Reimagine Flavor Without Salt

How to Season Food Without Salt

When you first learn that you have to limit your salt intake, it’s difficult to imagine how you could season your food without it. Have no fear— it’s not only possible but also delicious! Here are some ways that you can bring flavor to your food without needing salt.

Lime or Lemon Juice

Citrus juice is one of the best substitutes for salt. You can add lime or lemon juice to many dishes, and it will enhance the flavor while also being dialysis-friendly. Use citrus juice in your salads, chicken, fish, roasted vegetables, and soups. You can also try adding some lime or lemon zest to your dish for an even stronger citrus flavor.

Garlic and Onion

Garlic and onion on their own are both staple ingredients, but together they make a power duo. You can use either fresh or powdered garlic and onion, and they will instantly make any dish flavorful and delicious. Add these two seasonings to your stir-fries, vegetables, beans, chicken, fish, soup, or red meat. Both of them also have numerous health benefits!

Vinegar

Instead of those store-bought salad dressings that are high in sodium, try using vinegar. There are so many types, from flavored balsamic vinegar to white wine vinegar. Balsamic vinegar is so diverse— you can use it for your salad dressing, marinade for chicken, or sauté your veggies with it. Apple cider vinegar also makes a wonderful salad dressing.

Salt-Free Spice Blends

Many spice blends are available in a low-sodium or salt-free version. You can get creative and make blends for all sorts of cuisines, from Mediterranean to Mexican. Combining cumin, smoked paprika, chili, and garlic makes a delicious Mexican-style seasoning for chicken, sautéed vegetables, or black beans. Use herb blends for Italian and Mediterranean dishes. If you’re feeling uninspired, you can buy many different salt-free spice blends in the store.

Fresh or Dried Herbs

Whether you use fresh or dried herbs, you can add a lot of flavor to your meals without needing to use salt. Thyme, rosemary, basil, oregano, mint and cilantro are common herbs that you should have in your pantry or fridge. Use these herbs as a tasty addition for vegetables, chicken, pork, pizzas, pasta— you name it!