7 homemade seasoning mixes

You can enhance the flavour of food by seasoning your meals with herbs and spices. Store-bought spice mixes can be costly and often contain a lot of sodium.

Create your own spice mix recipes using simple ingredients.

Tip: When seasoning a dish with a new spice mix, add a little at a time. This way, you can add more, little by little, until your desired taste is achieved.

On this page

• Grill seasoning
• Pumpkin spice mix
• Italian-style seasoning
• Mexican-style seasoning
• Mediterranean-style seasoning
• Middle Eastern-style seasoning
• Chinese-style five spice mix

Grill seasoning

For the 3-ingredient version, mix:

• 10 mL (2 tsp) onion powder
• 15 mL (1 tbsp) dried oregano
• 30 mL (2 tbsp) smoked paprika

For the 6-ingredient version, add:

• 15 mL (1 tbsp) dried rosemary
• 15 mL (1 tbsp) ground coriander
• 5 mL (1 tsp) ground black pepper

You can sprinkle this mixture during cooking or use it to flavour your marinade for foods such as:

• fish
• tofu
• meat
• grilled vegetables

Pumpkin spice mix

For the 3-ingredient version, mix:

• 5 mL (1 tsp) nutmeg
• 15 mL (1 tbsp) cinnamon
• 5 mL (1 tsp) ground ginger

For the 5-ingredient version, add:

• 5 mL (1 tsp) allspice
• 5 mL (1 tsp) ground cloves

To add flavour without adding excess sugars, use this mix to season:

• muffins
• oatmeal
• granola bars
• banana bread

Italian-style seasoning

For the 3-ingredient version, mix:

• 30 mL (2 tbsp) dried basil
• 10 mL (2 tsp) dried thyme
• 30 mL (2 tbsp) dried oregano

For the 6-ingredient version, add:

• 10 mL (2 tsp) garlic powder
• 30 mL (2 tbsp) dried parsley
• 15 mL (1 tbsp) dried marjoram

This mix is a perfect seasoning for:

• pasta
• frittatas
• omelettes
• scrambled eggs
• homemade pizza

You can also use it to make a homemade Italian dressing by mixing:

• 85 mL (⅓ cup) olive oil
• 15 mL (1 tbsp) spice mix
• 15 mL (1 tbsp) lemon juice
• 30 mL (2 tbsp) white balsamic vinegar

Mexican-style seasoning

For the 3-ingredient version, mix:

• 5 mL (1 tsp) dried oregano
• 30 mL (2 tbsp) chili powder
• 15 mL (1 tbsp) ground paprika

For the 5-ingredient version, add:

• 10 mL (2 tsp) ground cumin
• 10 mL (2 tsp) onion powder

This mix will be delicious when used to season:

• chili
• soup
• fajitas
• salads
• bean dip

Mediterranean-style seasoning

For the 3-ingredient version, mix:

• 15 mL (1 tbsp) dried thyme
• 15 mL (1 tbsp) dried oregano
• 15 mL (1 tbsp) dried marjoram

For the 6-ingredient version, add:

• 10 mL (2 tsp) dried sage
• 10 mL (2 tsp) dried savory
• 10 mL (2 tsp) dried rosemary

This mix is perfect for tomato-based recipes like ratatouille and pasta. You can also use it to prepare salads or wraps.

Add to meat or fish with a dash of lemon juice after cooking for a tangy twist.

Middle Eastern-style seasoning

For the 3-ingredient version, mix:

• 15 mL (1 tbsp) ground cumin
• 2 mL (½ tsp) ground turmeric
• 15 mL (1 tbsp) ground coriander

For the 6-ingredient version, add:

• 15 mL (1 tbsp) paprika
• 5 mL (1 tsp) ground cinnamon
• 10 mL (2 tsp) ground fennel seed

Use this mix to add flavour to:

• fish
• rice
• meats
• couscous
• pulse dishes

Looking for ideas? These spices are delicious in this Mujadarrah (lentils, onions and rice) recipe.

Chinese-style five spice mix

For the 3-ingredient version, mix:

• 5 mL (1 tsp) cloves
• 10 mL (2 tsp) ground cinnamon
• 10 mL (2 tsp) ground fennel seed

For the 5-ingredient version, add:

• 10 mL (2 tsp) ground star anise
• 5 mL (1 tsp) ground Szechuan pepper

This mix is often used in Chinese cuisine. It enhances dishes like:

• fish
• roasted meats
• vegetable stir-fry
• Asian-inspired soups

You can also add it to cooked brown rice or sprinkle it on pineapple slices for a tasty snack.

Further reading

• What does it mean to season to taste?
• Measure ingredients like a pro
• Healthy eating and the environment