Trader Joe’s Everyday Seasoning Recipe: All-Purpose Savory Blend for Any Dish

Comprehensive Trader Joe's Everyday Seasoning Recipe: All Purpose Savory Blend for Any Dish visual reference

This all-purpose blend brings balanced savory flavor to any dish with just a sprinkle. I developed this recipe to replicate the versatility of that popular store-bought favorite.

With simple pantry staples like garlic, onion, salt, and herbs, this foolproof mix enhances meats, vegetables, and even popcorn. Make a big batch and keep it on hand.

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Difficulty
Medium
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Diet
Vegetarian
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Total Time
30 min
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Calories
Low Cal

Ingredients for Trader Joe’s Everyday Seasoning

Nine pantry staples create this foolproof all-purpose savory blend for any dish.

Ingredient Amount Notes
Garlic Powder 🧄 2 tbsp Fresh and aromatic preferred
Onion Powder 🧅 2 tbsp Fine, even consistency
Sea Salt 🧂 1 tbsp Fine grain for even distribution
Black Pepper 🌶️ 1 tbsp Freshly ground for best flavor
Dried Parsley 🌿 1 tbsp Bright green, flaky texture
Dried Basil 🍃 1 tbsp Crushed for better blending
Dried Oregano 🌿 1 tbsp Mediterranean variety preferred
Paprika 🌶️ 1 tbsp Sweet or smoked variety
Celery Salt 🌿 1 tsp Balances the blend perfectly

The garlic and onion powders are the backbone here. Penzeys has amazing quality, but honestly Trader Joe’s spices are solid and budget-friendly (and you’re already shopping there anyway). Look for bright, vibrant colors in your dried herbs—if they’re dull, they’ve lost their punch. Sea salt should be fine grain so it blends evenly. Don’t skip the celery salt; it adds that subtle depth you can’t quite place.

No celery salt? Substitute with celery seed plus a pinch of salt. Out of paprika? Cayenne for heat or bell pepper flakes for color (just know it’ll change the vibe). Fresh herbs won’t work here—dried is essential for shelf stability. If you’re making a big batch, double the parsley and basil (they’re light and mellow out the stronger flavors).

Store in an airtight jar away from light and heat. Keeps its punch for about 6 months. I make a triple batch every few months—one for me, two for gifts (because everyone loves this stuff).

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Five-Minute Mix: I just dump all five ingredients in a bowl, stir, and it’s done—no chopping, no fuss.
  • Savory All-Stars: The garlic and onion powders pack a punch, while the parsley adds that fresh herbal note I crave.
  • Endless Uses: I sprinkle it on eggs, roasted veggies, even popcorn. Honestly, it’s my kitchen’s MVP.
  • Pantry Hero: It’s cheaper than store-bought blends and lasts for months in my cupboard.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Trader Joe’s Everyday Seasoning

Simple blending process that takes less than five minutes with maximum flavor payoff.

Step 1: Gather All Components for the Blend

Pull out all your measured spices and place them on a clean, dry surface. You’ll need the 2 tbsp Garlic Powder, 2 tbsp Onion Powder, 1 tbsp Sea Salt, 1 tbsp Black Pepper, 1 tbsp Dried Parsley, 1 tbsp Dried Basil, 1 tbsp Dried Oregano, 1 tbsp Paprika, and 1 tsp Celery Salt.

This assembly ensures you won’t forget any component or accidentally double-add an ingredient. The fine grain of the sea salt and evenly ground black pepper will distribute perfectly throughout the mix.

Step 2: Combine the Base Seasonings

In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 tbsp Garlic Powder and 2 tbsp Onion Powder until fully combined. These form the aromatic foundation of your blend, providing that signature savory depth.

Add the 1 tbsp Sea Salt and 1 tbsp Black Pepper, mixing thoroughly. The salt amplifies all flavors while the pepper adds subtle heat. I always use freshly ground for the most vibrant taste.

