Herbed Ranch Salt Mix
By Emma
Certified Culinary Professional
•
Recipe tested & approved
A spicy herb salt blend with dried parsley, thyme, celery salt, and a hint of smoked paprika. Use on popcorn, roasted veggies, or anywhere a punch of savory flavor is needed. Shelf life about three months, stored airtight at room temperature. Perfect for gifting in small spice jars with usage tips.
Prep:
6 min
Cook:
0 min
Total:
6 min
Servings:
1 cup
#seasoning
#spices
#flavoring
#easy recipes
#gifts
Popcorn needs flavor—barely salt is boring. Ranch salt, but not the usual. Twisted. Thyme swaps oregano. Smoked paprika sneaks in, smoky and warm. Parsley still green, fresh, bright. Celery salt for crunch, punch, a little edge. Garlic, onion powder ground fine, pepper dust sifts in. Mix it all, dry, easy. No fuss; just shake and sprinkle. Three months good if airtight, cool spot. Gifts? Yes, spice jar, tie on notes, usage ideas scribbled. Put on fries, popcorn, roasted squash, whatever demands flavor. Quick, simple, punchy. A blend, herbaceous but with a bark. Shelf life considered. Herb change, paprika surprise. You need four minutes, six tops.
Ingredients
- 50 ml (1/5 cup) dried parsley
- 25 ml (1 2/3 tbsp) dried thyme
- 15 ml (1 tbsp) celery salt
- 10 ml (2 tsp) smoked paprika
- 5 ml (1 tsp) onion powder
- 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) garlic powder
- 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) ground black pepper
About the ingredients
Dried herbs keep this mix stable, long-lasting without wilting or clumping. Parsley remains fresh-tasting, thyme takes oregano’s place to offer earthier, less sweet notes. Celery salt balances; a bit salty but adds texture. Smoked paprika swaps in for celery salt’s usual partner, chili powder or regular paprika, lending warmth and a shadow of smokiness. Onion and garlic powders ground fine, so they blend well, distribute evenly without soaking moisture. Pepper just a dash—bold but not overwhelming. Unsweetened, unsalted powders avoid overpowering. Store airtight to avoid humidity wrecking the mix. Keep cool, dark place. No refrigeration needed.
Method
- Combine parsley, thyme, celery salt, and smoked paprika in a bowl.
- Add onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Stir or whisk until evenly mixed.
- Transfer to an airtight jar or container.
- Label with usage suggestions like popcorn, fries, or salads.
- Store at room temperature. Use within about 3 months.
Cooking tips
No cooking involved. Measure carefully for balanced flavor. Stir dry ingredients thoroughly—no clumps, no pockets of salt powder. Use a whisk or fork. Pour into clean, dry container immediately; moisture ruins shelf life. Label with date and suggestions—popcorn, fries, salads, eggs. Shake before each use to redistribute fine powders. If it sits, powders may settle or cake slightly. Use within three months for best herb aroma and intensity. Longer means fading flavor. Package as gift? Jar with tight lid, handmade label, usage tips. Handy for spontaneous seasoning. Mix is versatile: sprinkle on roasted veggies or mix into dips as dry seasoning. Time effort negligible; easy on hands, eyes, brain.
Chef's notes
- 💡 Measure spices carefully. Too much of one lessens flavor balance. Use dry measuring cups for accuracy. Combine herbs and spices thoroughly. Stir with a whisk or fork. Avoid clumps. No pockets of salt. Store in airtight container to keep dry. Shake before using to mix contents. Label jar with contents and date.
- 💡 Consider gifting the mix. Cute jars work. Add a handmade label. Usage suggestions too. Tie on a note with tips. Specify the best ways to use it. Suggest using on popcorn, veggies, or salads. Make it personal. A little creativity adds charm. Homemade spice gifts are thoughtful.
- 💡 Store in cool, dark places. Avoid humidity. Heat and moisture ruin long-term storage. An airtight container essential for shelf life. Do not refrigerate. Cold can affect texture. A pantry spot is ideal. Ensure jars are dry before filling. Moisture impacts flavors negatively.
- 💡 Use this mix on multiple foods. Potatoes, simple dishes benefit greatly. Sprinkled on eggs adds flavor depth. Mix into dressings or dips for extra kick. Roasted meats can shine with this blend too. Versatility is key—don’t be shy. Sprinkle it freely, make it your own.
- 💡 Try customizing the mix. Swap out herbs for others if preferred. Dill or basil can shine in different ways. Adjust the spice level too. More smoked paprika for smokiness. Or heat with chili powder if desired. Experimenting is fun and rewarding. Make the flavor your own.
Common questions
How to make the herb salt last?
Store in an airtight jar. Keep in a cool, dry place. Light does affect herbs. Avoid moisture exposure. Using dry utensils when scooping helps.
Can I adjust the spices?
Yes, swap herbs for flavor combinations you prefer. Spice level can change too. Experiment a little. Dried herbs work best though.
Common uses for the mix?
On anything needing flavor. Popcorn, fries, salads. Use on roasted veggies or meats. Works well in dips too, boosts taste dramatically.
What if it clumps?
Usually from moisture. Shake well before use. If clumping persists, break apart gently. An added note: avoid using wet fingers or spoons.
