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Salad Sprinkle

A white bowl with seed salad sprinkle sits on a table. There is a white plate with salad next to it, a yellow napkin and a bowl with balsamic vinaigrette above it.

This savory Salad Sprinkle is a delicious blend of roasted seeds and spices and is the perfect topping to jazz up your salads.

If you aren’t putting sprinkles on your salad, you are missing out. No, I’m not talking about the rainbow variety you put on ice cream or cakes. I’m talking about Salad Sprinkle, a savory roasted seed blend.

I had never heard of Salad Sprinkle until a few years ago when a friend brought me back a small container as a gift from her travels and I fell in love. It was the ideal mix of seeds and spices that added that perfect “little something extra” that my salads were missing. 

Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find something similar to the seed salad sprinkle she brought back for me where I live. But fear not! I’ve figured out the perfect recipe to recreate it at home.

A wooden bowl topped with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, hemp seeds and a smaller bowl with spices on top. There are seeds sprinkled and a yellow napkin on the table around it.

What is Salad Sprinkle?

Salad Sprinkle is a combination of seeds and sometimes nuts with seasonings (usually savory) that are roasted to create a crunchy topping for salads. My Salad Sprinkle includes the following:

  • Pumpkin Seeds: Also known as Pepitas, pumpkin seeds are the edible seeds from certain types of pumpkins and are typically green and flat, with the hard outer shell removed. Pumpkin seeds have a rich, nutty flavor and help give the Salad Sprinkle substance.

  • Sunflower Seeds: I use shelled sunflower seeds in this recipe, which are small, oval-shaped seeds with a pale exterior. They have a mildly nutty and slightly sweet taste.

  • Sesame Seeds: Tiny, oval seeds that come in various colors (I use the white variety in my recipe) sesame seeds are commonly used in Asian cuisine. Buttery and nutty, with a delicate crunch once toasted like in Salad Sprinkle, sesame seeds have a more pronounced flavor.

  • Hemp Seeds: The small soft seeds of the hemp plant, hemp seeds are a mildly nutty and creamy taste while also being full of protein and nutrients. They are often sold as “hemp hearts” at the grocery store.

  • The BEST Seasoning Blend: I know, I know, bold statement. But for my Salad Sprinkle I used a version of my favorite homemade Complete Seasoning, which I love to use in my savory dishes. It has notes of garlic, onion, cumin, coriander and oregano and tastes so so good.

How To Make Salad Sprinkle

Salad Sprinkle comes together in about 20 minutes and just requires a little prep work. At a high level here is how you do it:

  1. MIX DRY INGREDIENTS: Combine the seeds, seasoning and olive oil in a bowl and mix well until thoroughly combined.
  2. BAKE: Bake seed mix on a parchment lined baking sheet until golden.
  3. ENJOY! Once cooled, sprinkle over your favorite salad.
A white bowl with salad sprinkle. A white plate with salad, a metal spoon, balsamic dressing and yellow napkin sits near by.

Why You’ll Love Salad Sprinkle

  • Taste: The number one reason to love Salad Sprinkle is its incredible flavor. The nutty and slightly sweet notes of the seeds, combined with the aromatic spices, create the perfect burst of flavor in every bite.

  • Texture: Adding Salad Sprinkle introduces a fun crunch that makes salads more interesting and enjoyable. Even if your salad is simple, a sprinkle of these crunchy seeds can elevate dressed greens into a proper dish that feels hearty and satisfying.

  • Nutrition: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, Salad Sprinkle is a powerhouse of nutrition. The seeds contribute essential nutrients like magnesium, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a great way to boost the nutritional profile of your salads. Plus, the added protein helps keep you fuller for longer, making your meal more balanced.

  • Variety: Whether you’re in a recipe rut or just looking to change things up, a sprinkle of these flavorful seeds helps mix up your salad experience. 
A close up shot of roasted salad sprinkle on a baking sheet

Recipe FAQs

Can I substitute the seeds with different seeds or nuts?

Yes, I would just try to substitute things that are of similar size. So for the larger seeds, you could substitute sliced or chopped nuts such as almonds or cashews. For the smaller seeds you could substitute another type of seed like a different variety of sesame seeds, or try chia, flax or poppy seeds.

Can I use Salad Sprinkle in other dishes?

Yes, absolutely. Salad Sprinkle would be great as a topping for roasted vegetables, or on greek yogurt as a savory dip with raw vegetables or crackers. I also like it as a savory snack!

What is the best way to store Salad Sprinkle?

One great thing about Salad Sprinkle is that it will last for a long time (up to two weeks) if stored in an airtight container. No need to refrigerate either, I keep mine on my counter at room temperature.

A small clear jar with maple balsamic vinaigrette. A spoon sits in the jar and a small green salad is behind it.

Related Recipes

If you are looking for a good go-to dressing to pair with your Salad Sprinkle, give my Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette a try. It’s a twist on the classic balsamic vinaigrette and is perfect complement for your green salads.

Print
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A while bowl filled with finished salad sprinkle.

Salad Sprinkle

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This savory Salad Sprinkle is a delicious blend of roasted seeds and spices and is the perfect topping to jazz up your salads.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cup 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • ¼ cup raw unsalted pumpkin seeds
  • ¼ cup raw unsalted sunflower seeds
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons hemp seeds
  • ½ teaspoon dried minced onion
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon coriander
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. PREP OVEN: Preheat the oven to 300F.
  2. MIX DRY INGREDIENTS: Combine all dry ingredients in a medium bowl and mix well until thoroughly combined.
  3. ADD OLIVE OIL: Add the olive oil and stir until all the seeds are well coated.
  4. BAKE: Transfer seed mix to a parchment lined baking sheet in an even layer, and bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden.
  5. SERVE: Once cooled, sprinkle over your favorite salad or store in an air-tight container for up to two weeks.
  • Author: Christine
  • Prep Time: 2 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Condiments
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
  • Calories: 82
  • Sugar: 0.2 g
  • Sodium: 73.8 mg
  • Fat: 7.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2.5 g
  • Protein: 3.3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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