How to Make Homemade Italian Herb Rub (Quick & Flavorful)

Skip the store-bought blends and make your own Homemade Italian Herb Rub in minutes! This flavorful mix of dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and garlic is perfect for seasoning meats, roasted vegetables, pasta sauces, and more. Whether you're meal prepping or elevating a weeknight dinner, this DIY spice rub adds authentic Italian flair to any dish—using simple pantry staples you already have.

Herb Rub is usually any mixture of ground spices that is used to rub on raw food before cooking it, especially food that is to be grilled, pan fried or even baked. The herb rub usually forms that coat on the food giving it that extra flavor and texture. When using the herb rub, food can be marinated in the rub so that the flavors can be incorporated into the food intensifying the taste.

Once the food is coated with the herb rub, it can either be cooked immediately or left for several hours before cooking. You can even remove the rub partially off the food before cooking it if you do not want too much herb flavour on your food. Most herb rubs use spices that are coarsely ground, so that the herbs do not disappear in the food while cooking. Sugar and salt may be added to the herb rub which adds a caramelized taste to the food. 

Sometimes a herb or spice herb can be as simple as just using black pepper, especially on stakes. When cooking with herb rubs, the most popular cooking method is using dry heat where you do not use any liquid or water. Such methods include Sauteing, Grilling, Baking and  Pan Roasting, especially when breadcrumbs or flour is used in the recipe. Dried herbs enhance food with their aroma and flavours. You can use your herb rub to stir into stews or soups, you can rub it on whole chicken when cooking stuffed chicken, you can sprinkle herb rub in your soups and dips, and you can even add it to roasted vegetables just before serving.

INGREDIENTS

2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
2 Tablespoons Sea Salt
2 Tablespoons Dried Oregano
2 Tablespoons Dried Basil
2 Tablespoons Dried Parsley

INSTRUCTIONS
Add the brown sugar to a medium bowl

Add dried Oregano

Add dried Basil

Add dried Parsley

Add Sea Salt

Combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl

You already smell the lovely aroma from all these ingredients
Use a fork to combine all the ingredients until fully incorporated

You need to break up the pieces so that they are evenly distributed

You can even use your hands to rub the mixture so to get that flawless mixed herb texture

Only five ingredients and you get this lovely Italian Herb rub, how beautiful is that mixture? Homemade herb rubs are the best since you have a hand in the ration of herbs that you are mixing. Plus this ensures that you have fresh dried herbs.

When using the Italian herb rub, coat your meat with some oil first. Then sprinkle the rub over the top and rub it into the meat making sure the rub gets everywhere

Pour your Italian Herb Rub into an airtight container with a lid like a mason jar

This Italian Herb Rub can be used on Poultry, Fish or Pork

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HOMEMADE ITALIAN HERB RUB

by Mulunga Alukwe January-31-2018

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
• 2 Tablespoons Sea Salt
• 2 Tablespoons Dried Oregano
• 2 Tablespoons Dried Basil
• 2 Tablespoons Dried Parsley

Instructions

Add brown sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, sea salt and dried parsley into a bowlMix with a fork until well combinedPour in an airtight container. The rub can be stored for up to a week before using

Details

Prep time: 10 mins Cook time: 1 mins Total time: 10 mins Yield: 1 Jar

Here are 20 recipe ideas using Italian Herb Rub, a flavorful blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and garlic that can elevate various dishes:

