This homemade salt-free seasoning combines dried lemon and orange zest with basil, parsley, chives, coriander, and black pepper for a bright, herbaceous blend you can keep ready in your spice cabinet. Use it to add flavor to chicken, fish, roasted vegetables, grains, marinades, and vinaigrettes without relying on added salt.
The citrus brings a fresh, aromatic quality while the dried herbs add savory depth, making this an easy everyday seasoning when you want more control over how much salt goes into your food.
Table of Contents
Jump to:
- Why Citrus Works in a Salt-Free Seasoning
- Why You'll Love This Salt-Free Seasoning
- Equipment
- Kitchen Must-Haves Reviews
- Storage Instructions
- Substitutions
- How to Dry Fresh Citrus Zest in the Microwave
- How to Use Citrus Herb Seasoning
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Explore Recipes
- Cooking Tips and Tutorials
- 📖 Recipe
- Have a Comment or Question?
Why Citrus Works in a Salt-Free Seasoning
When you remove salt from a seasoning blend, the other ingredients have to work harder to create layers of flavor. Citrus zest is especially useful because the flavorful oils in the outer peel add a bright, aromatic quality without adding salt.
In this blend, dried lemon and orange zest work alongside basil, parsley, chives, coriander, and black pepper. The citrus adds brightness, the herbs provide savory and earthy notes, and the coriander and black pepper round everything out with warmth.
Because the seasoning itself is salt-free, you also have more control in the kitchen. You can use it as is when avoiding added salt, or season your food with salt separately, according to the dish's needs.
Why You'll Love This Salt-Free Seasoning
- Easy to customize: Use the recipe as your starting point and adjust the herbs, pepper, or citrus to complement your dish. This Blend
- Bright, fresh flavor: Dried lemon and orange zest add citrusy flavor that pairs easily with herbs, vegetables, seafood, and poultry.
- No added salt: Season your food with the blend as is, or add salt separately for more control over the final dish.
- Easy to keep on hand: Once the citrus zest is completely dried, the entire blend can be stored right alongside your other dried herbs and spices.
- Versatile for everyday cooking: Sprinkle it over chicken, fish, roasted vegetables, grains, or potatoes, or mix it into marinades, dressings, and vinaigrettes.
Recommended Reads
- How to Zest
- How to Use a Citrus Squeezer for Max Juice
- How to Wash Fresh Herbs the Right Way Before Use
- Spicy All-Purpose Blend (Salt-Free): The Salt-Free Seasoning
- Bring Real Haitian Heat to Your Meal Prep: Without the Salt
Equipment
You don't need any special equipment to make this salt-free seasoning blend. A small mixing bowl and whisk are all you need to combine the dried citrus zest, herbs, and spices evenly.
A spice grinder is optional, but it can be helpful if you prefer a finer, more uniform seasoning that coats food more evenly. Pulse the blend only briefly-you don't need to turn it into a powder. A mortar and pestle also works well for breaking down larger pieces of dried herbs and citrus zest.
For storage, use a clean, completely dry airtight spice jar. A 4-ounce glass spice jar works well for this batch and makes it easy to keep the seasoning with the rest of your spice collection.
Equipment Alternatives
No spice grinder? Leave the seasoning slightly coarse or use a mortar and pestle. You can also reuse a clean, completely dry spice container instead of purchasing a new jar.
Kitchen Must-Haves Reviews
Find a collection of my reviews of kitchen equipment that I have purchased or recommend. Kitchen Must-Haves - Find other tools I use here.
My Review: I love the clean, classic look of this Pyrex 3-piece glass mixing bowl set. It’s a staple in my kitchen. Pyrex is known for its durability, and these bowls definitely live up to that reputation. I use them for everything from mixing batters to storing leftovers, and their microwave-safe feature makes them super multifunctional. They’re also easy to clean and stack nicely in the cabinet. The only reason this isn’t a five-star for me is that I always have that little fear of breaking them when I’m using or storing them, even though they’re made to last.
