Low Sodium Hot Dog Recipe

Hot dogs are often loaded with sodium, but this version uses a low sodium beef or turkey frank, a sodium-smart bun, and naturally low sodium toppings. You still get the full Chicago-style experience—minus the salt overload. It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for cookouts, lunches, or easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 low sodium hot dog: choose a no-salt-added or low sodium beef or turkey frank
• 1 low sodium or homemade hot dog bun: or use a lettuce wrap for extra heart health.
• 1 tablespoon no-salt-added yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon no-salt-added pickle relish: or finely chopped fresh cucumber and parsley.
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
• 2 tomato wedges
• 1 spear fresh cucumber or low sodium dill pickle
• 2 mild banana pepper rings (optional)
• Pinch of celery seed or omit celery salt

How To Make a Low Sodium Hot Dog:

Boil the Hot Dog:
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Add the low sodium hot dog and cook for about 5 minutes until warmed through. Remove and set aside.

Warm the Bun:
Place a steamer basket over the pot and steam the bun for about 1–2 minutes until soft. Or warm it in a damp paper towel in the microwave for 10 seconds.

Assemble the Hot Dog:
Place the hot dog in the bun. Add toppings in this order: mustard, relish (or cucumber mix), onion, tomato wedges, cucumber spear, banana pepper (if using), and a pinch of celery seed.

Serve Immediately:
Enjoy warm with a side of fresh veggies or no-salt potato wedges.

Recipe Tips:

• Always read labels—low sodium hot dogs should have less than 140 mg sodium per serving.
• Use fresh toppings instead of commercial relish or pickles to cut down on salt.
• Skip celery salt—use celery seed or fresh herbs instead.
• Make your own low sodium bun or wrap in romaine lettuce.

How to Store & Reheat:

• Fridge: Store cooked hot dog and bun separately up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Steam or microwave until hot. Add fresh toppings just before serving.
• Freezer: Not recommended for buns; freeze low sodium franks only.

Nutrition Facts:

• Calories: 250
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Protein: 12 g
• Fat: 12 g
• Carbs: 22 g
• Fibre: 2 g
• Sugar: 3 g

FAQs:

Can hot dogs be low sodium?
Yes—look for brands labeled “no salt added” or “low sodium” with ≤140 mg sodium per serving.

What can I use instead of celery salt?
Try a pinch of celery seed or fresh parsley to get the flavor without extra sodium.

Are pickles and relish high in salt?
Most are. For a low sodium option, use chopped fresh cucumber and herbs instead.

Is there a low sodium hot dog bun?
Yes—some whole grain buns have under 100 mg sodium. Or use lettuce wraps for ultra-low sodium.

Try More Recipes:

• Low Sodium Pot Roast Recipe
• Gnocchi di Patate
• Cotoletta alla Milanese

Low Sodium Hot Dog Recipe

Recipe by Emma

A classic hot dog made heart-healthy with low sodium franks, fresh toppings, and no-salt seasonings. All the flavor—none of the overload.

Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

0.0 from 0 votes

Pin

Print

Servings

1

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

5

minutes

Calories

250

kcal

Total time

15

minutes

Ingredients

• 1 low sodium hot dog
  

• 1 low sodium bun or lettuce wrap
  

• 1 tbsp no-salt mustard
  

• 1 tbsp no-salt relish or cucumber mix
  

• 1 tbsp chopped onion
  

• 2 tomato wedges
  

• 1 spear cucumber or low sodium pickle
  

• 2 mild banana peppers (optional)
  

• Pinch celery seed (optional)

Directions

• Boil hot dog 5 minutes, then remove.
  
• Steam or microwave bun until soft.
  
• Place hot dog in bun and top with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, cucumber, and celery seed.
  
• Serve immediately.