1. Grilled Chicken with Italian Herb Rub

Rub chicken breasts or thighs with the Italian herb mix, then grill until cooked through. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables.
2. Italian Herb Roasted Vegetables
Toss vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, and tomatoes with olive oil and Italian herb rub, then roast until tender.
3. Italian Herb Pasta
Sprinkle Italian herb rub on freshly cooked pasta, then toss with olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes for a simple, aromatic dish.
4. Herb-Crusted Salmon
Coat salmon fillets with olive oil and Italian herb rub, then bake or grill until the fish is perfectly flaky.
5. Italian Herb Bread
Add Italian herb rub to your bread dough for a fragrant, herb-filled loaf. Great for dipping in olive oil or serving alongside pasta.
6. Italian Herb Pizza
Use the rub on pizza dough or sprinkle it over pizza before baking for an aromatic twist. Top with mozzarella, tomatoes, and fresh basil.
7. Italian Herb Meatballs
Add Italian herb rub to your meatball mixture along with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Bake or fry until golden brown.
8. Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin
Coat pork tenderloin with Italian herb rub and olive oil, then roast until tender and juicy. Serve with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad.
9. Italian Herb Grilled Shrimp
Marinate shrimp in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and Italian herb rub, then skewer and grill for a delicious seafood dish.
10. Italian Herb Baked Chicken Wings
Coat chicken wings with Italian herb rub and bake until crispy. Serve with a side of dipping sauce like ranch or marinara.
11. Italian Herb Roasted Potatoes
Toss cubed potatoes with olive oil, Italian herb rub, and garlic, then roast in the oven until crispy and golden brown.
12. Herbed Goat Cheese Spread
Mix Italian herb rub with goat cheese, cream cheese, and a bit of olive oil for a creamy, herb-infused spread for crackers or bread.
13. Italian Herb Grilled Vegetables
Toss your favorite vegetables (like mushrooms, asparagus, and bell peppers) in olive oil and Italian herb rub, then grill until charred and tender.
14. Italian Herb Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuff large mushroom caps with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, and Italian herb rub, then bake until golden and bubbly.
15. Italian Herb Chicken Pasta Salad
Toss cooked chicken with cooked pasta, roasted vegetables, and a generous sprinkle of Italian herb rub for a fresh and light pasta salad.
16. Italian Herb Marinade for Steak
Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and Italian herb rub to marinate steaks. Grill or sear for a flavorful meal.
17. Italian Herb and Cheese Omelet
Sprinkle Italian herb rub into an omelet along with cheese and sautéed vegetables for a delicious, herb-filled breakfast.
18. Italian Herb Roasted Turkey
Rub a whole turkey with olive oil, garlic, and Italian herb rub, then roast it to perfection for a holiday or special dinner.
19. Italian Herb Crostini
Brush slices of baguette with olive oil, sprinkle with Italian herb rub, then bake until crispy. Serve with a variety of toppings like tomato and basil.
20. Italian Herb Dipping Oil
Combine olive oil with Italian herb rub, red pepper flakes, and a bit of balsamic vinegar for a flavorful dipping sauce for bread or focaccia.

These recipes showcase the versatility of Italian herb rub, adding robust, aromatic flavors to meats, vegetables, breads, and more. 

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Homemade Italian Herb Rub

A fragrant and flavorful dry seasoning blend that enhances meats, vegetables, and breads with classic Italian herbs like oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder. Perfect for grilling, roasting, or seasoning any dish!

FAQs

What herbs are typically included in an Italian herb rub?
Common herbs include dried oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and sometimes marjoram or parsley. Garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes can be added for extra flavor.

How do I store the Italian herb rub?
Store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. It typically stays fresh for up to 6 months, but flavor is best within 3 months.

Can I customize the blend?
Absolutely! Adjust the herb quantities to suit your taste, or add other spices like fennel seeds, sage, or chili flakes for a personal twist.

Is this rub gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check any added spices for cross-contamination if very sensitive.

Can this rub be used for both meat and vegetables?
Yes, it’s very versatile and works well on chicken, beef, pork, fish, as well as roasted or grilled vegetables.

🧾 Printable Nutrition Card (Per 1 tsp Serving)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	~5 kcal	Very low calorie as it’s mostly dried herbs and spices.
Total Fat	0 g	No fat in dry herbs.
Carbohydrates	1 g	Mostly fiber from dried herbs.
Fiber	0.5–1 g	Good source of dietary fiber from herbs.
Sugars	0 g	No added sugars.
Protein	0 g	Negligible protein.
Sodium	0–50 mg	Varies if salt is added (optional).

Dietary Information Table

Dietary Concern	Status	Notes
Vegetarian	✅ Yes	Made entirely from plant-based ingredients.
Vegan	✅ Yes	Contains no animal products.
Gluten-Free	✅ Yes	Naturally gluten-free. Verify spice purity if sensitive.
Nut-Free	✅ Yes	No nuts in typical recipes.
Dairy-Free	✅ Yes	No dairy ingredients included.
Soy-Free	✅ Yes	Free from soy unless added externally.
Low Sodium	⚠️ Optional	Salt can be added or omitted based on preference.
Kosher	⚠️ Depends	Use kosher-certified herbs/spices for kosher compliance.

 Notes:

• Very low calorie and nutrient-dense for flavor.
• Add salt cautiously if using in recipes requiring low sodium.
• Herbs contain antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds.

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For precise nutritional information, consider using a nutrition calculator with exact ingredient measurements.