Q1: Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh rosemary, and how much should I use?

Yes, you can substitute dried rosemary for the fresh rosemary called for in Step 3. Since dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh, use only about 2 teaspoons of dried rosemary instead of the 2 tablespoons of fresh minced rosemary. Add the dried rosemary directly in Step 5 when tossing with the almonds, sea salt, and black pepper. Keep in mind that dried rosemary can be quite woody and sharp, so you may want to crush it between your fingers or grind it slightly before adding to help release the flavors and create a more pleasant texture on the almonds.

Q2: How can I tell when the almonds are perfectly roasted and not burnt?

According to Step 7, the almonds should roast for 12-15 minutes until they are golden brown and fragrant. The key indicators are a light golden color (not dark brown) and a strong, nutty aroma filling your kitchen. When you stir them at the 7-minute mark as instructed, check for even coloring and adjust their position on the baking sheet if needed. Remember that Step 8 notes the almonds will continue to crisp up as they cool for 15-20 minutes, so it's better to remove them when they're light golden rather than waiting for them to become very dark in the oven, as they can go from perfectly roasted to burnt quickly.

Q3: What can I use if I don't have parchment paper or aluminum foil for lining the baking sheet?

While Step 2 recommends lining your large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup, you can roast the almonds directly on an unlined baking sheet if necessary. If using an unlined sheet, lightly grease it with a thin coating of olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. You may need to stir the almonds more frequently during roasting to prevent them from sticking to the pan. Alternatively, you can use a silicone baking mat if you have one available, which works just as well as parchment paper and is reusable.

Q4: Is this recipe suitable for other dietary restrictions beyond gluten-free, and can I make it lower in fat?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan, dairy-free, paleo-friendly, and keto-friendly in addition to being gluten-free as specified. If you want to reduce the fat content, you can decrease the olive oil from 1 tablespoon to 1-2 teaspoons in Step 4, though you'll need to toss more vigorously to ensure even coating, and the seasonings may not adhere as well. Alternatively, you could use a light misting of cooking spray instead of the olive oil, but this may result in less flavor and the rosemary and sea salt not sticking as effectively to the almonds. The recipe is also naturally low in sodium if you reduce the sea salt amount in Step 5 to suit your dietary needs.

Rosemary Sea Salt Roasted Almonds

These Rosemary Sea Salt Roasted Almonds transform humble raw almonds into an addictive, aromatic snack that's perfect for busy lifestyles. The combination of fragrant fresh rosemary and coarse sea salt creates a sophisticated flavor profile that elevates these nuts far beyond ordinary roasted almonds. As they roast, the natural oils in the almonds intensify, creating a deep, toasted flavor that pairs beautifully with the piney, herbaceous notes of rosemary.

This recipe draws inspiration from Mediterranean cuisine, where rosemary and almonds are pantry staples that have been paired together for centuries. The simple preparation method—tossing almonds with olive oil, fresh rosemary, and sea salt before roasting—allows each ingredient to shine while creating a harmonious blend of flavors. The result is a naturally gluten-free snack that's both nutritious and satisfying.

What makes these roasted almonds truly special is their versatility and convenience. They're perfect for grab-and-go snacking, whether you're heading to work, hitting the gym, or embarking on a road trip. Store them in an airtight container, and they'll stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks, making them an ideal make-ahead snack. They also make wonderful additions to cheese boards, salads, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, these almonds provide sustained energy without the crash that comes from processed snacks. The addition of rosemary not only enhances flavor but also brings antioxidant properties, while the sea salt helps replenish electrolytes—making these almonds as functional as they are delicious.

Julia

Recipe Author: Gluten-Free & Specialty Diet Chef

Nutrition

20 minutes

None servings

210 calories

Fat 18.00g

Carbs 8.00g

Protein 8.00g

Ingredients

2 cups	raw almonds
1 tbsp	olive oil
2 tbsp	fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 tsp	coarse sea salt
1/4 tsp	black pepper, freshly ground (optional)

Equipment

Cutting board

Parchment paper

Oven

measuring spoons

measuring cups

large mixing bowl

chef's knife

large rimmed baking sheet

airtight container

Clean Eating

Perfectly aligned with Clean Eating principles by using minimally processed, whole food ingredients that are recognizable in their natural state, with no artificial additives or refined components.

Gluten-Free Diet

Naturally gluten-free recipe using whole almonds, olive oil, rosemary, and sea salt - containing zero gluten-containing ingredients and safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Ketogenic Diet

Ideal for keto with its high healthy fat content from almonds and olive oil, minimal carbohydrates (approximately 3-4g net carbs per serving), and zero sugar, making it an excellent low-carb, high-fat snack option.

Mediterranean Diet

This recipe perfectly embodies Mediterranean Diet principles with its use of extra virgin olive oil, whole almonds, and fresh rosemary - showcasing the diet's emphasis on nuts, herbs, and healthy plant-based ingredients.

Paleo Diet

Compliant with Paleo guidelines as it uses only whole, unprocessed ingredients like raw almonds, olive oil, and fresh rosemary, avoiding grains, legumes, and processed additives.

Primal Diet

Fully compliant with Primal Diet requirements, featuring whole almonds, olive oil, and fresh herbs as nutrient-dense ingredients that support metabolic health without processed elements.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F and position rack in the center of the oven.

3 min

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

1 min

Finely chop the fresh rosemary leaves, discarding any woody stems, until you have about 2 tablespoons of minced herbs.

2 min

In a large mixing bowl, combine the raw almonds with the olive oil, tossing well to ensure all almonds are evenly coated with oil.

1 min

Add the chopped rosemary, sea salt, and black pepper (if using) to the bowl with the almonds, and toss thoroughly until the seasonings are evenly distributed.

1 min

Spread the seasoned almonds in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don't overlap so they roast evenly.

1 min

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 12-15 minutes, stirring once halfway through at the 7-minute mark, until the almonds are golden brown and fragrant.

15 min

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the almonds cool completely on the pan for about 15-20 minutes. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.

20 min

Once completely cooled, taste and adjust seasoning with additional sea salt if desired, then transfer to an airtight container for storage.

1 min

Rosemary Sea Salt Roasted Almonds

Nutrition

Ingredients

Equipment

On Diet

Clean Eating

Gluten-Free Diet

Ketogenic Diet

Mediterranean Diet

Paleo Diet

Primal Diet

Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh rosemary, and how much should I use?

Q2: How can I tell when the almonds are perfectly roasted and not burnt?

Q3: What can I use if I don't have parchment paper or aluminum foil for lining the baking sheet?

Q4: Is this recipe suitable for other dietary restrictions beyond gluten-free, and can I make it lower in fat?