This past Christmas, I wanted to give something homemade—something simple yet special that friends and family would actually use. That’s how I landed on rosemary salt. It’s incredibly easy to make, adds an instant boost of flavor to just about anything, and looks beautiful in a little jar wrapped in twine.
From seasoning roasted veggies and meats to sprinkling over warm bread with butter, this infused salt is a kitchen staple. In this post, I’ll show you just how simple it is to make, share my favorite ways to use it, and explain why it makes such a perfect gift.
Homemade Gifts
There’s something heartfelt about receiving a homemade gift. A handcrafted food gift—like rosemary salt—is both practical and enjoyable. It’s a simple yet thoughtful way to share love and creativity, and in my experience, these gifts are always the most cherished!
Contents
Ingredients
Corse Salt: The base of this recipe, coarse salt has larger crystals that help absorb the rosemary’s natural oils and flavor. It provides a satisfying texture and enhances the taste of any dish without overwhelming it.
I recommend Celtic sea salt because it’s rich in minerals and supports electrolyte balance. An unrefined salt is also a great choice because it retains essential nutrients and is less processed than regular table salt.
Rosemary: This fragrant herb brings a woodsy, slightly citrusy aroma with a hint of earthiness. Using fresh rosemary ensures maximum flavor and aroma, making the infused salt more vibrant and aromatic. Plus, rosemary is known for its antioxidant properties, adding a small health boost to your seasoning.
Variations
Optional Add-Ins
Add your own twist to rosemary salt by mixing in extra herbs and spices. Garlic, black pepper, or lemon zest are all great options to elevate the flavor and make it your own. Feel free to get creative and tailor the blend to your taste!
- Lemon Zest – Adds a fresh, citrusy flavor with a natural sweetness. If you choose to add it, be sure to use fresh zest for the best flavor.
- Pepper – Offers a warm, aromatic kick that complements the rosemary.
- Garlic – A pinch of garlic brings a savory depth to the mix, balancing the herbal notes with a hint of richness.
Amount of Rosemary
The amount of rosemary used in this rosemary salt recipe can be increased or decreased based on your preference.
Why Let Your Mix Dry?
If using fresh rosemary, it’s important to let your rosemary and salt mixture dry out. Fresh rosemary contains moisture, which can make your salt clump together and potentially cause it to spoil. Simply spread the mixture on a baking sheet and let it sit for a few hours or overnight to dry before storing. Alternatively you can speed up the drying process by baking the salt at 200°F for 15 minutes.Â
How to Make Rosemary Salt
1. Measure Ingredients
Start by measuring out your ingredients. You’ll need about 3 cups of coarse salt and six springs of fresh rosemary or 8 tablespoons of dried rosemary. You do need to remove the needles from the rosemary stem if using springs.Â
Adjust the amount based on how much you’d like to make. If you only want to make enough for your own home (4 oz) I would use 1/2 cup of salt with 1 spring of rosemary or 1-2 tablespoon of fresh rosemary.
2. Blend IngredientsÂ
Place corse salt and fresh or dried rosemary into a blender food processor or chopper. Pulse for about 10-15 seconds until the herbs are ground to your desired texture. Alternatively if you prefer a thicker texture you can skip blending and just mix together the ingredients.Â
3. Let Salt Mixture Dry
If you choose to use pre-dried rosemary you can skip this step. Though if you are using fresh rosemary after blending the mixture you need to let it dry. This is because the fish rosemary holds moisture that can later spoil the seasoning.Â
Spread seasoning mixture evenly on a sheet pan and leave it out to dry for a hours. If you want to speed up the process you can also place the sheet pan in the oven at 200°F for 15 minutes.Â
4. Fill & Decorate the Jars
When making the full recipe, this seasoning mixture will fill 6 pint mason jars. My favorite jars to use are the 4 oz Mason jars. Once the jars are filled, securely tighten the lids to keep everything fresh. Before gifting, I love adding a personal touch by decorating the jars with a small tag and a bit of twine.
5. Storage & Freshness
To keep rosemary salt fresh and flavorful, store it in an airtight glass jar or a well-sealed container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Proper storage prevents clumping and helps preserve the rosemary’s aroma.
When stored correctly, rosemary salt can last 6 months to a year, though the rosemary’s potency may fade over time. For the best flavor, rub or crush the rosemary between your fingers before using to release its natural oils.
Serving Suggestions
Rosemary salt is perfect for enhancing a variety of dishes. Sprinkle it on pizza for an extra layer of flavor, or use it to season freshly baked bread for a savory touch. It also works wonderfully on roasted vegetables, adding an herby kick, or on meats like chicken, lamb, or beef for a delicious boost.Â
Dried vs Fresh Rosemary?
Choosing between dried or fresh rosemary for rosemary salt depends on flavor and convenience. Fresh rosemary offers a vibrant, aromatic taste but needs to be dried first to avoid moisture causing clumping. Dried rosemary has a more concentrated flavor and is easier to work with, offering a longer shelf life. Fresh is great for a fresher flavor, while dried is more convenient and requires less prep.
Health Benefits of this Recipe
Rosemary salt combines the health benefits of both rosemary and salt. Rosemary is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which can help reduce oxidative stress, improve digestion, and even boost memory and cognitive function. It also has antimicrobial properties, making it beneficial for overall health. When paired with Celtic sea salt, rosemary salt offers even more benefits. Celtic salt is unrefined and packed with essential minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium, which support hydration, muscle function, and overall well-being. Rosemary salt can be a flavorful and health-boosting addition to your diet when used in moderation. Learn More
Explore some of my favorite recommended products to support your health journey (displayed on this page as affiliate links), and remember to always consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle—full medical disclaimer here.
Rosemary Salt
Ingredients
- 3 cup corse salt Celtic salt or unrefined
- 6 springs rosemary 6 tbsp dry
DIRECTIONS
- In a food processor combine salt, rosemary and any other add on of your choosing. Pulse for about 10-15 seconds or until you reach your desired texture.
- If using fresh herbs spread seasoning mixture evenly out on a sheet pan and leave out to dry for a few hours or overnight (*see note).
- Fill mason jars, decorate with twine, a cute tag, and a mini spoon for a thoughtful gift. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information listed is just an estimate.
Allergy Notice: This recipe is not specifically meant for celiac individuals. Instead this is meant for gluten sensitive individuals. Celiac individuals need to take extra precautions. This recipe is not meant for vegan individuals, instead for dairy sensitive individuals.
