Best Substitutes for Celery – 21 Substitutes

Celery is a starchy vegetable that can be used as a side dish or a topping. It can be sautéed, boiled, or added to soups or stews. If you want to make a healthy version of a classic dish, you should replace celery with carrots. The flavor is similar, and the crunch makes a great substitute.

Celery is an ingredient found in many recipes. It’s commonly used in salads, soups, stews, and even desserts.

However, celery can be replaced with a variety of ingredients, like parsley, dill, cilantro, or fennel.

It can even be replaced by celeriac, which is a root vegetable that looks like a cross between celery and potato.

In this article, I’ll go through each type of celery substitute and explain why they are great alternatives to the original celery.

Best Substitutes for Celery – 21 Substitutes

Celery is a staple ingredient in the kitchen, so it’s important to know what to substitute for it. The most popular substitutions for celery are parsley, basil, chives, and dill. If you’re looking for a more savory taste, you can also try using garlic or other herbs like rosemary.

Carrots

If you are looking for a celery substitute, carrots are the perfect choice. They’re quite similar in terms of taste and texture.

What’s more, they are rich in nutrients and vitamins. Carrots are also a good source of vitamin A and C. These nutrients boost your immune system and help keep you healthy.

As such, carrot is a great vegetable to include in your diet. The health benefits are numerous. But if you don’t like the taste of carrots, you can always add other vegetables to them.

Celery seeds

This is another wonderful substitute for celery. They are a popular spice used in cooking. What’s more, they are rich in antioxidants, which helps protect your body from free radicals.

Celery seeds are a small, round seed that’s commonly found in the spice section of supermarkets. It’s best to use whole celery seeds as they will give a more pronounced flavor.

You can grind them to create a fine powder to add to recipes, but the texture will be different. As such, we recommend using whole celery seeds for recipes where you need a specific texture.

Jicama

Jicama is a sweet, crisp root vegetable with a crunchy texture and a unique taste. It’s often found in Asian cuisine, but you can also find it in American supermarkets.

Similar to celery, jicama has a light green skin, long stalks, and a crunchy texture. Its flavor is reminiscent of celery with a slight hint of citrus. Jicama works well when making dips and salads and is ideal for use in soups.

Although it is a relatively new addition to the culinary world, jicama is now available in many grocery stores. It can be sliced and used like celery or added to salads.

The taste of jicama is a bit bland, so you may want to add something to it to make it more flavorful.

Celery salt

You can find celery salt in supermarkets, and it is an excellent substitute for celery. This salty seasoning is often used to enhance the flavor of dishes like soups and stews.

It’s worth noting that celery salt doesn’t have the same texture as celery. But it can be used as a substitute for celery, especially if you want to avoid the bitterness of celery.

Bok choy

This Chinese cabbage is known for its mild taste and crunchy texture. Its leaves are often cut into small pieces and used in stir-fries and soups. Bok choy is also a good substitute for celery in salads and sandwiches.

You can also use it in place of celery in dips and stews.

Celeriac

This vegetable is in the same family as celery and has a very similar taste. It can be used in place of celery when making soup or salads.

In fact, it’s often used in Asian cuisines, such as Thai cuisine. You may also use celeriac in place of celery when making homemade stock.

Green apples

Apples are a very common type of fruit that is widely available. They come in a wide variety of sizes, colors, and flavors.

However, green apples are the most common. They are a great choice for using in a wide range of recipes because they are inexpensive and readily available.

Green apples are more commonly available in supermarkets, and their prices are lower than that of other types of apples.

Green apples are a good alternative to celery, as they are less crunchy and have a sweeter taste.

Water chestnuts

You can use water chestnuts as a substitute for celery. They are a good substitute because they have a similar crunchy texture. What’s more, they’re also a good source of fiber, making them a great addition to salads and vegetable dishes.

If you like the taste of celery, then water chestnuts are a good alternative. If you’re not a fan of the taste of celery, water chestnuts are a good choice. You can also use them to add texture to soups, stews, and pasta.

Cucumbers

If you’re looking for a celery replacement, then cucumbers are a great choice. They are a little sweeter than celery and offer a slightly creamy texture.

You can also use cucumbers in salads, sandwiches, or as a side dish. You can also use them as a garnish for soups or stews.

Leeks

Like celery, leeks are a member of the onion family. The leek is a vegetable with long white stalks and green leaves. You can find leeks in grocery stores all year round, although they’re most commonly found in the spring and fall.

Larger varieties of leeks are often used in stews and soups, while smaller ones are used in salads. They have a milder flavor than onions and can be used in many different recipes.

Parsley

Parsley is another popular herb that is commonly used in Italian cuisine. This green herb is a must-have for any Italian recipe. The parsley used for cooking is usually curly parsley, but flat-leafed varieties are also available.

The taste of parsley is similar to celery, with a hint of anise. As such, it is a perfect replacement for celery in many recipes. You can use the leaves of parsley in salads or soups, and you can also add it to sauces and gravies.

As a note, it’s best to remove the stalks from the parsley before using them.

Dill

When replacing celery, you can use dill. This herb is commonly used in salads and spreads. It also works well in soups and stews.

Dill can be found in dried, fresh, and oil forms. The dried form is the most common, but you can also find dill seeds and oil.

