Why Make Your Own Pasta Salad Seasoning?
If you’ve ever made pasta salad and found yourself pulling half a dozen spice jars out of the cabinet, this homemade seasoning mix is for you. By combining your favorite herbs and seasonings ahead of time, you can quickly season a pasta salad without measuring a long list of ingredients every time.
This blend combines dill, chives, basil, celery seed, garlic, onion, and a few pantry spices for a flavor that works with both creamy and vinaigrette-style pasta salads.
What Makes This Seasoning Mix Different?
Many store-bought seasoning packets contain preservatives, anti-caking agents, artificial flavors, and ingredients you may not need. Making your own allows you to control the flavor and the quality of the ingredients.
Because this mix is made from simple dried herbs and spices, you can easily adjust it to suit your family’s taste and keep a jar ready whenever you need a quick side dish.
Tips for Better Pasta Salad
I prefer to spread cooked pasta on a sheet pan to cool rather than rinsing it under cold water. This helps preserve the starches that allow the dressing to cling to the pasta.
While the pasta is still slightly warm, toss it with a small amount of dressing to help prevent sticking and add flavor before combining it with the remaining ingredients.
Pasta Salad Seasoning Mix
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp celery seeds
- 1/4 cup dried dill
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tsp mixed pepper
- 1 tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4-1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp mustard powder
Instructions
- Add the celery seed to a spice grinder and pulse until lightly ground.Add the remaining ingredients and pulse a few more times until combined and slightly finer, but not powdered.Transfer to an airtight jar and store in a cool, dry place.
Notes
- Use 1–3 tablespoons seasoning mix depending on the amount of pasta and your preferred flavor level.As a general guideline, use about 3 tablespoons seasoning mix per 16-ounce package of pasta.
For a Vinaigrette-Style Pasta Salad
- 3 tablespoons seasoning mix1/2 cup olive oil1/4 cup vinegar1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, optionalSqueeze of fresh lemon juice, optional
For a Creamy Pasta Salad
- 3 tablespoons seasoning mix1 to 1½ cups homemade mayonnaise2–4 tablespoons pickle juice or vinegarMilk, as needed, to reach desired consistencySpread cooked pasta on a sheet pan to cool rather than rinsing under cold water. Tossing warm pasta with a small amount of dressing can help prevent sticking and add flavor.
Storage
- Store in an airtight jar in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months for best flavor.