Garlic Salt with Herbs

I discovered this blend by accident when I ran out of fancy finishing salts at a dinner party and decided to mix what I had in my spice rack. The combination of garlic and herbs was so good that my guests actually asked for the recipe—and I've been making it ever since. There's something magic about how these simple dried ingredients transform into something that tastes nothing like the sum of their parts. Now it lives in a jar on my counter, ready whenever I need to add a little something to almost anything.

I remember standing in my kitchen on a lazy Sunday morning, with fresh focaccia cooling on the rack and this blend still warm in my hands from grinding. My partner walked in, smelled the herbs, and immediately asked what I was making—even though I was just mixing spices. That's when I knew this wasn't just another seasoning; it was something that would become part of how we cooked together.

Ingredients

• Sea salt: This is your base, so choose what feels right to you—fine grains blend more smoothly, but coarse crystals give you control over how much seasoning lands on each bite.
• Granulated garlic or garlic powder: Dried garlic has this concentrated punch that fresh can never quite replicate in a dry blend, and it keeps forever without turning bitter.
• Dried parsley: It might seem subtle, but parsley adds brightness without any sharpness—it's the friend who makes everyone else look good.
• Dried thyme: Earthy and slightly minty, thyme is what makes this blend feel sophisticated rather than just salty.
• Dried oregano: This brings warmth and a gentle Mediterranean vibe that plays beautifully with the garlic.
• Dried rosemary: Crush it gently before adding so the oils release—this one ingredient is doing half the work to make your blend smell incredible.
• Dried basil (optional): Add this if you want a slightly sweeter note, or skip it if basil isn't calling to you.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): A whisper of heat that nobody expects until it's already on their tongue.
• Black pepper (optional): Fresh ground makes all the difference here—pre-ground loses its voice too quickly.

Instructions

Combine your foundations:

Pour the sea salt and garlic into a medium bowl and give them a good stir together. You want them mixed at the molecular level before the herbs join the party, so the garlic is evenly distributed.

Add the herbs one by one:

Sprinkle in your parsley, thyme, oregano, and rosemary, stirring as you go so nothing settles to the bottom. This moment is when your kitchen will start to smell like something wonderful.

Mix until it's truly uniform:

Use a spoon or small whisk and really work it—you're looking for a blend where you can't spot any pockets of pure salt or pure herbs. Spend a minute here; it matters.

Taste and adjust:

Pinch a tiny bit between your fingers and taste it (yes, really). Does it need more thyme? More heat? Now's the time to listen to what it's telling you.

Move it to its forever home:

Transfer everything into an airtight jar or container. A pretty glass jar with a good seal is worth it, because you'll actually want to look at this while it's sitting on your counter.

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This blend became part of my cooking language the night I sprinkled it over roasted potatoes and watched someone I love close their eyes after the first bite. Food that makes people pause like that isn't just seasoning; it's become a small ritual in my kitchen.

When to Reach for This Blend

This seasoning works as hard as you let it. Sprinkle it on roasted vegetables while they're still hot so it sticks, or use it as a finishing salt on grilled chicken right before you serve it. I've thrown it on buttered popcorn at midnight, dusted it over fresh mozzarella and tomatoes, and stirred it into softened butter for bread. The versatility is almost dangerous—you'll find yourself adding it to things you never thought needed seasoning.

Storage and Shelf Life

Keep your blend in an airtight container away from light and heat, and it will stay vibrant for up to six months. I use glass jars with tight-fitting lids because they let me see when I'm running low and need to make another batch. If you live somewhere humid, add a small silica packet to the jar—it's a tiny detail that keeps your herbs from absorbing moisture and clumping.

Making It Your Own

This recipe is a foundation, not a rule book. If you love tarragon more than thyme, swap it out; if sage speaks to you, use that instead. Some people add a pinch of garlic salt instead of plain salt, or throw in a little lemon zest that they've dried themselves. The magic happens when you trust your own taste and adjust accordingly, making something that feels like you.

• Dried cilantro brings a brightness that works especially well if you use this blend on Mexican or Asian-inspired dishes.
• A tiny bit of smoked paprika transforms this into something completely different without needing to change anything else.
• Keep extra jars on hand so you can give them to people you cook for—homemade seasoning blends are gifts that actually get used.

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This simple blend has taught me that the best seasoning isn't about complexity or expense—it's about understanding your ingredients and trusting them to do their job. Make a jar this week.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What herbs are included in the garlic salt blend?

The blend includes dried parsley, thyme, oregano, rosemary, with optional basil and crushed red pepper flakes for heat.

→ Can fresh garlic be used instead of granulated garlic?

Fresh garlic is not recommended due to moisture, which affects texture and shelf life; dried granulated garlic works best.

→ How should the seasoning be stored?

Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months to preserve flavor and freshness.

→ What dishes pair well with this garlic salt and herb blend?

It enhances meats, roasted vegetables, breads like focaccia, and even pasta dishes with its fragrant, savory notes.

→ Is it possible to adjust the herb mix?

Yes, herbs can be customized or substituted with favorites like tarragon or sage to suit personal taste preferences.