This light and zesty salt-free blend brings together dried citrus zest and fresh herbs for a flavor boost that brightens any dish. It's your go-to for chicken, seafood, roasted vegetables, and homemade vinaigrettes.
Table of Contents
Jump to:
- Limonene and Antioxidant?
- Why You’ll Love This Blend
- CustomHerbSpiceShop
- Equipment
- Kitchen Must-Haves Reviews
- Storage
- Substitutions
- How to Dry Fresh Citrus Zest in the Microwave
- 5 Cooking Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Explore Recipes
- Cooking Tips and Tutorials
- 📖 Recipe
- Subscribe to the YouTube Channel
- Have a Comment or Question?
Limonene and Antioxidant?
Chef Maika created the Citrus Herb blend after years of balancing flavor and wellness in home kitchens and professional settings. It draws inspiration from Mediterranean and Floridian cuisine, where citrus and herbs are staples in everyday cooking.
Dried citrus zest is rich in essential oils like limonene, which research shows may support digestion and reduce inflammation (source: National Library of Medicine). Combined with antioxidant-rich herbs like basil and chives (source: NIH), this blend delivers flavor with functional benefits.
The ingredients are pantry-friendly and meet USDA dry storage guidelines—no moisture, salt, or fillers.
Why You’ll Love This Blend
It’s bright, herbal, and completely salt-free, so you get all the flavor and none of the bloat. This blend shines on baked or pan-seared fish, chicken breast, or grilled zucchini. Toss it into pasta salad, whisk it into lemon vinaigrette, or rub it on turkey before roasting.
It’s gentle enough for kid-friendly meals but flavorful enough to wake up your weekly dinner routine.
CustomHerbSpiceShop
- Salt‑Free Meal Prep Seasoning Bundle: All‑Purpose Spice Blends for Effortless Healthy Cooking (+ Free Shipping)
- Spicy All-Purpose Blend (Salt-Free): The Salt-Free Seasoning That Packs a Punch
- Bring Real Haitian Heat to Your Meal Prep: Without the Salt
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
- Mixing bowl, whisk, spice grinder, and airtight spice jar (4 oz).
- Alternatives: Mortar and pestle instead of a grinder, repurposed spice container instead of 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 the fact that they’re microwave-safe 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 because I always have that little fear of breaking them when I’m using or storing them, even though they’re made to last.
Storage
- Store in a cool, dry place—away from sunlight or heat sources.
- Use within 4–6 months for peak aroma.
- Always measure with a dry spoon to avoid moisture and clumping.
Substitutions
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
- Dry Lemon and Orange Zest - If you don’t have dried zest, grate fresh zest and use immediately (not for storage). You can also dehydrate the fresh zest.
- Dry Basil - Use dried marjoram or thyme for a deeper herb note.
- Ground Coriander - Use celery seed for an earthier twist.
Change Heat Level - Modify the citrus herb seasoning blend (salt-free) recipe's heat level to your liking and learn more about the Scoville Scale and Chili Pairings.
How to Dry Fresh Citrus Zest in the Microwave
- Wash and dry the fruit - Rinse your citrus (lemon, orange, or lime) thoroughly under cool water and pat dry with a clean towel.
- Zest only the outer peel - Use a microplane or zester to remove just the colorful part of the peel, and avoid the bitter white pith underneath.
- Spread zest evenly - Line a microwave-safe plate with a paper towel. Spread the fresh zest in a single, even layer.
- Microwave in short bursts -Microwave the zest for 20–30 seconds at a time on medium power. Check and stir after each burst to prevent burning.
- Repeat until fully dry - Continue microwaving in 20–30 second intervals (usually 1.5 to 2.5 minutes total) until the zest is dry to the touch and crumbly.
- Cool and store - Let the dried zest cool completely. Store in an airtight jar away from heat and moisture.
Chef Tip: One medium lemon usually yields about 1 tablespoon of fresh zest, which dries down to about 1 teaspoon of dried zest.
5 Cooking Tips
Cook's Notebook is your Cooking Tips Resource Guide. Become a better home cook with tips to help you cook more efficiently.
- Use this as a dry rub for salmon fillets before air frying.
- Mix into Greek yogurt for a quick marinade or dip.
- Sprinkle on roasted carrots with olive oil for a sweet-savory side.
- Add to couscous or quinoa for citrusy flavor without dressing.
- Blend with olive oil and vinegar for an instant herb vinaigrette.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here, you will find a list of common questions that I have answered. If you have questions, please write them in the comment section below.
Yes! Press the tofu first, then season and pan-fry or bake—it adds fresh flavor without overpowering.
Absolutely. This blend contains no salt and gives depth to dishes that are otherwise sodium-restricted.
Yes, just keep it dry and store it in multiple jars to reduce air exposure when not in use.
Over time, yes. For best results, use dried zest within 4–6 months or make small batches.
You can, but only for immediate use. Fresh herbs will cause spoilage if stored with dried ingredients.
Explore Recipes
- A Quick Look at Haitian Flavor with Pikliz-Style Citrus Slaw
- Surprisingly High-Protein Meals Using Beans or Ground Turkey!
- Finger-Licking Chicken Wing Recipes You’ll Crave All Year
- Mango Coconut Felato | Ninja Creami Gelato-Style Treat
Cooking Tips and Tutorials
- How to Prep Chicken Cutlets for Quick, Delicious Meals
- Understanding Food Temperature Safety Zones: Cook, Store & Serve Safely
- How to Butterfly Chicken Breasts | Step-by-Step Guide
- 10 Proven Spice‑Storage Hacks (Stop Wasting Flavor)
📖 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
- 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
Chef and Educator
Haitian-American chef and educator Maika Frederic blends bold flavors with approachable recipes. With a background in both professional kitchens, classrooms, and children therapy—as a trained chef, former teacher and technician—she brings a thoughtful, inclusive touch to every dish. Through her platform, Just Maika Cooking, she shares diverse meals and practical tips to empower home cooks of all ages and levels.
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