• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Savory Soups
  • Recipes
  • Skinny Swaps
  • About
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
Make It Skinny Please logo
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Savory Soups
  • Recipes
  • Skinny Swaps
  • About
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Make It Skinny Please » Recipes » Sauces & Dressings » Italian Seasoning Substitute

    Published: Jul 31, 2022 by Toni Dash · 11 Comments

    Italian Seasoning Substitute

    Weight Watchers Points0
    Calories: 3kcal
    Carbs: 1g
    Protein: 0.1g
    Fats: 0.1g
    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Italian seasoning substitute in a jar with spoon.

    If you are an Italian food lover you've used Italian seasoning before. But what if you run out or want to change the blend? Easy! This Italian Seasoning substitute let's you make your own simple Italian seasoning to bring Italian cuisine flavor to any dish.

    Italian seasoning substitute in a jar with spoon.
    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
    Enter your email below and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox (and more recipes every week)!
    Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
    Loading
    Italian seasoning substitute in a jar with spoon.

    Italian seasoning is a blend of dried herbs used to flavor many dishes. Add it to soups, stews, roasted vegetables, salad dressings, marinades, pasta sauces, and any meal that requires a bit more Italian flavors. It is made in 3 minutes, lasts a long time in a sealed jar and it’s delicious!

    Making your own Italian seasoning is easy with a blend of herbs found at the grocery store. You are in control of the ingredients with this aromatic herb blend and probably have the ingredients in your spice cabinet already.

    This Italian seasoning recipe is the best substitute to add savory flavor to your favorite recipes (Italian cooking and more). Making it yourself in bulk is affordable and makes a great gift in a spice jar too! Also it combines all your favorite Italian herbs in one place for easier use rather than measuring out several spices for a given recipe.

    Try our homemade chili seasoning blend and poultry seasoning blend too. Making your own blend is a great way to add some flair to your spice rack!

    Jump to:
    • Recipe Ingredients Notes
    • How to make Italian Seasoning substitute
    • Variations and Substitutions
    • How to Use it
    • How to Store and Shelf-Life
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More recipes you'll love!
    • Recipe

    Recipe Ingredients Notes

    italian seasoning substitute labelled ingredients.

    This easy seasoning blend is made up of favorite dried spices found in Mediterranean cooking: oregano, basil, thyme, marjoram, rosemary, sage and parsley. You can change it up too (see Variations below).

    How to make Italian Seasoning substitute

    In a small bowl combine the oregano, basil, thyme, marjoram, rosemary, sage and parsley. Mix together.

    italian seasoning substitute recipe steps 1-2

    Transfer to an airtight jar, seal and store at room temperature in a dark location (where you'd keep your spice rack).

    italian seasoning substitute recipe steps 3-5.

    Variations and Substitutions

    The great thing about homemade seasoning blends is you can create a versatile blend with the distinct flavors you love. The basic herbs blend is delicious but it's easy to make a your own version with unique flavor by using some of the ideas below too!

    No marjoram? No problem. Traditional Italian seasoning usually includes oregano, basil, thyme and marjoram. If you don’t have marjoram on hand, it can be omitted. Rosemary, sage and parsley can also be omitted but I suggest adding them for the best flavor.

    Spice it up. Add some red pepper flakes for a little heat. Don't go overboard!

    Love garlic? Add 1-2 teaspoons of garlic powder. You can do the same with onion powder too.

    Dried lemon peel. This is one of my favorite additions to the main herbs. Dried lemon peel is available with regular spices at the grocery store. You just need ¼-1/2 teaspoon. It does not add a lemony flavor but the Italian seasoning tastes a bit brighter, more robust flavor.

    Dried lavender flowers. Adding a small amount to the Italian herbs gives a touch of Herbes de Provence flavor. Be sure to use food grade dried lavender (not the type you put in potpourri which as been treated) and don't use too much. It has a strong flavor and a concentrated flavor that can overwhelm the main ingredients.

    Italian seasoning substitute in jar overhead.

    How to Use it

    Here are some of our favorite ideas and recipes that use Italian seasoning. You can swap in the Italian seasoning substitute in the same amount are store bought seasoning.