My Review: I’ve had this grinder for so long, I honestly can’t remember when I first bought it, and that says a lot. It’s been my go-to for grinding not just coffee but also spices, dried herbs, and even rice as a thickener. Despite years of use, it still runs smoothly and holds up well, making it one of the most reliable tools in my kitchen.
My Review: I’ve been using the SWOMMOLY 4 oz Glass Spice Jars and have had no problems with them so far. The clear glass jars paired with the silver lids give my spice collection a clean, elegant look, while the wide openings make them easy to fill and refill. I also like that the set comes with shaker lids and plenty of optional spice labels, so you can organize and customize the jars to fit your kitchen.
Review: The Cuisinart Stainless Steel 6-piece magnetic measuring spoon set seamlessly blends style and functionality. Crafted from durable stainless steel with a chic black-and-silver finish, each spoon features permanent measurement markings for clear, easy reading. The magnetic handles snap together to stay organized yet separate smoothly for use. With a polished finish and six sizes ranging from ⅛ teaspoon to 1 tbsp, this set offers precise measuring and convenient storage, ideal for baking, cooking, and spice blending.
Storage Instructions
- Keep it dry: Store the citrus herb seasoning in a clean, completely dry airtight spice jar. If you make your own dried citrus zest, make sure it is fully dried and cooled before mixing it with the other ingredients.
- Store away from heat and light: Keep the jar in a cool, dry place such as a pantry or spice cabinet, away from the stove, direct sunlight, and other heat sources.
- Use a dry spoon: Avoid introducing moisture into the jar, as it can cause the dried herbs and citrus zest to clump, shortening the blend's shelf life.
- For the best flavor: Use within 4-6 months, when the citrus zest and dried herbs are at their strongest in aroma and flavor.
Substitutions
This seasoning blend is naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegetarian, so no dietary substitutions are needed.
Dairy-Free
- Yay! This recipe is already dairy-free.
Gluten-Free
- Bonus! This recipe is also gluten-free.
Vegetarian
- Triple Threat! This recipe is also vegetarian. Enjoy!
Convenience
- Dried lemon and orange zest: If you don't have dried citrus zest, zest a fresh lemon or orange and use it immediately. Do not store the blend with fresh zest because it contains moisture. For a shelf-stable blend, dry the zest completely before adding it.
- Dried basil: Substitute dried marjoram for a slightly sweeter, more delicate herb flavor, or thyme for a more earthy flavor.
- Dried parsley: Try dried oregano for a stronger, more savory herb flavor.
- Dried chives: Substitute dried green onion for a similar mild onion flavor.
- Ground coriander: adds a warm, citrusy flavor that complements the lemon and orange zest. If you don't have it, you can simply leave it out rather than replacing it with celery seed.
- Black pepper: Reduce or omit it if you prefer a milder blend, or add a little more for a stronger peppery finish.
Change Heat Level - Modify the heat level of the citrus herb seasoning blend (salt-free) recipe to your liking, and learn more about the Scoville Scale and Chili Pairings.
How to Dry Fresh Citrus Zest in the Microwave
Don't have dried lemon or orange zest? You can make your own in just a few minutes using the microwave. The key is to remove only the colorful outer zest and dry it completely before adding it to a seasoning blend you plan to store.
- Wash and dry the citrus: Rinse the lemon or orange well and dry it thoroughly with a clean towel.
- Zest the outer peel: Using a Microplane or citrus zester, remove only the colorful outer layer. Avoid zesting deeply into the white pith underneath, which can add bitterness.
- Spread it into a thin layer: Place the zest on a paper towel-lined, microwave-safe plate and spread it out to dry as evenly as possible.
- Microwave in short intervals: Microwave for 20 to 30 seconds at a time, checking and gently stirring the zest between intervals. Short bursts help prevent the delicate zest from scorching.
- Check for dryness: Continue until the zest feels completely dry and crumbly rather than soft or moist. The exact drying time will vary depending on your microwave, the amount of zest, and how finely it was grated.
- Cool completely: Let the dried zest cool to room temperature before measuring it or adding it to the seasoning blend. If it still feels soft or moist once cooled, microwave it briefly again and allow it to cool before checking it.
