Homemade lime salt is perfect for giving cocktails, grilled meats, roasted vegetables—even popcorn—a quick punch of flavor. Made with just lime zest and sea salt, it's easy to have ready to go in your pantry.
Lime Salt
Need a quick way to add a burst of flavor to your favorite dishes? This lime salt is just the trick! With only two simple ingredients, you can easily make your own lime salt. Whether you’re sprinkling it on grilled meats, using it to rim cocktail glasses or adding a zesty kick to roasted veggies, this seasoning will boost the flavor of any meal.
The lime zest brings a bright, citrus zing that plays perfectly off the natural crunch of sea salt. Together, they create a seasoning that’s refreshing and tangy—the kind of ingredient that can take your cooking to the next level with very little effort. And once you’ve made lime salt, you can store it for weeks, so it’s ready to use whenever you need a pop of fresh flavor.
Ingredients for Lime Salt
- Sea salt: Sea salt provides a clean, crisp salinity that enhances the brightness of the lime zest. You can substitute kosher salt for a slightly milder flavor.
- Grated lime zest: Lime zest offers a fresh, tangy flavor that perfectly complements the salt. If you can’t find fresh limes, lemon zest can work as a backup with a slightly different citrus twist.
Directions
Step 1: Combine the salt and lime
Preheat the oven to 225°F. In a small bowl, mix the sea salt and grated lime zest until they’re well combined.
Step 2: Dry the mixture
Spread the lime-salt mixture onto a parchment-lined 15x10x1-inch baking pan, making sure it’s in a thin, even layer for optimal drying. Bake until the mixture is completely dry, about 30 minutes. Let the lime salt cool completely in the pan before storing it.
Lime Salt Variations
- Add a spicy kick: Mix in a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper for a zesty, spicy twist. This variation works well for grilled meats or adding heat to margaritas.
- Create an herb-lime blend: Toss in finely chopped rosemary or thyme for a fragrant herb-lime salt that’s perfect for roasted vegetables.
- Try a citrus medley: Use a combination of lime, lemon and orange zest to create a more complex citrus flavor. This variation is especially tasty on seafood.
How to Store Lime Salt
Once the lime salt has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container. Store it at room temperature, and it should last for two to three weeks without losing its flavor.
Can you freeze lime salt?
Yes, you can freeze lime salt! Just pack it into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze it for up to six months. Thaw it at room temperature before using it.
Lime Salt Tips
What do you use lime and salt for?
Lime salt is incredibly versatile. It’s great on grilled meats, roasted vegetables, seafood or even as a finishing touch on snacks like popcorn. You can also use it to rim a glass for margaritas and other cocktails.
How do you make lime salt in cocktails?
Lime salt is perfect for rimming glasses, especially for margaritas or palomas. The zesty lime flavor enhances the drink’s citrus notes, while the salt balances the sweetness or bitterness in the cocktail.
Can you use lime salt on desserts?
Absolutely! Lime salt adds a fun twist to desserts like chocolate truffles or caramel. Just a pinch sprinkled on top can provide a contrast of sweet and salty with a refreshing citrus zing.
What foods pair well with lime salt?
Lime salt pairs beautifully with grilled seafood, roasted vegetables or even fresh fruit like watermelon. Its tangy-salty punch adds an extra layer of flavor, making each bite more vibrant and refreshing.
Lime Salt
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
30 min
Yield
1/2 cup
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sea salt
- 1 tablespoon grated lime zest
Directions
- Preheat oven to 225°. Mix salt and lime zest until well combined; spread into a parchment-lined 15x10-1-in. baking pan.
- Bake until mixture is dry, about 30 minutes. Cool completely in pan. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
1/4 teaspoon: 0 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 480mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
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Kick up any dish with a sprinkle of this zippy lime salt. It brightens steak tacos, grilled pineapple, sweet potato fries and more. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
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