Homemade Dill Pickle Seasoning

Finding ways to add that tangy, briny pickle flavor to your favorite foods can feel like a puzzle. Sure, you can always reach for a jar of pickles, but what about when you want that distinctive taste in your popcorn, roasted vegetables, or homemade chips? And let’s be honest, buying specialty pickle seasonings at the store can get expensive fast.

That’s where this simple dill pickle seasoning comes in handy: it captures all those classic pickle flavors in a convenient powder form, costs a fraction of store-bought versions, and works on practically anything you want to sprinkle it on.

What Kind of Dried Dill Should I Use?

For this seasoning blend, you’ll want to use dried dill weed, which is the feathery green leaves of the dill plant. You can find it in the spice aisle of most grocery stores, and it’s different from dill seeds (which are also in this recipe). Fresh dill won’t work here since we need the concentrated flavor and shelf-stable nature of the dried version. When shopping, look for dried dill that still has a bright green color rather than something that’s turned brown or yellow, as fresher dried herbs will give you much better flavor. If your dried dill has been sitting in your spice cabinet for more than a year, it’s probably time to replace it for the best results.

Options for Substitutions

This seasoning blend is pretty forgiving, so here are some easy swaps you can make:

• Dried dill weed: This is the star of the show, so I wouldn’t skip it entirely. But if you only have fresh dill, use about 9 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill and let the mixture dry out completely before storing.
• Coriander seeds: No coriander seeds? Ground coriander works too – just use 1 teaspoon instead of the tablespoon. You can also substitute with fennel seeds for a slightly different but still pickle-like flavor.
• Dill seed: If you can’t find dill seed, you can double up on the dried dill weed instead. The flavor will be a bit different but still delicious.
• Sea salt: Any salt works here – table salt, kosher salt, or even pickle salt if you have it. Just stick with the same amount.
• Ground mustard: Mustard powder and ground mustard are the same thing, but if you don’t have either, you can leave it out or add a tiny pinch of turmeric for color and a slight tang.
• Onion and garlic powder: These can be swapped for each other if you’re missing one, or you can use granulated versions instead of powder – just use the same amounts.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest mistake when making dill pickle seasoning is grinding your coriander seeds too fine, which can make the blend powdery and overwhelming – aim for a coarse grind that still has some texture and bite.

Another common error is using old dried dill weed that’s lost its punch, so make sure your herbs are bright green and fragrant before mixing, and store your finished seasoning in an airtight container away from light to keep it fresh.

To get the most flavor from your coriander seeds, lightly toast them in a dry pan for 30-60 seconds before grinding, which brings out their citrusy notes and makes the whole blend more aromatic.

Don’t forget to taste and adjust the salt level based on how you plan to use it – if you’re sprinkling it on already salty snacks, you might want to dial back the sea salt a bit.

What to Serve With Dill Pickle Seasoning?

This tangy seasoning blend is perfect for sprinkling on roasted potatoes, popcorn, or even rimming the glass of a bloody mary for an extra kick. I love using it as a dry rub for grilled chicken or fish – it gives them that bright, zesty flavor that reminds you of your favorite dill pickles. You can also mix it into sour cream or Greek yogurt to make a quick dip for vegetables or chips, or sprinkle it over deviled eggs for a fun twist on the classic appetizer. Don’t forget to try it on fresh cucumber slices or add it to your homemade ranch dressing for an extra layer of flavor.

Storage Instructions

Store: Keep your homemade dill pickle seasoning in an airtight container or small mason jar in a cool, dry place like your pantry or spice cabinet. It’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 6 months, though I find it tastes best within the first 3 months when all those spices are at their peak.

Make Ahead: This seasoning blend is perfect for making in bigger batches since it keeps so well. I like to double or triple the recipe and store portions in small jars to give as gifts or to have extras on hand. Just make sure to label your containers with the date so you know when you made it.

Keep Fresh: For the longest shelf life, store your seasoning away from heat and direct sunlight. The spice cabinet above your stove isn’t ideal since the heat can make the flavors fade faster. A cool pantry shelf or spice drawer works much better for keeping everything tasting great.

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 35-50
• Protein: 2-3 g
• Fat: 0.5-1.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 7-10 g

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp dried dill
• 1 tbsp whole coriander
• 1 tbsp sea salt
• 1 tsp dill seeds
• 1 tsp powdered onion
• 1/2 tsp ground yellow mustard
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Step 1: Grind the Seasoning Mix

• 3 tbsp dried dill
• 1 tbsp whole coriander
• 1 tbsp sea salt
• 1 tsp dill seeds
• 1 tsp powdered onion
• 1/2 tsp ground yellow mustard
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Combine the dried dill, whole coriander, sea salt, dill seeds, powdered onion, ground yellow mustard, and garlic powder in a spice grinder.

Grind everything together until you achieve a fine, even powder.

I like to pulse the grinder a few times at first to break down the larger spices before letting it run continuously until everything is nicely blended.

Step 2: Store the Seasoning

Carefully transfer your freshly ground seasoning mix from Step 1 into a small, sealable container.

Store in a cool, dry place until ready to use.

Keeping it in an airtight container will help preserve its flavor and aroma for longer.

Homemade Dill Pickle Seasoning

Delicious Homemade Dill Pickle Seasoning recipe with step-by-step instructions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 7 minutes mins

Servings 4

Calories 42 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 3 tbsp dried dill
• 1 tbsp whole coriander
• 1 tbsp sea salt
• 1 tsp dill seeds
• 1 tsp powdered onion
• 1/2 tsp ground yellow mustard
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

 

• Combine the dried dill, whole coriander, sea salt, dill seeds, powdered onion, ground yellow mustard, and garlic powder in a spice grinder. Grind everything together until you achieve a fine, even powder. I like to pulse the grinder a few times at first to break down the larger spices before letting it run continuously until everything is nicely blended.
• Carefully transfer your freshly ground seasoning mix from Step 1 into a small, sealable container. Store in a cool, dry place until ready to use. Keeping it in an airtight container will help preserve its flavor and aroma for longer.