With three hungry and perpetually growing kids, I’m constantly on the hunt for snacks that I can buy or make that aren’t filled with junk and will actually satiate these guys. Nuts and seeds make a wonderful snack, full of fat and protein to keep bellies full through practices, games, rehearsals, etc. But the flavored types you can buy tend to be full of additives. The genesis for this particular snack was Asher since sunflower seeds are quite the mainstay in the baseball snack arena. So I set out to use my organic, gluten-free, additive-free, Healthy in a Hurry seasoning blends to come up with some enticing Roasted Flavored Sunflower Seeds to keep him going through double headers and tournaments. 

I created four recipes — Classic BBQ, Zesty Ranch, “Takis” (think limey Cajun), and Fries — and there’s something for everyone and every taste bud here! 

And while the blends I used for these — BBQ, Cajun, and Fries — are some of my favorites, I truly can’t pick just one to recommend. Instead, I wanted to share how versatile all of the blends are, show you some of my all-time favorite recipes using them, and encourage you to try them on a range of foods! 

Best ways to use a seasoning blend 

A quick primer on the flavors in all nine of my Healthy in a Hurry seasoning blends: 

Adobo — Garlicky and peppery, with cumin and oregano

BBQ — A smokey mix of paprika, chili powder, garlic, dry mustard, and cayenne

Burnt Broccoli — Bold and warm, with garlic, cumin, chili, onion, cinnamon

Cajun — Chiles and herbs come together in this mild, but smokey and slightly acidic blend

Caribbean — Smooth and smokey with some heat — paprika, chili powder, cinnamon, white pepper, cayenne

Fries — Smoked paprika and garlic with a blend of cumin, sage, basil and more

Mediterranean — Bright and herbaceous, with garlic, rosemary, thyme, majoram

Taco — A classic for a reason, this mild Taco seasoning blend is the only one you’ll ever need

Tagine — North African inspired with cumin, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, allspice and more

 

Best chicken seasoning

I love Adobo, Cajun, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Fries, Burnt Broccoli, and Taco Seasoning Blends on chicken. 

 

Seasoning for shrimp

Shrimp pairs well with Adobo, Cajun, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Tagine, and Burnt Broccoli.

 

Spices for pork roast

Pork works well with the flavors in Caribbean, Cajun, Adobo, Tagine, and Burnt Broccoli.

Best seasonings for potatoes

Both sweet potatoes and regular potatoes work insanely well with my Fries seasoning, but to change things up I love to also use Burnt Broccoli, Mediterranean, Tagine, and definitely Adobo. 

 

How to season eggs

Eggs take seasoning so well and using blends is a great way to change up their flavor. I love using a dash of Cajun, Caribbean, or Fries in mine. 

 

Vegetable seasoning 

I need to tell you if you haven’t paired broccoli with my Burnt Broccoli then well, you haven’t lived! But, in truth, veggies are so versatile and I use every single blend on different veggies. Eggplant loves the Tagine; Peppers love the Cajun; Mushrooms love the Burnt Broccoli; Zucchini loves the Mediterranean. 

 

Seasoning blend recipes

Four Quick Chicken Marinades

 

Dairy-Free Seven Layer Taco Dip

Chicken Tray Bake 

Broccoli Crunch Salad 

Blueberry Breakfast Sausage Patties

Dairy-Free Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Roasted Garlic Dairy-Free Alfredo Sauce with Blackened Chicken

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