9 Easy DIY Sauces and Seasonings You Can Make Without Preservatives

If you’re tired of store-bought sauces and seasonings filled with preservatives, you’re in for a treat! Here are 9 easy DIY recipes that not only pack a punch of flavor but also keep things fresh and simple. Perfect for cooking enthusiasts and casual chefs alike, these recipes will have you whipping up delicious sauces and seasonings in no time.

Spicy Garlic Aioli with Lemon Zest

Spicy garlic aioli with lemon zest is a tangy and creamy sauce that packs a punch. The garlic gives it a robust flavor, while the lemon zest adds a refreshing brightness, making it a fantastic dip or spread for a variety of dishes.

This recipe is simple to whip up and is free from preservatives, so you know exactly what’s in it. It’s perfect for fries, sandwiches, or as a dressing for grilled meats and veggies.

Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (or to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a bowl.
2. Add chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
5. Serve as a dip or spread with your favorite dishes.

Sweet and Spicy Mustard Sauce

This sweet and spicy mustard sauce packs a punch with its tangy flavor and delightful kick. It’s quick and easy to whip up, making it a perfect addition to sandwiches, pretzels, or as a dipping sauce for chicken nuggets.

The combination of sweetness from honey or sugar and the heat from chili flakes creates a balance that’s simply irresistible. Plus, making it at home means no preservatives—just simple, fresh ingredients!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine Dijon mustard and honey (or maple syrup) until smooth.
2. Add apple cider vinegar, chili flakes, garlic powder, and salt. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Taste and adjust the spice level if needed by adding more chili flakes.
4. Transfer the sauce to a clean jar and refrigerate for at least one hour to let the flavors meld.
5. Enjoy your homemade sweet and spicy mustard sauce with your favorite snacks!

Creamy Alfredo Sauce with Parmesan

This creamy Alfredo sauce brings rich, cheesy goodness to any pasta dish. With its silky texture and savory flavor, it’s a favorite among many who enjoy Italian cuisine. Making this sauce is simple and requires just a few ingredients, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Incorporating fresh Parmesan cheese gives the sauce a delightful depth of flavor, while garlic adds a nice kick. Whip it up in under 20 minutes, and you’ll have a delicious sauce ready to coat your favorite pasta. Enjoy it as a classic Alfredo or use it as a base for adding veggies or proteins!

Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Allow it to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, keeping an eye on it to prevent boiling.
3. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using. Stir well to combine.
5. Remove from heat and serve immediately over your favorite pasta.

Tangy Barbecue Sauce with Honey

This Tangy Barbecue Sauce with Honey strikes a perfect balance between sweet and tangy, making it a fantastic addition to any grilled dish. It’s easy to whip up, using simple ingredients you probably already have at home, and it’s free from preservatives.

With its rich flavor profile, this sauce will elevate your burgers, ribs, or veggies, ensuring every bite is delicious. Plus, making your own means you can adjust the taste to suit your preferences. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon 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. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix together ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.
2. Add Spices: Stir in smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Simmer: Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it begins to bubble. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes to thicken.
4. Cool and Store: Remove from heat and let the sauce cool. Transfer it to a jar or airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Homemade Marinara Sauce with Fresh Basil

Homemade marinara sauce is a staple in many kitchens, and for good reason! It’s simple to make, rich in flavor, and packed with fresh ingredients. The bright taste of tomatoes combined with the aromatic essence of fresh basil creates a delightful sauce that’s perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce. Making your own marinara means you can avoid preservatives and tailor the flavors to your liking.

This recipe is not only quick but allows you to enjoy the fresh taste of basil right from your garden or local market. The vibrant red sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile addition to your cooking routine. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up a batch!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. If you prefer a slightly sweet sauce, add sugar at this point.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Just before serving, stir in the fresh basil and balsamic vinegar for an extra depth of flavor.

Herb-Infused Olive Oil with Rosemary

Herb-infused olive oil is a delightful way to add flavor to your meals without any preservatives. This simple recipe highlights rosemary, giving the oil a fragrant and earthy taste that elevates everything from salads to marinades. Making it at home is easy and rewarding, making it a must-try for any cooking enthusiast.

The process involves infusing fresh rosemary into high-quality olive oil, allowing the flavors to meld over time. The result is a versatile oil that’s perfect for drizzling over grilled vegetables, enhancing pasta dishes, or simply dipping fresh bread. Enjoy this homemade treat in your kitchen!

Ingredients

• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary
• 1 clove of garlic (optional)
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Instructions

1. Preparation: Start by washing the rosemary sprigs and letting them dry completely. If using, peel and crush the garlic clove.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the olive oil, rosemary, and garlic (if using). If you want a hint of citrus, add the lemon zest as well.
3. Heat the Mixture: Heat the oil over low heat for about 10 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t boil. This helps the flavors to infuse without cooking the herbs.
4. Cool and Strain: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the oil to cool. Once cooled, strain the oil into a clean glass bottle, discarding the rosemary and garlic.
5. Store: Seal the bottle and store it in a cool, dark place. Use within a month for the best flavor.

Zesty Chimichurri Sauce with Parsley

This zesty chimichurri sauce is a vibrant blend of fresh parsley, garlic, and spices that packs a flavorful punch. Perfect for drizzling over grilled meats or using as a marinade, it brings a fresh and tangy kick to any dish. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up at home without any preservatives!

With its bright green color and aromatic ingredients, this sauce not only tastes great but also adds a pop of freshness to your meals. Whether you’re grilling steak, chicken, or veggies, this chimichurri will elevate your dishes effortlessly.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the chopped parsley, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
2. Add Oil and Vinegar: Pour in the olive oil and red wine vinegar, stirring until everything is well combined.
3. Let It Rest: Allow the chimichurri to sit for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Use it as a topping or marinade for your favorite grilled meats or veggies.

Savory Taco Seasoning Blend

If you’re looking to bring some bold flavors to your meals, making your own taco seasoning is a fantastic way to do it. This homemade blend captures the essence of Mexican cuisine, with a perfect balance of heat and earthiness. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, allowing you to control the spice levels and avoid any unwanted preservatives.

With just a handful of spices, you can create a seasoning that’ll transform your tacos, burritos, or even grilled veggies into a fiesta on a plate. It’s versatile, too—sprinkle it on meats, beans, or even popcorn for a zesty kick. Let’s dive into how to make this simple yet flavorful taco seasoning blend!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)

Instructions

1. Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine all the spices and mix well until evenly blended.
2. Store: Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place. It will stay fresh for up to six months.
3. Use: When ready to use, add about 2 tablespoons of the seasoning to each pound of meat or veggies while cooking. Adjust according to your taste!

Creamy Avocado Dressing with Lime

This creamy avocado dressing is a delicious blend of smooth avocado and zesty lime, making it perfect for drizzling over salads or using as a dip. It has a fresh, vibrant taste that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Best of all, it’s super easy to whip up in just a few minutes!

You’ll love how simple it is to make this dressing at home without any preservatives. It’s light, creamy, and adds a wonderful flair to your meals. Just grab your ingredients, blend, and you’re ready to go!

Ingredients

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Water to thin, if necessary

Instructions

1. In a blender, combine the ripe avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro.
2. Blend until smooth, adding water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.