Basil Salt: Easy Homemade Recipe with Fresh Basil

Name: Basil Salt {2 Ingredients Tons of Flavor}
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1/3 Cup basil leaves (Packed); 1 Cup kosher salt

Basil salt is the herb-infused flavor booster your spice shelf is missing. Made with just two ingredients, fresh basil leaves and kosher salt, this quick 20-minute recipe preserves the vibrant flavor of basil in a way that's aromatic, versatile, and shelf-stable.

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A small glass jar filled with Basil Salt sits on a wooden surface next to fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of coarse salt.

I first discovered basil salt while working for a caterer one summer. Like many professional kitchen "recipes," it was more of a method; no measurements, just intuition. But I paused, weighed everything out, and I'm so glad I did. Now I will show you how to make this bold, green seasoning at home with ease.

Ingredients:

You only need two ingredients here, but quality matters. Choose fresh, fragrant basil leaves (no bruising) and coarse kosher salt for the best texture and flavor. You will also want to read up on how I make my own garlic powder and seasoned salt.

A glass bowl of coarse salt and a red measuring cup filled with fresh basil leaves on a wooden countertop.

Recipe Card?

To find the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions CLICK HERE to go to the recipe card.

How to make basil salt

To make basil salt, you will need kosher salt, fresh basil leaves, and a blender. I have a high-speed blender, so your results may vary from mine. The technique is the same no matter how fast your blender is.

Wash And Dry

Remove basil leaves from the stems, then wash and dry them thoroughly. You'll need about ⅓ cup packed leaves; roughly 25 medium-sized leaves.

How Much Basil?

A white bowl filled with fresh green basil leaves sits on a wooden surface with a red measuring cup partially visible in the background.

This recipe calls for ⅓ cup packed basil. But if you are more of a visual person, here is a photo of the basil I used for this recipe.

A white Blendtec blender with Basil Salt ingredients inside sits on a wooden countertop, with a clear mixing bowl and red measuring cup nearby.

Pulse

Add the salt and basil leaves into the blender and pulse to combine.

A top-down view of a food processor containing finely ground Basil Salt powder on a wooden surface.

Scrape

Scrape down the sides of the blender and pulse it a few more times until the salt resembles green, wet sand.

Spread

Line a baking pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking sheet and spread the basil salt in a single layer.

Bake at 220

Bake at 220° F (or your oven's lowest setting for 20 minutes or until the salt cracks when picked up from the pan.

A glass container filled with a Basil Salt blended, viewed from above, on a wooden surface.

Pulse again

Add the shards of salt back into the blender cup.

A blender cup containing Basil Salt, viewed from above, with a metal blade in the center and kitchen utensils in the background.

Pulse until it reaches your desired texture; fine or flaky.

A small jar of Basil Salt sits on a wooden surface next to fresh basil leaves, with some salt scattered nearby.

Store

Store your homemade basil salt in a closed, air-tight container. It will keep for months at room temperature.

How do I use basil salt?

Sprinkle it on tomatoes, caprese salad, avocado toast, grilled corn, pasta dishes, or even popcorn. It adds a fragrant pop of flavor anywhere you'd use finishing salt.

Did you make this recipe?

Do you have feedback that would be helpful to others? If so can help this small business owner by leaving a rating and a review in the comments section? Thank you for being part of the Savoring The Good Community. ~ Sarah

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Frequently asked questions, answers and tips:

While I try to share all the information you need to make this recipe in your home with restaurant-quality results, there still may be a question or two. Or these are questions I have received from the community about this recipe. I do my best to answer them as clearly as I can. I hope this helps.

What type of salt is best?

I use kosher salt because that is what I usually have on hand. I would use any large flake salt you have, sea salt, kosher, crystal. I would not use small-grain table salt. The salt and basil concentration will be wrong.

Can I use a food processor instead of a blender?

Yes, but you may need to scrape down the sides more often. A high-speed blender creates a finer texture, but both work.

Can I use other herbs?

Absolutely. Try this method with rosemary, thyme, or sage. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

Basil Salt {2 Ingredients Tons of Flavor}

Sarah Mock

5 from 1 vote

This easy homemade basil salt recipe uses fresh basil and kosher salt to create a bold, flavorful seasoning you'll want to sprinkle on everything.

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A small glass jar filled with green basil salt sits on a wooden surface next to fresh basil leaves and scattered salt.

Ingredients

▢ ⅓ Cup basil leaves Packed
▢ 1 Cup kosher salt

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Instructions

Remove basil leaves from stems, wash, and dry well.
⅓ Cup basil leaves
Add basil and salt to a blender; pulse until it looks like green wet sand.
1 Cup kosher salt
Spread mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake at 220°F (or lowest oven setting) for 20 minutes, until dry and brittle.
Return to blender and pulse until fine.
Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Ingredients

Italian

Basil Salt

I am Sarah Mock. Welcome!

Sarah Mock is a classically trained Chef and graduate of Johnson & Wales University. A culinary blogger for 16 years Sarah helps the home cook prepare her recipes with professional results.

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