If you’re looking for a simple, budget-friendly DIY gift this holiday season, this Citrus Rosemary Thyme Sea Salt is exactly what you need.
Made with just 4 whole-food ingredients, it takes minutes to mix together and looks absolutely stunning in small jars for gifting. The golden flecks of citrus and green herbs make this one of the prettiest homemade gifts you can give.
December can feel overwhelming— especially for those of us navigating stress, hormonal shifts, or simply trying to keep up with the season’s demands. The pressure to find the perfect gift, stay on budget, and still show up for everyone can leave us feeling depleted before the holidays even arrive.
That’s why I love recipes like this one: thoughtful, homemade, and rooted in nourishment rather than overwhelm.
Each year I run my FREE 25-Day Self-Care Advent Challenge Event, one tiny act of care a day to reduce stress and help women feel grounded again. Simple DIY gifts like this finishing salt are part of that bigger mission: less stress, more presence, and a little extra joy in the kitchen.
Make It a Simple, Heartfelt Gift
Because this salt is made with just 4 simple ingredients and no fancy equipment, it helps reduce the financial pressure that so often builds in December. A few small jars, some ribbon, and a heartfelt note make a beautiful gift from the heart—with no overwhelm and no overspending.
This makes a wonderful gift for the home cook, the foodie friend, the host, the neighbour, or anyone who appreciates elevating their everyday meals with something special.
Why You’ll Love This Citrus Rosemary Thyme Sea Salt
Made with just 4 whole-food ingredients
Ready in minutes (plus drying time for oranges)
Beautiful golden colour with flecks of green herbs
Uses dried oranges instead of fresh zest for longer shelf life
Budget-friendly DIY holiday gift
Elevates any dish with bright, herby, citrusy flavour
Versatile—use on proteins, potatoes, veggies, and more
Simple enough for even the most exhausted December brain
Citrus Rosemary Thyme Sea Salt
A beautiful finishing salt made with dried citrus, rosemary, thyme, and sea salt. Perfect for sprinkling on roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, proteins, vegetables, and so much more—and it makes a stunning budget-friendly DIY holiday gift.
Equipment
- dehydrator or oven OR make life easy and buy dehydrated oranges 🙂
- blender or food processor
- 1 spoon
- 1 mixing bowl
- small jars or bags for gifting optional
Ingredients
- 8 slices oranges about 2 big oranges
- 1/2 cup dried rosemary
- 1/2 cup dried thyme
- 2 cups celtic sea salt I used 1 cup coarse + 1 cup fine but use any combo you like
Instructions
- Step 1: Dehydrate the OrangesUsing a Dehydrator:Slice oranges into thin rounds (about ⅛ inch thick).Arrange in a single layer on dehydrator trays.Dehydrate at 135°F (57°C) for 6-12 hours, until completely dry and crisp with no moisture remaining.Using an Oven:Preheat oven to 200°F (93°C) or the lowest setting.Slice oranges into thin rounds (about ⅛ inch thick).Arrange in a single layer on parchment-lined baking sheets.Bake for 2-4 hours, flipping halfway through, until completely dry and crisp.Leave oven door slightly cracked to allow moisture to escape.
- Step 2: Make the Citrus PowderOnce oranges are completely cooled and crisp, add them to a blender or food processor.Blend until they become a fine powder (citrus dust!).
- Step 3: Mix the SaltIn a large mixing bowl, combine the citrus powder, dried rosemary, dried thyme, and sea salt.Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly distributed.Spoon into small jars and seal tightly.Add a label or ribbon for gifting, free printable tags below!
Notes
Why Dried Oranges Instead of Fresh Zest?
We use dehydrated oranges instead of fresh zest so the salt doesn't spoil quickly. Fresh zest contains moisture that can cause the salt to clump and reduce shelf life. Dried citrus gives you all that beautiful bright flavour with a much longer shelf life—perfect for gifting!Â
How to Use Citrus Rosemary Thyme Sea Salt
- Sprinkle generously on mashed potatoes
- Finish roasted potatoes or root vegetables
- Season chicken, fish, pork, or beef before or after cooking
- Rim a cocktail glass for holiday drinks
- Sprinkle on roasted vegetables
- Add to homemade focaccia or bread
- Finish a simple salad
- Elevate scrambled eggs or avocado toast
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Storage
Store in a sealed jar in a cool, dark, dry place. Because we use dried citrus (not fresh zest), this salt will stay fresh for 3-6 months. Keep away from moisture.Â
Gifting Tips
- Use small glass jars so the beautiful colours show through
- Add a ribbon, twine, or festive fabric topper
- Include a small card with usage ideas
- Pair with a nice olive oil or recipe card for a complete gift
- Reuse clean spice jars from your pantry to keep costs even lower
The Jars I Used + FREE Printable Labels
The herbs I use come from OM Organics! Shop Via this link and use “REJOICE” at checkout for $10.00 off your order.
I love these jars for spices & herbs because they’re affordable, sturdy, and perfect for gifting:
Jars I used: AMAZON Â GIFTING SPICE JARS I USEDÂ
Or keep it even more budget-friendly by reusing clean small jars you already have at home.
