I remember sprinkling this vibrant mix over my usual garden salad the first time. It was as if my taste buds had come alive, dancing with every forkful—a symphony of Romano cheese, paprika, sesame seeds, and garlic serenading my senses. The beautiful thing about McCormick Perfect Pinch Salad Supreme Seasoning is its versatility.
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How to make McCormick Perfect Pinch Salad Supreme Seasoning
McCormick Perfect Pinch Salad Supreme Seasoning is a pre-mixed blend of spices and herbs designed to enhance the flavor of salads and other dishes. This seasoning typically combines sesame seeds, poppy seeds, Romano cheese, garlic, onion, and various herbs, including basil and oregano.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons grated Romano cheese (use a vegan alternative if you are dairy-free)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 2 teaspoons salt (adjust according to your dietary requirements)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adds heat)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon fennel seeds (optional, adds a sweet licorice flavor)
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
Instructions:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, mix the sesame seeds, paprika, poppy seeds, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, fennel seeds (if using), and dried basil together. Ensure that all ingredients are mixed well to distribute flavors evenly.
- Add Cheese: Gently stir in the grated Romano cheese (or its vegan substitute) until well combined with the spice mixture.
- Blend for Finer Texture (Optional): For a finer consistency, which is closer to the McCormick original, pour the mixture into a spice grinder or use a mortar and pestle. Pulse or grind until you reach your desired texture.
- Storage: Transfer your homemade Salad Supreme Seasoning to an airtight container. You can use a spice jar (preferably with a shaker lid) or any small jar with a tight lid. Store in a cool, dry place. Properly stored, your homemade seasoning should last up to 6 months.
Tips for Using and Customizing Your Seasoning:
- Taste Test: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning based on your preference. If you like it cheesier, add more Romano. Love a spicy kick? Uplift the cayenne pepper.
- Versatility: This seasoning is great for salads, pasta dishes, grilled vegetables, and meat marinades—experiment by adding it to different recipes to discover your favorite combinations.
- Healthy Twist: Reduce the salt or use a salt substitute for a sodium-conscious option. You can also increase the proportion of herbs to compensate for flavor loss.
- Gift Idea: Homemade seasoning mixes make thoughtful gifts. Consider filling cute jars with your McCormick Perfect Pinch Salad Supreme Seasoning replica with a personalized label. Include a small recipe card for a touch of charm.
What to serve with
McCormick Perfect Pinch Salad Supreme Seasoning is a versatile player in the kitchen, capable of jazzing up a wide range of dishes. Here are some detailed ideas for serving with this vibrant seasoning to delight your family and guests.
Salad Options:
- Garden Salads: Toss it with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and your choice of additional vegetables. The seasoning adds a burst of flavor without needing a heavy dressing.
- Pasta Salads: Add it to cooked and cooled pasta, with chopped veggies, cubed cheese, and a splash of olive oil and vinegar to create a delicious pasta salad that’s perfect for picnics and potlucks.
- Potato Salads: Sprinkle it into your favorite potato salad recipe for a unique twist. This seasoning will add depth and character, whether making a mayonnaise-based or a vinaigrette-based potato salad.
Main Courses:
- Chicken or Seafood: Rub or sprinkle your meats or seafood with the seasoning for an instant flavor upgrade before grilling or baking. It works great on anything from chicken breasts to shrimp.
- Vegetable Medleys: Before roasting in the oven, roast an assortment of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots with olive oil and a generous amount of Salad Supreme Seasoning.
- Starches: Mix the seasoning into cooked rice, couscous, or orzo for an instant side dish. Toss it with roasted or mashed potatoes for a flavor boost.
Snacks and Appetizers:
- Popcorn: Sprinkle some of the seasoning over freshly popped popcorn for a savory snack that is sure to please a crowd.
- Cheese Spread: Incorporate the seasoning into a cheese ball or soft cheese spread for a tasty appetizer served with crackers or sliced baguette.
- Dips: Add it to sour cream or Greek yogurt for a quick and easy dip for chips or veggies.
Ingredients Substitutes
Creating your own version of McCormick Perfect Pinch Salad Supreme Seasoning at home allows you to fine-tune the balance of flavors to your taste and control the quality of ingredients. This is particularly useful if you’re catering to dietary restrictions or prefer organic spices.
Romano Cheese (Part-Skim Cow’s Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes):
Substitute: Nutritional yeast for a dairy-free, vegan option, offering a similar cheesy flavor. Parmesan (or a vegan parmesan alternative) can be used if Romano cheese is unavailable.
Sesame Seed:
It’s almost irreplaceable, but in a pinch, you could use lightly crushed hemp seeds for a somewhat similar texture, though the taste will differ.
Paprika:
Substitute: A blend of turmeric and cayenne can mimic paprika’s color and some of its sweet-spicy flavor. Start with a turmeric base and add cayenne sparingly until the desired heat level is achieved.
Poppy Seeds:
Substitute: Chia seeds can be used as a textural substitute without significantly altering the flavor profile. They won’t mimic the flavor exactly but will provide a similar appearance and crunch.
Salt:
For a more mineral-rich option, use sea salt or Himalayan pink salt. Adjust quantities as these can have different flavor intensities compared to table salt.
Garlic:
Garlic powder is a suitable substitute for fresh garlic in the spice mix for convenience and shelf stability. Granulated garlic can also be used for a slightly coarser texture.
Black Pepper:
Substitute White pepper for a less pronounced flavor profile. The amount might need to be adjusted based on preference for spiciness.
Celery Seed:
Substitute: Ground celery or a pinch of celery salt (reduce the added salt elsewhere in the mix to balance). Dried and finely ground celery leaves could also work in a pinch.
Red Bell Peppers:
Substitute: Dried tomato flakes for a different but complementary sweet note. If using fresh ingredients, ensure they’re thoroughly dried to maintain the shelf life of the seasoning blend.
Onion:
Substitute: Onion powder can replace dried minced onion, offering a smoother texture to the mix. Shallot powder is another interesting alternative for a slightly different taste profile.
Final Thoughts
By making your own McCormick Perfect Pinch Salad Supreme Seasoning at home, you can control the quality and freshness of your ingredients and customize the flavor to suit your palate.
More Seasoning Recipes:

Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons grated Romano cheese
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adds heat)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon fennel seeds
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, mix the sesame seeds, paprika, poppy seeds, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, fennel seeds (if using), and dried basil together. Ensure that all ingredients are mixed well to distribute flavors evenly.
- Add Cheese: Gently stir in the grated Romano cheese (or its vegan substitute) until well combined with the spice mixture.
- Blend for Finer Texture (Optional): For a finer consistency, which is closer to the McCormick original, pour the mixture into a spice grinder or use a mortar and pestle. Pulse or grind until you reach your desired texture.
- Storage: Transfer your homemade Salad Supreme Seasoning to an airtight container. You can use a spice jar (preferably with a shaker lid) or any small jar with a tight lid. Store in a cool, dry place. Properly stored, your homemade seasoning should last up to 6 months.