This Pasta Salad Seasoning Mix makes a big batch so you’ll be ready for summer picnics. Use three tablespoons of this seasoning mix per one pound of pasta salad. Just the right seasoning, every time!
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Ahhhh, picnic season. Picnics are one of my favorite things about summer. What’s your traditional picnic food? When I think of a classic picnic, I think hamburgers, potato salad, pasta salad, baked beans, chips and watermelon. Add some sunshine, warm temperatures, a cool breeze, family and friends and I’ve got myself a fabulous summer evening. Oh yeah, and some homemade ice cream would be nice, too.
When I was growing up, my mom always used McCormick’s Salad Supreme seasoning in her pasta salad. Even though Italian dressing has all kinds of zesty flavor on its own, adding this seasoning in spices things up a bit. For years I bought the little bottles of Salad Supreme, but they just don’t last long for the amount of pasta salad we make each summer. I always ended up running out and not having any when I needed it. I found this recipe for pasta salad seasoning mix and within 5 minutes had a big batch (2 cups worth to be exact) of seasoning to keep on hand in the fridge.
This seasoning makes pasta salad stand out! If you have your own favorite pasta salad recipe, you’ll use three tablespoons of this seasoning per one pound of pasta.
Try it….your family and friends will love it!

Pasta Salad Seasoning Mix makes a big batch so you'll be ready for summer picnics. Use three tablespoons of this seasoning mix per one pound of pasta salad.
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons poppy seed
- 1 1/2 tablespoons celery seed
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup parmesan cheese cheese
Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
When making pasta salad, use 3 tablespoons of seasoning per pound of pasta. Use more or less according to taste.
Adapted from Food.com

Mallory says
Homemade seasonings are so economical. This one will be delicious this summer!
Lizzy T says
Yes, Mallory…I love making homemade seasonings! Thank you!
Gaye @CalmHealthySexy says
Thanks so much for sharing with the Let’s Get Real party.
Erlene says
This is different. I don’t have a pasta salad dry seasoning mix in my recipe box. Thanks for sharing. Pinned.
Lizzy T says
I hope you love it, Erlene!
Caro says
Do I need whole or ground celery seed? Do you use white or black poppy seeds? And how long does this seasoning keep fresh (because of the parmesan)? I`m so craving for your classic pasta salad and dont want to do anything wrong on it…
Thanks in advance+hungry greets from Germany!
Lizzy T says
Caro- I used ground celery seeds, black poppy seeds, and store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3-6 months since the parmesan cheese is aged. I hope you love this!
Caro says
Thanks a lot, good to have a big supermarket only 2min away…hope they will have celery seeds, its no common ingredient here.
BTW: You two are such a cute mother&daughter couple!:-)
Paula Bucher says
I truly appreciate you sharing this seasoning blend. I too used to buy Salad Supreme by the case because I use it in everything!
Lizzy T says
You are so welcome, Paula!
Nadine says
Do you need to add olive oil or mayo or something other than the pasta and the dry mix?
Thanks
Julie Clark says
We add Italian dressing. The pasta salad seasoning mix here just gives it an extra boost of flavor!