Rosemary Lemon Salt

Rosemary lemon salt is a simple yet vibrant seasoning blend that brings a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor to a variety of dishes. Made with four ingredients—fragrant rosemary, tangy lemon zest, fine sea salt and coarse sea salt—this homemade seasoning is perfect for enhancing the flavor of meats, vegetables, and even simple snacks.

The Perfect Way to Use Extra Rosemary: Homemade Rosemary Lemon Salt

If you have an abundance of rosemary growing in your garden, you’re in luck! This hardy herb often thrives with minimal care, and by the end of the growing season, you might find yourself with more than enough to go around.

Rather than letting it go to waste, there are plenty of creative ways to use up your rosemary. My favorite way to preserve fresh herbs it to make herbed salts to keep in my pantry.

Rosemary is my favorite herb to cook with! It has a bold, versatile flavor. It’s distinctive flavor allows it to pair with a wide range of dishes. I love adding it in with a pot roast, roasted chicken, or a sheet pan salmon dinner.

I also love to top my Sourdough Discard Crackers with it!

Adding Fresh Flavor With Quality Ingredients​

When it comes to adding a touch of gourmet flavor to everyday meals, a homemade seasoning blend like rosemary lemon salt can make all the difference. 

Making your own seasonings comes with several great benefits beyond just adding amazing flavor to your cooking. 

The best thing, is that one of the advantages is having full control over the ingredients. This allows you to avoid the artificial preservatives, anti-caking agents, and excess sodium often found in store-bought seasonings. 

Homemade seasonings are also more economical in the long run. With a few fresh ingredients, you can make a large batch that lasts for weeks, saving you from needing to buy multiple small bottles of pre-made blends. 

You can adjust the amount of salt, add different herbs, or even mix in spices like garlic powder or thyme to suit your personal taste preferences.

Plus, making your own seasoning blends can be a fun and creative process! Not only does it allow you to experiment with new flavors, but it also makes  thoughtful holiday gifts for friends and family who love to cook.

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What You’ll Need to Make Rosemary Lemon Salt

You will need the following ingredients

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• Rosemary- fresh rosemary is what you’ll need. If you don’t have any from your herb garden, you can get fresh rosemary from your grocery store. I like to opt for organic rosemary if I need to purchase at the store. 
• Lemon Zest-  you’ll need to zest of one small lemon. 
• Sea Salt-  you will need both coarse sea salt and fine sea salt.

You will need the following supplies:

• Food Processor or Blender- ​I use my beloved Ninja processor blender that I’ve had for years and years. It’s such a versatile kitchen gadget. 
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Citrus Zester
• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper

How to Make Rosemary Lemon Salt​

To start, you’ll want to wash and thoroughly dry your rosemary.

Next, remove rosemary leaves from the stem. Hold the top of the sprig with one hand, and use your other hand to pull down along the stem against the direction of growth. The leaves should easily strip off in one quick motion.

Add all of the rosemary leaves into a bowl.  Discard the woody stems.

Next, take the citrus zester and zest the lemon. 

To the food processor, add the rosemary leaves and lemon zest, along with the coarse sea salt. Pulse a few times.

Add in the fine sea salt. Pulse the mixture a few more times, allowing the salts and the rosemary to combine well. You will end up with a texture that resembles sand.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour out the salt mixture into a thin layer and allow to dry for 24 hours.

How to Store Rosemary Lemon Sea Salt

After your salt mixture has completely dried out, add it to an airtight container. A glass jar with a screw on lid works great! 

Using Rosemary Lemon Salt as a Finishing Salt

A finishing salt is a high-quality salt used to add a final touch of flavor, texture, and visual appeal to a dish just before serving.

Unlike regular cooking salt, which dissolves during the cooking process, finishing salts are typically coarser and are sprinkled on top to provide a subtle crunch and a burst of flavor in each bite.

Finishing salts are often used on meats, roasted vegetables, salads, and even desserts, enhancing both the taste and presentation of the dish.

A few of my favorite ways to use this salt:

• Mashed Potatoes– Add a sprinkle of rosemary lemon salt for an herbaceous, zesty finish.
• Salmon Fillets- Season salmon fillets with rosemary lemon salt before baking or grilling for a flavorful crust.
• Popcorn- Drizzle fresh popcorn with melted butter and finish with rosemary lemon salt for an unexpected gourmet snack.
• Garlic Bread- Sprinkle rosemary lemon salt over warm garlic bread right before serving for a fresh twist on a classic favorite.

F.A.Q’s

Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?

Yes, but fresh rosemary offers a stronger flavor. If using dried, use about half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Can I add other herbs or spices to this blend?

Absolutely! Garlic powder, thyme, or even a bit of black pepper can add extra flavor dimensions and provide a versatile seasoning. 

How much rosemary lemon salt should I use per serving?

Start with a pinch or 1/4 teaspoon, and adjust to taste, as the flavor is quite potent. A little sprinkle of this salt goes a long way!