Basil Salt

If you’re looking for a simple way to add fresh, herby flavor to your dishes, basil salt is just the thing! With just two ingredients—coarse sea salt and fresh basil leaves—this seasoning salt is ready to sprinkle on roasted veggies, pasta or even grilled meats.

It’s a quick and easy recipe that lets you enjoy basil’s bright, aromatic taste year-round. Plus, learning how to make this salt at home means you can skip the expensive store-bought versions!

Ingredients for Basil Salt

• Coarse sea salt: Coarse salt has a hearty texture that clings beautifully to foods, giving each bite a burst of flavor. If you’re out of sea salt, kosher salt is a good alternative.
• Loosely packed basil leaves: Fresh basil leaves bring a vibrant, peppery taste that’s full of summer flavor. If basil isn’t in season, you can use other fresh herbs such as parsley or mint for a different twist.

Directions

Step 1: Pulse the salt and basil

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Preheat your oven to 225°F. In a small food processor, combine the salt and basil leaves. Pulse until the basil is finely chopped and evenly mixed with the salt. This step helps the basil infuse its flavor throughout the salt.

Step 2: Bake the mixture

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Spread the salt and basil mixture in a thin layer on a parchment-lined 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Bake it for about 30 minutes, or until the mixture appears completely dry. This slow baking process helps remove moisture from the basil without losing its flavor.

Step 3: Cool and store

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Take the pan out of the oven and allow the salt to cool fully in the pan. Once it’s cooled, store the mixture in an airtight container at room temperature, and it’ll be ready whenever you need a sprinkle of basil goodness!

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Recipe Variations

• Make it garlicky: Add a clove of garlic to the food processor for a basil-garlic salt that’s ideal for seasoning roasted potatoes or garlic bread.
• Add in other herbs: Swap some basil for other fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme or parsley to create different flavor profiles.
• Try it with zest: Add lemon or lime zest to the salt for a bright, citrusy twist. This variation works wonders on seafood dishes!

How to Store Basil Salt

Once the salt has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it at room temperature.

How long does this salt last?

This salt will last for up to two months. Keep it in a dry, cool spot such as a pantry or cupboard, so it stays fresh.

Basil Salt Recipe Tips

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How do you make this salt without an oven?

You can air-dry the basil instead. Spread the salt and basil mixture on a tray and let it sit at room temperature for one to two days, stirring occasionally, until the basil is completely dry. Once dry, store it in a tightly sealed container.

What can you use basil salt for?

This salt is fantastic for sprinkling on roasted vegetables, grilled meats, pasta or even fresh tomatoes. It adds a herby, salty punch to almost any savory dish.

Can I use dried basil for this salt?

While fresh basil gives a brighter flavor, you can use dried basil in a pinch. Just skip the baking step since dried basil doesn’t need to be dehydrated. Mix it with the salt and store as usual.

Does this work with other herbs?

Yes! You can use this same method with rosemary, thyme or even cilantro.