7 Delicious DIY Sauces and Seasonings Made Without Preservatives

Making your own sauces and seasonings at home is not only fun but also a great way to keep your meals fresh and free from preservatives. In this collection, you’ll find seven easy recipes that pack a punch of flavor without any artificial ingredients. Grab your ingredients, and let’s whip up some tasty additions for your kitchen!

Creamy Garlic Aioli

Creamy garlic aioli is a luscious, homemade sauce that packs a flavorful punch. This simple yet satisfying recipe combines the rich taste of garlic with a smooth, creamy texture, making it perfect for dipping, spreading, or drizzling over your favorite dishes.

Making aioli at home is easy and rewarding. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up this homemade sauce that is free from preservatives. It’s a delightful addition to sandwiches, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats, enhancing any meal with its garlicky goodness.

Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (optional, like parsley or thyme)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Garlic: Mince the garlic cloves finely to release their flavor.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.
3. Season: Stir well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the garlic and lemon juice according to your preference.
4. Chill: Let the aioli sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve: Use as a dip for fries, a spread for sandwiches, or a topping for grilled meats.

Savory Herb Vinaigrette

This Savory Herb Vinaigrette is a fresh and zesty dressing that brings a burst of flavor to any salad or dish. With a blend of vibrant herbs and tangy vinegar, it’s perfect for those who want to elevate their meals without the extra preservatives found in store-bought options. Plus, it’s super simple to whip up, making it a go-to for quick meal prep.

The vinaigrette strikes a delightful balance between acidity and a herby aroma, making it a versatile addition to grilled veggies, chicken, or even as a marinade. You’ll love how it complements a wide range of flavors, making every bite a little more exciting.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey until well combined.
2. Add chopped herbs and minced garlic, mixing until evenly distributed.
3. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
4. Transfer the vinaigrette to a jar and shake well before serving.
5. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake before each use.

Zingy Lemon Pepper Seasoning

If you’re looking for a burst of flavor to enhance your dishes, this zingy lemon pepper seasoning is a fantastic choice! It’s bright, tangy, and has a delightful kick, making it perfect for everything from grilled chicken to roasted vegetables. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up at home without any preservatives or artificial ingredients.

This seasoning takes just a few minutes to prepare and can be stored for weeks, allowing you to add that refreshing zing to your meals whenever you like. Not only does it elevate the taste of your food, but it also adds a lovely freshness that can brighten up your cooking.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup lemon zest (about 3-4 lemons)
• 1/4 cup black peppercorns
• 2 tablespoons sea salt
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

1. Prepare the Zest: Start by washing the lemons thoroughly. Use a microplane or zester to create 1/4 cup of lemon zest.
2. Grind the Pepper: In a spice grinder or blender, add the black peppercorns and grind until finely crushed.
3. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the lemon zest, ground pepper, sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and paprika. Stir until well mixed.
4. Store the Seasoning: Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place. Enjoy your homemade zingy lemon pepper seasoning whenever you want!

Zesty Homemade BBQ Sauce

Homemade BBQ sauce is a must-have for any grilling enthusiast. This zesty version brings together a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, making it ideal for slathering on ribs, burgers, or even grilled veggies. It’s super simple to whip up, and you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.

With just a few pantry staples, you can create a sauce that rivals any store-bought option, minus the preservatives. Once you try this delicious BBQ sauce, you’ll wonder why you ever bought it from the store!

Ingredients

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Whisk: Stir the mixture until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
3. Simmer: Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes. This helps meld the flavors together.
4. Cool and Store: Allow the sauce to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Sweet Teriyaki Glaze

Sweet teriyaki glaze is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for enhancing a variety of dishes. This easy-to-make sauce brings a rich, glossy finish to grilled meats, veggies, and even stir-fries. It’s a fantastic way to add a burst of flavor without any preservatives.

Whether you use it as a marinade or a dipping sauce, this glaze elevates your meals with its unique taste. Plus, it requires just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry!

Ingredients

• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, ginger, and garlic. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
2. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth, then add this mixture to the saucepan.
3. Keep stirring as the sauce heats up. It will start to thicken in a few minutes.
4. Once thickened to your liking, remove from heat and let cool. You can add sesame seeds for an extra crunch if desired.
5. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

This Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Sauce is a delightful addition to any meal, bringing a zesty kick that elevates your dishes. Made from fresh roasted peppers, it combines sweet and spicy flavors, giving it a unique taste that’s hard to resist. The best part? It’s super easy to whip up!

Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip, this sauce is not only versatile but also free from preservatives. If you love a little heat, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

• 3 large red bell peppers
• 2-3 red chili peppers (adjust for desired heat)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

1. Roast the Peppers: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the red bell peppers in half, remove seeds, and place them cut side down on a baking sheet. Add the red chili peppers whole. Roast for about 20-25 minutes until the skins are blistered and charred.
2. Cool and Peel: Remove from the oven and let the peppers cool in a sealed bag for about 10 minutes. Once cooled, peel off the skins.
3. Blend the Sauce: In a food processor, combine the roasted peppers, minced garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and smoked paprika if using. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve or Store: Transfer the sauce to a jar. You can use it right away or store it in the fridge for up to a week.

Tantalizing Taco Seasoning

This taco seasoning is a must-have for anyone looking to create delicious, homemade tacos. It’s packed with a blend of spices that deliver a warm, zesty flavor profile, making it perfect for meats, vegetables, or even beans. Best of all, it’s super easy to whip up, so you can say goodbye to store-bought options full of preservatives.

With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a tasty seasoning blend that elevates any taco night. Plus, you can adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. Whether you prefer mild or spicy, this seasoning will enhance your meals in no time!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix until well blended.
2. Store the seasoning in an airtight jar for up to six months.
3. To use, sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of the seasoning over 1 pound of meat or vegetables while cooking, adding water or broth as needed.