    • In a frittata or egg bites or egg mini omelets
    • In salad dressings
    • Marinara Sauce
    • Mediterranean Shrimp
    • One pan Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
    • Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Breasts
    • Low calorie Vegetable Soup with Zucchini Noodles
    • Instant Pot White Bean and Turkey Chili
    • Rainbow Chickpea Pasta Salad
    • Air Fryer Greek Chicken Bowls
    • Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Skewers

    How to Store and Shelf-Life

    Store in an glass airtight container or jar in a cool, dry place. Spices should be stored out of direct sunlight and heat, and not refrigerated.

    It lasts for 3-6 months (probably more) when stored in a sealed jar, and a dry place away from sunlight. It won't go 'bad' the spice blend will just not be as strong flavored.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How much homemade Italian Seasoning does this make?

    It makes ¾ cup (12 tablespoons).

    Can I use fresh herbs in this Italian seasoning blend?

    Since it's being stored at room temperature fresh herbs won't work. But you can always add some (think a combination of thyme, fresh basil, fresh oregano) to the recipe you make using the Italian seasoning substitute to increase the flavor of your dish.

    Can I add sea salt or black pepper?

    Rather than adding those to Italian seasoning blends the best option for those ingredients is to add them 'to taste' to the recipe you are making. Then you don't risk a too salty or peppery flavor.

    More recipes you'll love!

    • egg white breakfast wraps from overhead.
      Best Egg White Breakfast Wraps recipe (low carb)
    • egg white wraps with text.
      Egg White Wraps (low calorie, low carb tortillas)
    • cranberry wine spritzer in glass.
      Cranberry Ginger Spritzer (easy holiday cocktail)
    • air fryer butternut squash in white bowl.
      Easy Air Fryer Butternut Squash recipe

    Recipe

    Italian seasoning substitute in open jar.

    Homemade Italian Seasoning (Italian seasoning substitute)

    Weight Watchers Points0
    Click to track Weight Watchers Points
    Italian seasoning is the perfect spice blend to add favorite Mediterranean flavor to soups, stews, roasted vegetables, salad dressing, marinades, pasta sauces and more., and any meal that requires a bit more flavor. It is made in 3 minutes, lasts a long time in a sealed jar.
    5 from 57 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Italian
    Diet: Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Low Fat, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Servings: 36 1-teaspoon servings (total yield: ¾ cup)
    Calories: 3kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoons oregano
    • 2 tablespoons basil
    • 2 tablespoons thyme
    • 2 tablespoons marjoram
    • 2 tablespoons rosemary
    • 1 tablespoon sage
    • 1 tablespoon parsley

    Instructions

    • Add all the ingredients to a medium bowl and mix together to fully combine.
    • Transfer to an airtight jar or glass container seal and store at room temperature out of direct sunlight (in a cool, dark location where you store other spices).

    Notes

    How to Store
    Store in an glass airtight container or jar in a cool, dry place. Spices should be stored out of direct sunlight and heat, and not refrigerated. 
    Shelf life
    It lasts for 3-6 months (probably more) when stored in a sealed jar, and a dry place away from sunlight. It won't go 'bad' the spice blend will just not be as strong flavored
    Variations
    No marjoram? No problem. Traditional Italian seasoning usually includes oregano, basil, thyme and marjoram. If you don’t have marjoram on hand, it can be omitted. Rosemary, sage and parsley can also be omitted but I suggest adding them for the best flavor.
    Spice it up. Add some red pepper flakes for a little heat. Don't go overboard!
    Love garlic? Add 1-2 teaspoons of garlic powder. You can do the same with onion powder too.
    Dried lemon peel. This is one of my favorite additions to the main herbs. Dried lemon peel is available with regular spices at the grocery store. You just need ¼-1/2 teaspoon. It does not add a lemony flavor but the Italian seasoning tastes a bit brighter, more robust flavor.
    Dried lavender flowers. Adding a small amount to the Italian herbs gives a touch of Herbes de Provence flavor. Be sure to use food grade dried lavender (not the type you put in potpourri which as been treated) and don't use too much. It has a strong flavor and a concentrated flavor that can overwhelm the main ingredients.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 3kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 17mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 0.02g | Vitamin A: 42IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1mg
    Italian seasoning substitute in a jar with spoon.
    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
    Enter your email below and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox (and more recipes every week)!
    Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
    Loading
    Tried this recipe? Please share it!Mention @MakeItSkinnyPlease or tag #MakeItSkinnyPlease!
    « Skinny Lemon Muffins
    Watermelon Smoothie »