Step 3: Incorporate the Herbal Elements

Sprinkle in the 1 tbsp Dried Parsley, 1 tbsp Dried Basil, and 1 tbsp Dried Oregano. These dried herbs add layers of complexity – parsley for freshness, basil for sweetness, and oregano for earthy warmth.

Crush any larger herb pieces between your fingers as you add them. This releases their essential oils and ensures even distribution throughout the blend. The bright green parsley flakes should be visible but evenly dispersed.

Step 4: Add the Final Touches

Stir in the 1 tbsp Paprika for its characteristic color and mild sweetness. Then add the 1 tsp Celery Salt – this is the secret ingredient that perfectly balances the entire blend.

The paprika will give your seasoning that recognizable warm hue while the celery salt contributes a subtle savory note that ties everything together. Mix one final time to ensure complete integration of all components.

Step 5: Store for Maximum Freshness

Transfer the completed seasoning to an airtight container. A small glass jar with a tight-fitting lid works perfectly for this quantity.

Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. The blend will maintain its potency for up to 6 months, though I find it’s best used within 3 months for peak flavor. Shake well before each use to redistribute any settled spices.

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Pro Tips For Making Trader Joe’S Everyday Seasoning

  • Toast Your Spices: Lightly toasting the garlic and onion powders in a dry pan for 30-45 seconds before mixing wakes up their flavors—I learned this the hard way when my first batch tasted flat.
  • Grind the Pepper Fresh: Skip pre-ground black pepper and grind whole peppercorns yourself—it makes a real difference in the final blend’s brightness.
  • Skip the Coarse Salt: Fine sea salt blends better with the other powders, so steer clear of coarse grains that leave uneven pockets of saltiness.
  • Double the Parsley: The dried parsley mellows out in the mix, so I use twice what most recipes call for to keep its herbal note noticeable.

Wine and Beer Pairings for trader joes everyday seasoning

Crisp White Wines

A dry Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand pairs beautifully with dishes seasoned with this blend. The citrus notes complement the garlic and onion while cutting through any richness. I love Kim Crawford for its consistent quality and bright acidity. 🍷

Light Beers

A crisp Pilsner like Stella Artois enhances the savory notes without overpowering them. The light malt profile and subtle hop bitterness balance the seasoning’s robustness. Serve chilled at 45°F for best results.

Medium-Bodied Reds

For red wine lovers, a Pinot Noir from Oregon offers earthy notes that harmonize with the herbs. Try Eyrie Vineyards—its bright acidity and red fruit flavors won’t compete with the seasoning’s complexity.

Wheat Ales

A Hefeweizen like Weihenstephaner works wonders with this all-purpose blend. The banana and clove esters in the beer complement the paprika and celery salt, creating a well-rounded pairing.

Rosé Options

A dry Provence rosé such as Whispering Angel provides a refreshing contrast. Its subtle berry notes and minerality enhance the seasoning’s versatility, especially on grilled vegetables or chicken. 💫

Non-Alcoholic

For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a squeeze of lime cleanses the palate. The effervescence lifts the flavors of the blend, making each bite taste fresh and vibrant.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories 5kcal
% Daily Value
Total Fat 0g0%
Saturated Fat 0g0%
Cholesterol 0mg0%
Sodium 1280mg56%
Total Carbohydrate 1g0%
Dietary Fiber 0g0%
Sugars 0g
Protein 0g0%
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

How long can I store this blend?

Store in an airtight container away from light and heat. It maintains peak flavor for about 3 months, but remains usable for up to 6 months.

2

Can I use fresh herbs instead?

No, dried herbs are essential for shelf stability and concentrated flavor. Fresh herbs contain moisture that would cause clumping and spoilage in the mix.

3

What can I substitute for celery salt?

Use ½ tsp celery seed plus ½ tsp salt as a perfect replacement. This maintains the unique savory depth that celery salt provides.

4

Does this work on sweet dishes?

This is a savory blend best for meats, veggies, and snacks. For sweet applications, the garlic and onion powders would overpower delicate flavors.

★★★★★5.0(5 reviews)
Nathan Turner