Chef Tip: Measure homemade citrus zest after it has been completely dried and cooled. This recipe calls for 1 tablespoon each of dried lemon and orange zest, and the amount of fresh fruit needed can vary depending on the size of the citrus and how much zest you get from each one.
If you're using fresh zest instead of drying it, make only enough seasoning for immediate use. Fresh zest contains moisture and should not be mixed into a batch intended for dry pantry storage.
How to Use Citrus Herb Seasoning
Start with 1 to 2 teaspoons of seasoning per pound of food, then adjust to taste. Since the blend contains no added salt, you can season with salt separately if desired.
- Chicken: Rub onto chicken breasts, thighs, or a whole chicken with a little olive oil before roasting, grilling, air frying, or pan-searing. The citrus and herbs work especially well with simply prepared chicken.
- Fish and seafood: Sprinkle over salmon, white fish, or shrimp before cooking. Start with a lighter coating on delicate fish so the herbs don't overpower it.
- Roasted vegetables: Toss carrots, zucchini, broccoli, potatoes, or other vegetables with olive oil and the seasoning before roasting.
- Grains: Stir into couscous, quinoa, rice, or farro after cooking for an easy way to add citrus and herb flavor.
- Marinades: Combine the seasoning with olive oil and an acidic ingredient such as lemon juice or vinegar to make a simple marinade for chicken, seafood, tofu, or vegetables.
- Dressings and vinaigrettes: Whisk a small amount into olive oil and vinegar or fresh citrus juice for a quick homemade dressing.
- Dips and spreads: Mix it into plain Greek yogurt, sour cream, hummus, or another creamy base for an easy herb dip or spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of common questions I have answered. If you have questions, please write them in the comment section below.
Start with 1 to 2 teaspoons per pound of food, then adjust according to what you're cooking and your taste. Delicate foods such as fish may need less, while chicken, potatoes, and roasted vegetables can handle a little more.
Yes. For tofu, press away excess moisture first, lightly coat it with oil, then add the seasoning before pan-searing, baking, or air frying. You can also use it to season tempeh before cooking.
Yes. There is no salt added to the seasoning blend, so you control whether and how much salt you add to the finished dish. If you're following a medically prescribed low-sodium diet, consider the sodium from the other ingredients in your complete meal as well.
Yes. Double or triple the ingredients while keeping the same proportions. Store the seasoning in a clean, completely dry airtight container away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.
Yes. Like dried herbs and spices, citrus zest gradually loses its aroma and flavor during storage. For the brightest citrus flavor, make smaller batches you can use within a few months.
Yes, but only if you plan to use the mixture right away. Fresh herbs and fresh citrus zest contain moisture and shouldn't be mixed into a seasoning blend intended for dry pantry storage. For a shelf-stable version, use completely dried herbs and citrus zest.
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Cooking Tips and Tutorials
If you found this tutorial helpful, you'll love my Cook's Notebook collection. From knife skills and flavor bases to time-saving tricks and essential equipment guides, this section is packed with chef-tested lessons to help you cook with confidence.
- Indian Cooking Techniques That Changed How I Think About Food
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📖 Recipe
Citrus Herb: A Bright, Salt-Free Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon dried lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon dried orange zest
- 2 tablespoons dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried chives
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon black ground pepper
Equipment
- Spice Grinder for whole spices (optional) or a Mortar and pestle
- 4-ounce Glass Jar with Tight Lid
Instructions
- Save Time in the Kitchen: Read the instructions thoroughly, then gather and prep all your ingredients before cooking! Learn Prepping Tips.
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until blended.
- For a finer texture, pulse the mix in a spice grinder briefly.
- Store in a dry, airtight jar. Use 1 to 2 teaspoons per pound of food.
Nutrition
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Chef Maika Frederic-Liebman
Chef and Educator
Professionally trained Haitian-American chef Maika Frederic is the creator of Just Maika Cooking, where she shares globally inspired recipes, cooking techniques, ingredient guides, and food safety tips designed to help home cooks become more creative and confident in the kitchen. Combining years of professional culinary experience with a passion for teaching, she makes global flavors approachable through practical, accessible instruction for cooks of every skill level.
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