A vegan substitute for Salad Supreme can be made by combining sesame seeds, poppy seeds, paprika, celery seed, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. This blend will provide a similar flavor profile without any dairy ingredients.
[Before we begin consider adding 1/2 t lemon powder & removing 1/2 t salt.]
Ingredients
▢1 tablespoon sesame seeds
▢1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
▢1 teaspoon paprika
▢1 teaspoon poppy seed
▢1 teaspoon celery seed
▢1 teaspoon garlic powder
▢½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
▢⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
▢2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (mild cheese substitute, see more below)
Instructions
In a small bowl or jar combine 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon poppy seed, 1 teaspoon celery seed, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper, ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast.
Mix or shake until well combined.
It is best to store homemade salad supreme seasoning in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 1 month.
Equipment
large glass jars with lid perfect for a larger spice blend
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For Vegan “Salad Supreme” Seasoning (Stinky-Boot Edition)
Goal
Reproduce:
Romano/Parmesan tang → fermented + umami + sharp
Buttermilk sourness → lactic acidity (vegan)
Aged-cheese funk → enzymatic savory, nutty, slightly pungent
⭐ Vegan Funky-Cheesy Powder Mix
Dry Ingredients
3 Tbsp nutritional yeast (base cheesy flavor)
1½ tsp lactic acid powder or 2 tsp citric acid (buttermilk tang)
1 tsp miso powder (fermentation funk)
1 tsp mushroom powder (deep umami)
1 tsp onion powder
¾ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp sweet paprika
½ tsp mustard powder
¾ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp sugar (balances acidity)
½ tsp ground cumin (tiny amount for earthy aged-note)
¼ tsp white pepper (cheese-like bite)
¼ tsp kala namak (optional, for funky edge—use lightly)
1 Tbsp sesame seeds (classic salad-supreme crunch)
1½ tsp poppy seeds
1 tsp dried red pepper flakes (optional heat)
1 tsp dried oregano or basil (optional herbal note)
Optional: Extra “Cheesy Funk Booster”
Mix only if you want maximum Romano-like punch:
1 Tbsp vegan parmesan powder (store-bought or homemade)
OR ½ tsp shiro miso dried in the oven (lowest temp) and crumbled
OR a pinch of vegan blue cheese powder (if you have access)
How to Use It
Toss 1–2 teaspoons per bowl of salad.
Sprinkle on pasta salad, cucumber salad, broccoli slaw, or popcorn.
Mix with olive XL-oil and vinegar for a dressing rub.
Flavor Notes – Why This Works
Nutritional yeast + lactic acid → Parmesan-like tang & saltiness
Miso powder + mushroom powder → fermented funk → Romano-ish depth
Kala namak → sulfur edge mimics “aged cheese footiness”
Paprika + sesame seeds → signature Salad Supreme look & aroma
Citric/lactic acid → buttermilk sour creaminess