Sometimes you need to spice things up a little. This jalapeño salt recipe does just that. Packed with healthy minerals and simple ingredients, it’s the perfect seasonal seasoning for meat, vegetables, or fruit.
Here you can easily control the level of spices and use less or more on your food. Even my older kids love sprinkling some on their food.
How to make jalapeño salt
This homemade jalapeño salt is exactly what it sounds like: mineral-rich salt mixed with dried jalapeño for a mild but flavorful seasoning. It’s one of those little kitchen improvements that can make everyday meals feel special without adding extra work.
The process is surprisingly straightforward. Cut the peppers, dry them completely until they break, then mix them with salt until they are finely ground. That’s it. The salt pulls the flavor out of the jalapeños and helps dry out the peppers.
Homemade jalapeño seasoning
Jalapeño seasoning is like an all-purpose salt with a kick. I love it sprinkled over grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, scrambled eggs, or sliced avocado. It’s also delicious on top of fresh fruit like mango or watermelon if you like a combination of sweet and spicy.
You can also try it for margarita. If you are the type Margarita loversBefore serving, make a large rim of salt. You can also stir a small amount into soup or taco meat for a simple flavor boost without the need for a lot of seasoning.
The best thing about homemade jalapeño salt is that it’s easy to master. For a smooth blend, remove the seeds and skins before drying the peppers. If you prefer more heat, keep them.
And if you’re sensitive to spiciness, a good jalapeño dust can be surprisingly strong, so mask when mixing. I recommend wearing gloves when chopping peppers! The oils from hot peppers can quickly start to burn your hands. Also, do not touch your eyes while cutting. That experience is never fun!
If you are using Celtic sea salt, remember that it is naturally more moist than other mineral salts. If you feel moist, spread it out on a baking sheet to air dry for several hours, or warm gently in the oven on low for 10-15 minutes before mixing. Excessive moisture can lead to breakage and shorten shelf life.
Jalapeño salt is an easy and delicious way to add heat to your favorite dishes!

Jalapeno salt
Jalapeño salt is a delicious spice that adds a delicious kick to meats, vegetables, and even fruits like melons and mangoes.
-
Wash and chop the fresh jalapeños. Spread evenly on drying trays at 125°F for 6-10 hours until completely dry and brittle.
-
Add the dried jalapeños to a food processor and pulse 2-3 times until finely chopped. (Skip if you prefer very fine salt.)
-
Add mineral salt to the processor.
-
Shake until fully combined and the texture is to your liking. Less mixture will keep the nail; More mixing creates a better taste.
-
Transfer to an airtight container and store in a cool, dark place.
Nutrition facts
Jalapeno salt
per serving (0.5 tsp)
Calories 0.4
% Daily Value*
Fat 0.004 g0%
Polyunsaturated fat 0.002 g
Sodium 786 mg34%
Potassium 3 mg0%
Carbohydrates 0.1 g0%
Fiber 0.01 g0%
Sugar 0.1 g0%
Protein 0.02 g0%
Vitamin A 9 IU0%
Vitamin C 1 mg1%
Calcium 1 mg0%
Metal 0.02 mg0%
* Percent daily values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
- If you started with already dried jalapeños, use 1/2 cup.
- This recipe calls for 1 and 1/2 cups of jalapeño salt.
Flavor options
Once you know how to make jalapeño salt, it’s easy to customize. Here are some more flavor options to try.
- Smoked jalapeño salt – To make smoky jalapeño salt, lightly roast the jalapeños at 250°F for 20-30 minutes before drying for extra flavor.
- Garlic jalapeno salt – After mixing, add 1-2 teaspoons of garlic powder.
- Citrus jalapeno salt – For lightness, mix 1 teaspoon of fully dried lemon or lime juice
- Herbal jalapeno salt – Mix in ½–1 teaspoon of dried oregano or cilantro
Storage and shelf life
Store the finished salt in an airtight container in a cool, dark cupboard. Thanks to the natural preservation properties of salt, it will last well over a year if stored properly.
What are your favorite seasonings to use in cooking? Leave a comment and let us know!
