Tomato Basil Garlic Seasoning Recipe: Savory Herb Blend for Italian Dishes

This savory herb blend captures the essence of Italian cooking in a simple, versatile mix. I developed it to bring that authentic flavor to everyday dishes without complicated prep.

The combination of dried tomatoes, basil, and garlic creates a bold seasoning that works on meats, vegetables, and even bread. It’s a pantry staple that elevates simple meals with minimal effort.

Make a large batch and store it in an airtight container—it stays fresh for months. Sprinkle it on chicken, fish, or roasted veggies for an instant flavor boost.

Between you and me, this blend tastes even better after sitting for a few days. The flavors meld into something truly special.

Ingredients for Tomato Basil Garlic Seasoning

Nine simple dry ingredients to capture that bold Italian flavor in every sprinkle.

The dried tomato powder is the game-changer here. Look for sun-dried tomato powder at specialty stores like Penzeys or online—regular tomato powder works in a pinch (just use a bit more). For the herbs, bulk bins at Whole Foods let you buy just what you need. Freshness matters, so check the dates on pre-packaged spices. I always grab mine from Trader Joe’s when I’m restocking.

No sun-dried tomato powder? Pulse dried sun-dried tomatoes in a spice grinder until fine. Missing oregano? Marjoram works at a 1:1 ratio—slightly different but still delicious. If you’re out of garlic powder, granulated garlic at half the amount gets you close. Want more heat? Double the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne (the good stuff, not the dusty old kind).

Glass jar, dark cabinet, done. Stays potent for about 6-12 months. I make a quadruple batch every time—one for me, three to gift. The flavors really come together after 3-4 days, so try to wait if you can (but I won’t judge if you don’t).

Step-by-Step Instructions for Tomato Basil Garlic Seasoning

This blend comes together in minutes with a simple mixing technique that preserves every flavor.

Step 1: Gather and Prepare Your Dry Ingredients

Measure out all your components precisely: 2 tbsp Dried Tomato Powder, 2 tbsp Dried Basil Leaves, 1.5 tbsp Garlic Powder, 1 tbsp Dried Oregano, 1 tbsp Onion Powder, 1 tbsp Sea Salt, 1 tsp Black Pepper, 0.5 tsp Red Pepper Flakes, and 1 tbsp Dried Parsley.

If your basil leaves are whole rather than crushed, take a moment to gently crush them between your fingers. This releases essential oils and ensures even distribution throughout the seasoning blend.

Step 2: Combine the Base Aromatics

In a medium bowl, start by adding the 2 tbsp Dried Tomato Powder, 2 tbsp Dried Basil Leaves, and 1 tbsp Dried Oregano. These form the aromatic foundation of your blend, delivering that signature Italian character.

Stir these together first to break up any clumps in the tomato powder. I’ve found this prevents small pockets of concentrated flavor in the final mix, giving you consistent results in every pinch.

Step 3: Add the Savory Depth Components

Now incorporate the 1.5 tbsp Garlic Powder, 1 tbsp Onion Powder, and 1 tbsp Sea Salt. These ingredients build the savory backbone that makes this blend so versatile across different dishes.

The garlic powder should be added slowly while stirring to prevent it from sticking to itself. Watch for the mixture to become slightly darker as the powders integrate—this visual cue tells you they’re blending evenly.

Step 4: Finish with Heat and Freshness

Add the final elements: 1 tsp Black Pepper, 0.5 tsp Red Pepper Flakes, and 1 tbsp Dried Parsley. The parsley adds a bright, fresh note that balances the deeper flavors, while the red pepper flakes introduce subtle warmth.

Gently fold everything together for about 1 minute until the colors look uniformly distributed. You’ll notice the blend takes on a vibrant, earthy appearance with flecks of green and red throughout.

Step 5: Store and Prepare for Use

Transfer your completed seasoning to an airtight container. I prefer glass jars with tight-sealing lids as they best preserve the potency of the dried herbs and spices.

Let the blend rest for at least 24 hours before using. This waiting period allows the flavors to meld together fully. When you open the container, you should be greeted with a robust, fragrant aroma that immediately evokes Italian cuisine.

Make-Ahead Tips for Leftovers

Batch Prep Basics

I always make 4-6 batches at once—this blend keeps so well that there’s no reason not to. Use a large mixing bowl and scale up all ingredients proportionally. A 16-ounce mason jar holds about 3 batches comfortably.

Storage Solutions

Glass jars with airtight lids are ideal for keeping the flavors fresh. Store in a cool, dark cabinet away from the stove or direct sunlight. I keep mine in my Boston apartment pantry, and it stays potent for up to 1 year. 💡

Labeling Tips

Label each jar with the date and contents—trust me, in 6 months you’ll forget what’s in that unmarked jar. I use simple masking tape and a Sharpie. Include usage ideas like “sprinkle on chicken before roasting” for quick reference.

Flavor Development

Let the blend rest for at least 3-4 days before using. The flavors meld and deepen over time. I’ve noticed the tomato powder and herbs really come together after a week, creating a more complex profile.

Gifting Made Easy

Fill small 4-ounce jars with the seasoning, tie a ribbon around the lid, and attach a handwritten recipe card. It’s a thoughtful hostess gift that’s always appreciated. I’ve given these to neighbors and coworkers with great feedback.

Quick Usage Prep

Before using, give the jar a good shake to redistribute any settled spices. For recipes calling for 1 tbsp of the blend, measure it out after shaking for consistent flavor. This small step makes a noticeable difference.

Frequently Asked Questions