Seasoning Salt Substitute Guide: 5 Proven Alternatives with Exact Ratios

If you're searching for what to use instead of seasoning salt, the quickest solution is a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in equal parts. For most savory dishes, this 1:1:1 ratio provides the closest flavor match to standard seasoning salt without requiring specialty ingredients.

Seasoning salt typically contains salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried herbs. When you need an immediate substitute, these pantry staples work best because they replicate the core flavor profile. Below is a comparison of the most effective alternatives based on your specific cooking needs.

Most Common Substitute	Best For	Ratio
Garlic powder + onion powder + paprika	General cooking, meats, vegetables	1:1:1
Garlic powder + sea salt	Simple dishes, quick fixes	1:3
Onion powder + smoked paprika	Smoky dishes, stews, grilled foods	1:1
Herbes de Provence	Mediterranean dishes, roasted vegetables	Use as replacement

What Makes These Seasoning Salt Alternatives Work

Professional chefs rely on these substitutes because they replicate the core components of seasoning salt: saltiness, garlic/onion base notes, and color/flavor depth from paprika. Unlike pre-mixed blends, creating your own substitutes allows precise control over sodium levels and flavor balance.

Detailed Seasoning Salt Substitutes with Exact Ratios

1. Garlic Powder + Onion Powder + Paprika (Standard Replacement)

This combination delivers the closest match to commercial seasoning salt. The paprika provides color and mild heat while garlic and onion powders create the savory base.

• Ratio: 1 teaspoon garlic powder + 1 teaspoon onion powder + 1 teaspoon paprika
• Best for: All-purpose use in place of 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
• Pro tip: Add ¼ teaspoon dried thyme for more complex flavor

2. Garlic Powder + Sea Salt (Simplest Alternative)

When you need a basic substitute with minimal ingredients, this combination works for most savory applications.

• Ratio: 1 part garlic powder to 3 parts sea salt
• Best for: Roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or popcorn
• When to use: When paprika or onion powder isn't available

3. Onion Powder + Smoked Paprika (For Depth and Complexity)

This alternative adds smokiness that enhances meat dishes and hearty vegetables.

• Ratio: Equal parts onion powder and smoked paprika
• Best for: Stews, chili, and grilled items
• Enhancement: Add pinch of brown sugar for caramelized flavor notes

4. Herbes de Provence (Mediterranean Style)

A salt-free alternative that works well for dishes where sodium reduction is important.

• Ratio: Use 1:1 in place of seasoning salt
• Best for: Roasted vegetables, legumes, fish dishes
• Key benefit: Contains no salt, making it ideal for sodium-conscious cooking

5. Lemon Pepper (Bright Alternative)

Perfect when you want to reduce sodium while adding brightness to dishes.

• Ratio: Use 1:1 in place of seasoning salt
• Best for: Fish, chicken, and summer vegetables
• Pro tip: Mix with olive oil for marinades (2 tbsp lemon pepper to ¼ cup oil)

Specialty Alternatives for Specific Dietary Needs

Salt-Free Options

For those reducing sodium intake, these alternatives provide flavor without added salt:

• Za'atar: Use as direct replacement (contains sumac, thyme, sesame seeds)
• Herbes de Provence: 1:1 replacement for seasoning salt
• Nutritional yeast: Adds umami flavor to vegetables and popcorn

Global Flavor Alternatives

• Garam Masala: For Indian-inspired dishes (use ¾ tsp in place of 1 tsp seasoning salt)
• Cajun Seasoning: For bold, spicy dishes (use 1:1 ratio)
• Za'atar: Middle Eastern dishes (use 1:1 ratio)

Alternative	Sodium Level	Best Dish Applications
Garlic + onion + paprika	High (contains salt)	All-purpose cooking
Herbes de Provence	None	Mediterranean dishes
Lemon pepper	Medium	Seafood, poultry
Za'atar	Low	Hummus, flatbreads, roasted chickpeas
Cajun seasoning	High	Meats, one-pot meals

Precise Measurement Guide for Perfect Substitutions

When replacing seasoning salt, exact measurements matter. Use this guide for accurate conversions:

Seasoning Salt Needed	Garlic Powder	Onion Powder	Paprika
1 teaspoon	⅓ tsp	⅓ tsp	⅓ tsp
1 tablespoon	1 tsp	1 tsp	1 tsp
¼ cup	1.33 tbsp	1.33 tbsp	1.33 tbsp

Storage Recommendations to Maintain Flavor Potency

Proper storage preserves flavor intensity in your substitutes:

Substitute Type	Storage Method	Maximum Freshness Period
Basic powder blends	Airtight container away from heat	6-8 months
Seed-based blends (za'atar)	Dark glass jar	4-6 months
Herb-based blends	Cool, dry place	8-10 months

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the closest substitute for seasoning salt?

A 1:1:1 ratio of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika most closely matches commercial seasoning salt. Add ¼ teaspoon dried thyme per tablespoon of this blend for more complex flavor.

Can I use garlic powder instead of seasoning salt?

Yes, but garlic powder alone lacks the complete flavor profile. For better results, mix 1 part garlic powder with 1 part onion powder and 1 part paprika to replace seasoning salt.

How do I make my own seasoning salt?

Combine 3 tablespoons coarse salt, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon paprika, and 1½ teaspoons dried thyme. Store in an airtight container away from light.

Are there salt-free alternatives to seasoning salt?

Yes. Herbes de Provence, za'atar, and lemon pepper (check label for salt content) work well as salt-free or low-sodium alternatives. For complete sodium control, make your own blend without salt.

How much substitute equals one teaspoon of seasoning salt?

Use 1 teaspoon of your substitute blend to replace 1 teaspoon of seasoning salt. For the standard garlic-onion-paprika blend, use equal parts of each (⅓ teaspoon each) to make 1 teaspoon total.

Final Recommendations

For immediate cooking needs, keep these three substitutions in mind:

• Standard replacement: Equal parts garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika
• Simplest option: 1 part garlic powder to 3 parts salt
• Salt-free version: Herbes de Provence or za'atar

Understanding these precise ratios ensures your dishes maintain proper flavor balance when seasoning salt isn't available. The key to successful substitution is matching both the flavor components and salt content of the original seasoning blend.

Remember to store your homemade blends properly to maintain maximum flavor potency. With these alternatives, you'll never need to adjust your recipes when you run out of seasoning salt.