Sometimes you just need to spice things up a little. This jalapeno salt recipe will do just that. With simple ingredients it’s full of healthy minerals and the perfect seasoning for meats, veggies, or even fruit.
You can easily control the spice level here and either use a little or a lot on your foods. Even my older kids like sprinkling some on their meals.
How to Make Jalapeno Salt
This homemade jalapeno salt is exactly what it sounds like: mineral-rich salt blended with dried jalapeños for a simple but flavorful seasoning. It’s one of those small kitchen upgrades that makes everyday meals feel special without adding extra work.
The process is surprisingly straightforward. Slice the peppers, dry them completely until they’re brittle, then blend with salt until finely ground. That’s it. The salt pulls the flavor from the jalapenos and also helps keep the peppers dry.
Homemade Jalapeno Salt Seasoning
Jalapeno seasoning is like an all-purpose finishing salt with a kick. I love it sprinkled over grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, scrambled eggs, or sliced avocado. It’s also delicious on fresh fruit like mango or watermelon if you like that sweet-and-spicy combination.
You can try it for margaritas too. If you’re the type who likes margaritas, it makes a great rim salt before serving. You can also stir a small amount into soups or taco meat for an easy flavor boost without needing multiple spices.
The nice thing about homemade jalapeno salt is that it’s easy to be in control. For a milder blend, remove the seeds and membranes before drying the peppers. If you prefer more heat, keep them in.
And if you’re sensitive to spice, wear a mask while blending since the fine jalapeño dust can be surprisingly strong. I also recommend wearing gloves when cutting up the peppers! The oils from the hot peppers can quickly start to burn your hands. Also, don’t touch your eyes when cutting. That’s never a fun thing to experience!
If you’re using Celtic sea salt, keep in mind that it’s naturally more moist than other mineral salts. If it feels damp, spread it on a baking sheet to air dry for several hours or warm it gently in the oven on the lowest setting for 10–15 minutes before blending. Excess moisture can lead to clumping and shorten shelf life.
Jalapeno salt is an easy and delicious way to turn up the heat on your favorite foods!
Jalapeno Salt
Jalapeno salt is a delicious spicy seasoning that adds a flavorful kick to meat, veggies, and even fruits like watermelon and mango.
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Wash and dice fresh jalapeños. Spread evenly on dehydrator trays and dehydrate at 125°F for 6–10 hours, until fully dry and brittle.
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Add dried jalapeños to a food processor and pulse 2–3 times to break them into smaller pieces. (Skip if you prefer a very fine salt.)
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Add mineral salt to the processor.
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Pulse until fully combined and the texture is to your liking. Less blending keeps it chunky; more blending creates a finer seasoning.
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Transfer to an airtight container and store in a cool, dark place.
Nutrition Facts
Jalapeno Salt
Amount Per Serving (0.5 tsp)
Calories 0.4
% Daily Value*
Fat 0.004g0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.002g
Sodium 786mg34%
Potassium 3mg0%
Carbohydrates 0.1g0%
Fiber 0.01g0%
Sugar 0.1g0%
Protein 0.02g0%
Vitamin A 9IU0%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 1mg0%
Iron 0.02mg0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
- If you’re starting with already dehydrated jalapenos, then use 1/2 cup.
- This recipe yields about 1 and 1/2 cups of jalapeno salt.
Flavor Twist Options
Once you know how to make jalapeno salt, it’s easy to customize. Here are some more flavor options to try.
- Smoked jalapeno salt – To make smoky jalapeno salt, lightly roast the jalapeños at 250°F for 20–30 minutes before dehydrating for deeper flavor.
- Garlic jalapeno salt – Add 1–2 teaspoons of garlic powder after blending.
- Citrus jalapeno salt – Mix in 1 teaspoon of fully dried lemon or lime zest for brightness
- Herbal jalapeno salt – Mix in ½–1 teaspoon dried oregano or cilantro
Storage and Shelf Life
Store the finished salt in an airtight container in a cool, dark cupboard. Thanks to salt’s natural preserving qualities, it keeps well for over a year when stored properly.
What are your favorite seasonings to use on food? Leave a comment and let us know!