun is too high in the sky. Harvest herbs that are healthy, with no signs of pests or diseases.
Step 2: Wash the herbs with cool water to remove any dirt or debris. Shake off any excess water or gently pat them dry with a paper towel.
Step 3: Bundle the herbs with twine or rubber bands. You can create small bundles of a single herb, or mix different herbs together in a larger bundle.
Hang the herbs: Hang the herb bundles upside down in a warm, dry place with good air circulation. A well-ventilated room or a covered porch works well. Make sure the herbs are not exposed to direct sunlight or humidity.
Step 4: Wait patiently. Allow the herbs to dry for 1-2 weeks, depending on the thickness of the stems and leaves. Check on the herbs regularly and discard any that show signs of mold or rot.
Step 5: Store. Once the herbs are dry, remove the leaves from the stems and store them in an airtight container. Label the container with the name of the herb and the date it was dried. Store the herbs in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Alternatively, you can also dry herbs in the oven or in a dehydrator. To dry herbs in the oven, spread the herbs on a baking sheet and bake them at the lowest temperature for 2-4 hours, until they are dry and crispy. To dry herbs in a dehydrator, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Recipes to use these seasonings
Recipe
7 Homemade Salt-Free Seasoning Blends
Equipment
Ingredients
Fajita Seasoning
- 2 tbsp salt-free chili powder
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dry oregano
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
Italian Seasoning
- 3 tbsp dry oregano
- 2 tbsp dry thyme
- 1 tbsp marjoram
- 1 tbsp dry basil
- 1 tbsp dry sage
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Cajun Seasoning
- 1 tbsp salt-free chili powder
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp dry thyme
- 1 ½ tsp dry oregano
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
Ranch Seasoning
- 2 tbsp dry parsley flakes
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp dry dill weed
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp dry chives
- 1 tsp onion flakes
- 1 tsp dry oregano
- 1 tsp black pepper
Curry Seasoning
- 3 tbsp coriander
- 2 tbsp cumin
- 2 tbsp tumeric
- 1 tsp dry ground ginger
- 1 tsp dry mustard powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp red chili flakes
Taco Seasoning
- 5 tbsp salt-free chili powder
- 3 tbsp cumin
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
Pumpkin Pie Spice
- ¼ cup cinnamon
- 1 tbsp dry ground ginger
- 1 tsp cloves
- 1 tsp nutmeg
Instructions
- For the ranch seasoning, blend all ingredients in a food processor until the chives and onion flakes are ground into a powder.
- For all other seasoning blends, add the spices to a bowl and stir until well combined!
Notes
- Fajita Seasoning – 2/5 cup or just under 7 tablespoons
- Italian Seasoning – 1/2 cup or roughly 8 tablespoons
- Cajun Seasoning – Just under 1/2 cup, roughly 7 tablespoons
- Ranch Seasoning – Just under 1/3 cup, or roughly 6 tablespoons
- Curry Seasoning – Just over 1/2 cup, or roughly 9 tablespoons
- Taco Seasoning – Just over 3/4 cup, or roughly 13 tablespoons
- Pumpkin Pie Spice – Just over 1/3 cup, or roughly 6 tablespoons
Pin me for later!
xoxo Megan
Looking forward to these great recipes
How can I print these for my use?
Great question, I don’t have a printable version of these but I will be updating this post within the next month or 2 and will be adding a printable along with it! 🙂
My favorite place to buy spice is Savory Spice Shop. The spices are more expensive than grocery store blends, but, they don’t have the fillers and their flavors are more intense. I do avoid some of their seasoning packets because they usually contain salt. I, personally, dislike the taste of too much salt, so most everything I cook is almost salt-free. My husband, on the other hand loves salt, so these blends are a great choice.
Can’t wait to try the Cajun blend. Each one I try taste different. Just want one that consistent and making my own will do that.
The cajun one is my personal favorite, so excited for you to try it!
Do you happen to have a lemon pepper recipe?
I don’t, I’m so sorry! This one looks pretty good though!
sorry…which one are you referring to..for the lemon pepper?
No lemon pepper recipe, but that’s a great idea to add to this post!
Chili powder contains sodium.
I’ve made the taco seasoning and ranch seasoning. But, now I am not sure how much to use if a recipe calls for a packet of taco seasoning or ranch seasoning. Please help.
Hi there! If a recipe calls for 1 packet of taco seasoning or ranch seasoning, that equates to 2 tbsp of seasoning in both cases! Hope that helps!
Thank you sooo much for the spice recipes. I am a Louisiana Girl and I love my Cajun and creole seasonings (full of salt), but my doc has banned me from salt. I’ve spent a small fortune trying other salt free seasonings…now I can blend my own!
My husband who LOVES salt (I can’t have it anymore) loves these fajita and taco seasonings better than the store bought versions!
I’m going to try the ranch mix next. How much would you use for ranch dip? (Regular size container of sour cream – or even dressing?)
Thank you so much for all of this!!
Hi there! I’m so glad I could help! I would try 1 tablespoon ranch mix per 1/2 cup of sour cream. You may need to use a little more since there isn’t salt in the mix, just to make sure there’s plenty of flavor! 🙂
store bought chili powder has salt in it
You’re completely right it does, but not very much, about 40 mg per teaspoon. When I wrote this post years ago I should have titled it “low sodium” seasonings instead. This one definitely needs updating!
Los Chileros brand puts out a no sodium chili powder. Can be found on Amazon.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, I’m still quite young, but I’ve had three heart attacks,an my many doctors can’t tell me why, other than that I’m the healthiest person around,but so tired of bland food, these recipes
are awesome thank you so much for sharing
I’m so glad you’ve found these salt-free seasonings, they will definitely come in handy!
I live on the East Coast and eat a lot of seafood. Do you have a combination of spices that lend itself to coastal eating?
Although I don’t have a specific spice blend for seafood, I use a blackened seasoning on my fish quite often, you can find that recipe here!
where can i buy winco spices in bulk
Hi there!
You can buy spices in the bulk section of the grocery store. Not all grocery stores have bulk spices, but Winco definitely does! I hope that helps 🙂
Walmart has some.
Terrific article
Thank you so much! 🙂
Thanks so much for the inspiration I will be doing my prep this weekend to make sure I have plenty of seasoning options at hand. I have inflammation in my ear and the doc says no salt!! Very tricky as I am a chef and I LOVE salt.
I think you’ll love these blends. I am a salt lover myself, but I still really like these blends because they’re so flavorful! 🙂
I’m looking forward to trying these. Hubby has a heart condition and we were told to stop using No Salt!
I am looking forward to trying these!
Let me know what you think! 🙂
These all sound great! When it doesn’t specifically say to use dried herbs, are fresh herbs to be used? Luckily, I have all these ingredients either in my cupboard or in the herb garden. Thank you for your reply.
Hi Barbara! I used all dry herbs since they’re much easier to work with for seasoning mixes. You could dry herbs from your garden and use them though! 🙂
I’ve never responded to anything on the internet before now but Iam so excited to buy these ingredients and make these awesome salt free seasonings tomorrow..I’m so burned out using just Garlic powder on all my food..
Ty again.
Julien, this makes me so happy! I’m so glad I could help! 🙂
I LOVE all of these homemade seasoning recipes! I agree that it can be SO expensive to buy them pre-made and so many of them are loaded with sodium! Love how you can control the sodium level with these DIY rubs! Will definitely try them out! Thanks for sharing your recipes! 🙂
Wow thank you so much for the great feedback! 🙂 I’m feeling the love lol Let me know what you think of them once you try them out!