What Is Salt and How Can I Use It?

Salt rewards a little know-how: how to choose it, cook it, store it, and substitute in a pinch. Browse 24,325 recipes to cook with it.

What is salt?

In Western cuisines, salt is used in cooking, and also made available to diners in salt shakers on the table.

Table salt is refined salt, which contains about 97% to 99% sodium chloride. It usually contains substances that make it free-flowing (anti-caking agents) such as sodium silicoaluminate or magnesium carbonate.

Sometimes people also add a few grains such as uncooked rice in salt shakers to absorb extra moisture and help break up clumps when anti-caking agents are not enough to keep the salt free flowing.

There are a wide variety of sea salts and finishing salts available.

Click here to view more varieties of sea salts such as flaky sea salt, smoke sea salt and more.

Nutrition

Where found

Salt is usually found in the spices section or aisle of the grocery store or supermarket.

Food group

Salt is a member of the Spices and Herbs US Department of Agriculture nutritional food group.

How much does salt weigh?

Related

Spices and Herbs

Recipes using salt

There are 24325 recipes that contain this ingredient.

Augusta's Chilled Tomato Soup with Basil Cream

Augusta's Chilled Tomato Soup with Basil Cream recipe

Burgers with Caramelized Onions

Vegetarian burgers built from Harvest Burger mix and bulgur wheat, bound with tomato paste and parsley, then topped with balsamic-glazed caramelized onions. A satisfying meatless burger with serious chew and sweet-tangy crown.

Chilled Green Pea Soup

Chilled green pea soup blends sweet frozen peas with thyme, onion, and minute tapioca for a velvety low-fat, low-calorie soup that works hot or cold. The tapioca thickens without flour or cream. Five minutes of standing time, twenty minutes total cook.

Homemade Coconut Pani Popcorn

Homemade coconut pani popcorn coats popped corn in a glossy coconut-treacle caramel, then presses it into chewy-crisp squares. A Sri Lankan sweet that beats any bagged caramel popcorn.

Air-fryer Crispy Thyme Roasted Potatoes

Have some thyme to roast potatoes but are short on time. Using your air-fryer, you can roast potatoes in a flash. Crispy classic Thyme Roasted Potatoes with a modern twist.

Potato Pancakes

Crispy-edged potato pancakes made from grated raw potatoes with just eggs, onion, and matzo meal. Serve hot with applesauce or sour cream for a classic bite.

Pumpkin Biscuits (Lacto)

Savory pumpkin biscuits with whole wheat, wheat germ, bran, and a clever clove of garlic to balance the sweetness. Drop biscuits with a spoonbread interior, no butter or eggs needed.

Jello Any-Fruit Cake

A soft cake bottom, with a fruit filled middle topped with a tantalizing cinnamon topping. Learning how to make Jello fruit cake that use any fruit you have on hand including summery rhubarb with strawberry gelatin.

Goat Cheese & Zucchini Omelet for Two

Eggs & zucchini creamily enveloped by warm and creamy tangy goat cheese and sweet caramelized onion mixture. When you've got zucchini overload and aren't sure what to do, this is my go-to recipe that feeds the need.

Easy Christmas Cutout Cookies

These Christmas cutout cookies are so easy for you and your kids to make together, and they taste so yummy too!

Easy Skillet Apple Pancakes

Fluffy skillet pancakes loaded with cinnamon-sugar apples cooked right into the batter. One pan, four gorgeous pancakes, minimal cleanup.

Sausage & Broccoli Minestrone Soup

Warm up with this hearty yet thrifty sausage and broccoli minestrone soup. An easy comforting twist on the classic Italian dish, perfect for chilly days.

Scrambled Eggs with Lox & Cream Cheese

A low-carb version of Lox (smoked salmon) and cream cheese that uses scrambled eggs to replace the classic bagel. Rich, creamy, and delicious, it is perfect for celebrating National Cream Cheese and Lox Day or anytime for an impressive Brunch or breakfast offering.

Potato & Scallion Casserole

A comforting and savory dish featuring layers of golden-brown potatoes and tender scallions, bound together with a creamy yogurt-egg sauce and baked to perfection. Ideal as a hearty side or a light main course.

Potato & Scallion Casserole

A comforting and savory dish featuring layers of golden-brown potatoes and tender scallions, bound together with a creamy yogurt-egg sauce and baked to perfection. Ideal as a hearty side or a light main course.

Eggs Baked in Peppers

Eggs, simply baked in sweet red bell pepper served with tomato sauce. Just 3 ingredients create a delightfully creative breakfast or brunch that even kids like.

Guacamole Ole

This easy party-perfect appetizer teams the flavors of Mexican and California cuisine in a lively dip.

Brussels Sprouts with Pecans

Discover this easy sautéed Brussels sprouts with pecans recipe: caramelized onions, garlic, and a hint of lemon for a quick, healthy side dish bursting with nutty crunch and subtle sweetness—perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday meals like "simple Brussels sprouts side dish ideas" or "healthy vegetable recipes with nuts."

Brussels Sprouts with Pecans

Discover this easy sautéed Brussels sprouts with pecans recipe: caramelized onions, garlic, and a hint of lemon for a quick, healthy side dish bursting with nutty crunch and subtle sweetness—perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday meals like "simple Brussels sprouts side dish ideas" or "healthy vegetable recipes with nuts."

Zwiebelkuchen (Onion Pie)

A savory German onion pie featuring a yeasted crust topped with caramelized onions, crispy bacon, and a creamy sour cream custard. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, especially during autumn or Oktoberfest celebrations.

Zwiebelkuchen (Onion Pie)

A savory German onion pie featuring a yeasted crust topped with caramelized onions, crispy bacon, and a creamy sour cream custard. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, especially during autumn or Oktoberfest celebrations.

Graham Wafers

These homemade graham wafers are crisp, lightly sweet, and perfect for snacking, crushing into crumbs for pie crusts, or pairing with spreads. Made with wholesome graham flour and a touch of vanilla, they bake up golden and delicious in just minutes.

White Chocolate Scones

White chocolate scones with heavy cream, cold butter, and generous chunks of white chocolate that go soft and creamy in the oven. Flaky, layered, and tender from keeping the butter cold.

Kale & Two Cheese Scones

Craving a breakfast treat that's hearty, cheesy, and not overly sweet. These kale and cheese scones are your new best friend. Inspired by the cozy vibes of an American bakery, we've packed them with tender kale, sharp cheddar, nutty Parmessan, and a hint of plump raisins for a subtle sweetness that balances the savory kick. A generous grind of black pepper adds a spicy edge, making these perfect for brunch, snacks, or even alongside soup.

Persian Swiss Chard & Dill Frittata

Get ready to whip up a vibrant, herb-packed dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any meal of the day! This Persian-inspired frittata is a fresh twist on the classic omelet, blending tender Swiss chard, fragrant dill, and zesty scallions into a fluffy, golden masterpiece. Baked to perfection, it’s easy to make and even easier to love. Serve it with warm flatbread, a sprinkle of feta, or a side of crisp veggies for a delightful meal. Let’s dive into this green goodness!

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