seasoning salt

CondimentsYear-round

High in sodium due to its salt content; often contains garlic and onion powders, contributing minimal vitamins but adding flavor compounds. The nutritional value varies by formulation, with some brands containing added MSG for umami enhancement.

About

Seasoning salt is a processed blend of sodium chloride mixed with various dried herbs, spices, and sometimes monosodium glutamate (MSG) or other flavor enhancers. The base is typically a refined salt to which ingredients such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, celery seed, and sometimes turmeric or cayenne are added. Commercial seasoning salts vary significantly in composition and regional preference, with formulations ranging from simple herb-salt combinations to complex multi-ingredient blends. The mixture is designed to serve as a convenient all-purpose seasoning that delivers salt and complementary flavors in a single product, reducing the need for multiple seasonings during cooking.

Culinary Uses

Seasoning salt is used as a quick, versatile seasoning for a broad range of dishes across American, European, and international cuisines. It is commonly applied to meats before grilling or roasting, sprinkled over vegetables, used to season soups and stews, and mixed into dressings and marinades. Home cooks rely on seasoning salt for convenience when preparing everyday dishes; it is particularly prevalent in comfort food cooking and outdoor grilling. Some cuisines incorporate branded versions such as Lawry's seasoning salt into traditional recipes, making it a staple in certain regional cooking traditions.

Forms & Preparations

  • Granulated blend — The standard form: a dry, free-flowing mixture of salt granules with powdered herbs and spices, ready to use directly from the container.
  • Coarse-grain seasoning salt — A larger-grain variant that provides visible flecks and crunch, often used as a finishing salt on grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
  • Fine powder — A finely ground version that dissolves readily in liquids, preferred for use in soups, dressings, and marinades.
  • Flavored variants — Specialty blends such as celery salt-based seasoning, hickory-smoked seasoning salt, or lemon herb seasoning salt, formulated for specific applications.

Substitutes

  • Unknown — Combine kosher salt with individually measured garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper to approximate seasoning salt. Adjust ratios to taste; kosher salt is less dense than table salt, so use slightly more by volume.
  • Unknown — Mix fine sea salt with a homemade or store-bought herb blend (herbes de Provence, Italian seasoning, or zaatar). Substitute in equal measure; this provides more control over flavor intensity.
  • Unknown — Use as a partial replacement (reduce other salt in the recipe) if garlic flavor is primary; lacks the complexity of full seasoning salt.
  • Unknown — For precision in recipes, combine regular salt with separate pinches of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and pepper rather than using pre-mixed seasoning salt.

Recipes Using seasoning salt (9)

RCI-SF.002.0029.001

Bahamian Crab and Rice

The most important part of the national dish of the Bahamas. Eaten almost everyday with steamed Nassau grouper, coleslaw and fried plaintain especially between the months of June and August.

RCI-SF.001.0022.001

Baked Salmon

Baked Salmon from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.003.0064.001

California Avocado Bruschetta

California Avocado Bruschetta from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SW.002.0020.001

California Burgers

California Burgers from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.001.0195.001

Honey-Ginger Salmon

Salmon seasoned and glazed with honey and ginger extract combined. Grill for 20 minutes. Placed chopped onions and sweet pepper over Salmon and serve with grilled Asparagus and a starch of choice.

RCI-SP.001.0098.001

Pepper Soup Gambia

Pepper Soup Gambia from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.001.0157.001

Pilau Rice with Beef Stew

Pilau Rice with Beef Stew from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.002.0176.001

Stovies

Stovies is a traditional Scottish dish - originating mainly from the North Eastern counties of Angus and Aberdeenshire where even today the dish is still most commonly found and served.

RCI-EG.003.0161.001

Zucchini Appetizers

Zucchini Appetizers. This may be baked, frozen and reheated. May be reheated in microwave.