Homemade lime salt is perfect for giving cocktails, grilled meats, roasted vegetables—even popcorn—a quick punch of flavor. Made with just lime zest and sea salt, it's easy to have ready to go in your pantry.

Lime Salt

Ingredients for Lime Salt
- Sea salt: Sea salt provides a clean, crisp salinity that enhances the brightness of the lime zest. You can substitute kosher salt for a slightly milder flavor.
- Grated lime zest: Lime zest offers a fresh, tangy flavor that perfectly complements the salt. If you can’t find fresh limes, lemon zest can work as a backup with a slightly different citrus twist.
Directions
Step 1: Combine the salt and lime
Step 2: Dry the mixture
Lime Salt Variations
- Add a spicy kick: Mix in a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper for a zesty, spicy twist. This variation works well for grilled meats or adding heat to margaritas.
- Create an herb-lime blend: Toss in finely chopped rosemary or thyme for a fragrant herb-lime salt that’s perfect for roasted vegetables.
- Try a citrus medley: Use a combination of lime, lemon and orange zest to create a more complex citrus flavor. This variation is especially tasty on seafood.
How to Store Lime Salt
Can you freeze lime salt?
Lime Salt Tips
What do you use lime and salt for?
How do you make lime salt in cocktails?
Lime salt is perfect for rimming glasses, especially for margaritas or palomas. The zesty lime flavor enhances the drink’s citrus notes, while the salt balances the sweetness or bitterness in the cocktail.
Can you use lime salt on desserts?
Absolutely! Lime salt adds a fun twist to desserts like chocolate truffles or caramel. Just a pinch sprinkled on top can provide a contrast of sweet and salty with a refreshing citrus zing.
What foods pair well with lime salt?
Lime salt pairs beautifully with grilled seafood, roasted vegetables or even fresh fruit like watermelon. Its tangy-salty punch adds an extra layer of flavor, making each bite more vibrant and refreshing.
Lime Salt
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sea salt
- 1 tablespoon grated lime zest
Directions
- Preheat oven to 225°. Mix salt and lime zest until well combined; spread into a parchment-lined 15x10-1-in. baking pan.
- Bake until mixture is dry, about 30 minutes. Cool completely in pan. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
1/4 teaspoon: 0 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 480mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.