Homemade Rosemary Salt – A Simple Way to Share Fresh Herbs
Handmade gifts are one of my favorite ways to add a personal touch to any celebration—especially when they come from the garden. If you’re like me and your herb garden is overflowing, this is the perfect project for putting all that organic rosemary to good use. Homemade rosemary salt is one of those beautiful, practical treats that looks as lovely as it tastes. It adds a burst of flavor to savory dishes, works beautifully as a finishing salt, and makes a great edible gift for friends and family.
This rosemary salt recipe uses fresh rosemary and coarse sea salt to create a rustic, aromatic blend that elevates everything from roast vegetables to prime rib. Packaged in a pretty glass jar with a printable label and optional ribbon, it becomes a thoughtful, budget-friendly present made with love from your own kitchen.
Whether you’re looking for a new way to use fresh herbs or searching for a homemade gift idea that feels special without being complicated, this is the best way to start.
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Supplies
To make your own rosemary sea salt, here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups sea salt (I prefer Red Salt, but any natural sea salt works well—store-bought salt like table salt is too fine)
- 1 cup fresh rosemary (or dried herbs if preferred)
- Sharp knife
- Wood cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Glass jar (16 oz) (I used these jars with a wood lid and attached spoon)
- 2” square Avery Printable labels (#22816 and download my free printable.
- Ribbon (optional)
- Prep time: 10 minutes + 15 minutes drying
This recipe makes about 16 oz of homemade rosemary salt, making it ideal for gifting or storing in your own kitchen in an air-tight container.
If you’d like to shop all of the supplies in the post you can find them here.
Step-By-Step Instructions for Rosemary Salt
Step 1: Harvest Rosemary
The best rosemary salt starts with high-quality herbs. The best time to harvest fresh rosemary is in the early morning, when the essential oils are most potent. Rinse gently and pat dry. If you’re using dried herbs, you can skip this step.
Step 2: Chop Rosemary
Using a sharp knife, coarsely chop the cup rosemary leaves on a wooden cutting board. I prefer a rustic texture, but you can use a food processor to finely chop the rosemary if you prefer a smoother seasoning salt.
Step 3: Mix Salt and Rosemary
In a large mixing bowl, combine the salt mixture—2 cups of coarse sea salt with 1 cup chopped rosemary. Stir well to evenly distribute the herbs throughout the salt.
Step 4: Spread on Baking Sheet
Line a baking tray or baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the rosemary salt mixture in a thin, even layer.
Step 5: Dry the Mixture
To preserve the rosemary and ensure a long shelf life, dry the mixture thoroughly. You can either let it sit at room temperature for several hours or speed up the process by baking it for 15 minutes at 200°F. This method helps drive off moisture and enhances the fragrance.
Step 6: Let Cool
Once dried, let the herb salt cool completely on the baking tray. If the rosemary salt hardens or clumps, simply break up the pieces with a spoon
Step 7: Jar and Label
Transfer your rosemary sea salt into a clean, dry glass jar or other airtight container. Add a ribbon and one of my free printable labels for a beautiful, gift-ready presentation.
Tips
- Best way to use: Sprinkle on pork chops, mix into dry rubs, or use as a finishing salt for meats, veggies, and even warm bread with olive oil.
- For added dimension, you could mix in lemon zest, black pepper, or even a pinch of garlic salt to your homemade flavored salt.
- Store your salt in a dry location in an airtight container to extend the shelf life.
- One of my favorite ways to use rosemary salt is as a final touch on roast vegetables or grilled fish.
- Making a big batch is easy—just double or triple the ingredients to create enough to gift and keep.
- Skip store-bought options—this seasoning salt is more fragrant and customizable with your own fresh herbs.
How long does homemade rosemary salt last?
If stored in an airtight container in a dry location, it can last up to a year. Just be sure your rosemary is thoroughly dried.
Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
Yes! If you’re out of fresh rosemary, dried rosemary works great. You can use about ½ cup of dried herbs in place of 1 cup of fresh.
Is there a substitute for sea salt?
I recommend sticking with coarse sea salt for texture and flavor, but Himalayan salt or kosher salt also work. Avoid table salt—it’s too fine for this salt mixture.
What’s the difference between rosemary salt and garlic salt?
Rosemary salt offers a woodsy, herbaceous flavor while garlic salt has a pungent kick. You can combine them for a layered, aromatic blend.
What are some other uses for rosemary salt?
This homemade rosemary salt makes a flavorful touch on prime rib, pork chops, soft scrambled eggs, or even buttered popcorn for an earthy, elevated snack.
How should I package rosemary salt for gifts?
A glass jar with a wooden lid, paired with a label and tied with ribbon, makes for a great edible gift. Include a small wooden spoon for a charming presentation.
This rosemary salt recipe is such a simple way to celebrate the abundance of the season. Whether you’re preserving your own fresh herbs, looking for a thoughtful homemade gift, or just want to elevate your list of favorite seasonings, this project is the perfect place to start.
Don’t forget to download the free printable label to dress up your jars! I’d love to see how you style your own rosemary salt, so leave a comment or send me a DM on social media @returninggrace.
Happy salt-making, y’all!
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