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutritional Coach and certified Weight Loss Specialist, writer/blogger, photographer, chief recipe developer and creator of Make It Skinny Please. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her slimmed down recipes using real food ingredients bring excitement to the dining table and never taste like 'diet food'. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

    Free Email Course

    AWESOME SKINNY TIPS & SWAPS
    Want to slim down your favorite recipes?
    These SECRETS do that and so much more!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 57 votes (46 ratings without comment)

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Kara says

      August 02, 2022 at 8:57 am

      5 stars
      I love that it's adaptable! I like basil more than oregano, so I was able to adjust the seasoning to my taste. I will always have to keep this on hand!

      Reply
    2. Shari H says

      August 02, 2022 at 7:31 am

      5 stars
      Amazing! I used it for my salad dressing and my chicken marinade. It's so crazy easy to make!!

      Reply
    3. Allyssa says

      August 02, 2022 at 7:26 am

      5 stars
      Super loved this, really helpful! Highly recommended! Thanks a lot for this amazing and super easy to make italian seasoning substitute! It's really tasty and very flavorful! Will surely use this again!

      Reply
    4. Cori H says

      August 01, 2022 at 4:45 pm

      5 stars
      So easy to make! I’ll never buy from the store again!

      Reply
    5. Cori D says

      August 01, 2022 at 3:57 pm

      5 stars
      So easy to make!! I’ll never buy from the store again!

      Reply
    6. Renee S says

      August 01, 2022 at 3:53 pm

      5 stars
      Perfect every time! And so easy to make!

      Reply
    7. Kali Alexandria says

      August 01, 2022 at 9:20 am

      5 stars
      This is genius! Thank you!!

      Reply
    8. Grace says

      August 01, 2022 at 8:10 am

      5 stars
      I buy this seasoning all the time. It's always the one I use up. I made your version and love it! All the right herbs. I added it to a gazpacho recipe for some Italian flavor and it's so good!

      Reply
    9. Tara says

      August 01, 2022 at 8:07 am

      5 stars
      Oh wow! I love how this seasoning mix comes together with spices I already have at home. Definitely a great homemade substitute.

      Reply
    10. Tavo says

      August 01, 2022 at 7:51 am

      5 stars
      I love to make my own seasonings, and this was a breeze to make. Not repurchasing Italian seasoning!

      Reply
    11. Kim says

      August 01, 2022 at 7:36 am

      5 stars
      This homemade Italian seasoning is great! So easy to make and I love making my own to have on hand. It is delicious!

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Picture of Toni

    Welcome! I’m Toni. I'm a Certified Nutrition Coach and NASM certified Weight Loss Specialist. I'm excited to share Classic Recipes made more calorie friendly using real food!

    More about me →

    MISP Skinny Swaps Holiday Edition.

    Savory Soups

    • white bowl of lemon chicken rice soup. Lemon Chicken Rice Soup
    • vegetable cabbage soup in a white bowl. Cabbage Vegetable Soup
    • homemade tomato sweet corn soup. Homemade Tomato and Sweet Corn Soup
    • lentil mushroom stew with title Lentil and Mushroom Stew recipe
    • low calorie vegetable noodle soup in a pot with title overlay Low Calorie Vegetable Soup with Zoodles
    • gnocchi vegetable soup overhead in white bowl. Vegetable Gnocchi Soup
    Salad recipes cheat sheet image RS

    TRENDING RIGHT NOW

    • air fryer poached eggs close up Air Fryer Poached Eggs
    • instant pot mexican shredded chicken in bowl Instant Pot Mexican Shredded Chicken
    • Instant Pot Turkey Breast roast title overlay Instant Pot Boneless Turkey Breast Roast recipe
    • air fryer miso salmon with vegetables on plate Air Fryer Miso Salmon and Vegetables
    • instant pot popcorn in bowl with instant pot Perfect Instant Pot Popcorn
    • Skinny Charcuterie Board with title overlay How to make a Skinny Easy Charcuterie Board

    Footer

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram

    Contact | About | Privacy Policy | Disclosure Policy | Accessibility Statement | Cookie Policy


    SIGN ME UP to get FREE recipes directly to my inbox!


    Copyright © 2021-2024 All Rights Reserved

    Make It Skinny Please is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC associates program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.