Cilantro

This herb is very popular in many different cuisines. It can be used in Mexican and Asian dishes. It also lends a distinct flavor to many other dishes. You can even use cilantro as a garnish for your favorite dish.

It’s important to note that cilantro is not the same as parsley. Cilantro has a milder flavor and a stronger aroma than parsley. However, it does work well as an alternative to celery when making salads or soups.

Fennel

This type of vegetable has a mild anise flavor and is commonly used in Italian dishes. It’s not as popular as celery, but its sweet and crisp flavor makes it a great alternative to celery.

You can use fennel in salads, soups, and pasta. And because it has a short, slender shape, it’s also ideal for adding crunch to dishes like pizza and bread.

Fennel is best stored in the refrigerator. You can also cut off the leaves and save them in the fridge to use later.

Garlic

You can also use garlic as an alternative to celery. The taste of celery is similar to that of garlic, but the texture is different.

You can use garlic to complement other foods, such as soups, stews, salads, and sandwiches. The flavor of garlic is slightly sweet, which helps to add depth to your dishes.

Cauliflower

This vegetable is one of the best substitutes for celery. It’s a member of the cabbage family and comes in various shapes and colors. It’s a very versatile vegetable that can be used in many recipes.

Cauliflower is very high in fiber and vitamin C, so it’s a great choice for those who want to eat healthy. It also contains plenty of calcium and iron, making it an excellent choice for pregnant women or people with iron deficiencies.

Cauliflower has a milder flavor than celery, which makes it a great option for replacing celery in salads. You can also use cauliflower as a substitute for celery when making soups, stews, and casseroles.

Fresh chives

Similar to celery, fresh chives are a type of green onion. Their taste is mild, but they are more delicate in texture than celery.

They are commonly used to garnish foods like salads and soups. They can also be used in sandwiches.

You may substitute fresh chives for celery in recipes. The only difference between the two is their texture, which you may find more enjoyable with the addition of fresh chives.

Chopped Kale

Kale is one of the most popular leafy greens in the world. It’s a member of the cabbage family and can be found in many countries.

The best thing about kale is that it’s extremely versatile. You can add it to soups, salads, and pasta dishes. Kale also works well with fish, meats, and poultry. As such, it’s one of the best vegetables you can substitute for celery.

The taste of kale is very similar to that of celery. However, the texture is somewhat smoother. Kale is often sold in large bunches, and they can be used to make soups, stews, and salads.

Bell peppers

Bell peppers are mild in taste, and they are usually available all year round. They are also very versatile, making them the perfect substitute for celery.

In addition to being an excellent substitute for celery, bell peppers can be used to make a variety of dishes, such as salads, soups, stews, and sandwiches. They can also be used to make dips and spreads.

As a brief aside, some people find the texture of bell pepper to be slightly bitter. However, it’s worth noting that this is only true if the bell pepper is overcooked. If you cook it for a shorter time, it will not have the same bitterness.

Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are some of the most nutritious vegetables you can eat. They are a member of the cabbage family and are packed with vitamins and nutrients.

You can use Brussels sprouts in many different dishes, including salads, soups, and pasta.

The sprouts are available year-round, so you don’t need to worry about seasonal availability.

Asparagus

Celery and asparagus are both stalks of green vegetables, but they taste completely different.

The texture of celery is crunchier than that of asparagus. And the flavor is much sweeter and milder. As such, you can use celery to make soups, salads, and sandwiches.

Asparagus, on the other hand, is much thinner than celery, and its taste is more bitter. As such, it works well in stir-fries and pasta dishes.

What Makes a Good Substitute for Celery?

Celery is an essential vegetable that provides a sweet, fresh flavor, and crunchy texture. It’s often used in soups, stews, salads, and even in cooking.

The main difference between celery and other vegetables is its flavor. Celery has a mild, sweet taste, and it’s used to flavor foods, making them less bland.

But, despite its mild flavor, celery is still a great vegetable.

You can use celery in many ways: You can eat it raw, chop it, boil it, slice it, and even use it in salad dressing.

The best celery substitute should be able to replicate the texture of celery while offering a similar flavor.

It’s also important to choose a substitute that isn’t bitter.

FAQ

What’s a Good substitute for celery in bolognese?

Celery has a very distinctive flavor that blends well with a variety of dishes. It’s especially delicious in sauces like bolognese, which can sometimes be too rich. However, there are many substitutes that can help to bring out the flavor of the celery without the richness.

Here are some suggestions:

Ginger: This root vegetable has a similar flavor to celery and is great for enhancing the flavor of sauces. Ginger can be added to a variety of dishes, including pasta, soups and salads.

Garlic: This powerful spice is used in a variety of dishes and pairs well with almost any type of cuisine. You can use it in sauces, stews, and salads.

Onion: This root vegetable is often used in a variety of dishes and also pairs well

What’s a Good substitute for celery in soup?

Celery is a great addition to soups, but it has a very strong flavor that can overpower other ingredients. Instead, you should try adding some chopped fresh herbs like basil or mint. They will add a bit of color, flavor and texture to the soup.

What’s a Good substitute for celery in stuffing?

Celery is a classic ingredient for stuffing. However, it’s not the only vegetable you can use. Other options include carrots, sweet potatoes and even asparagus. These vegetables all have their own unique flavors that complement the flavors of the stuffing.

What’s a Good substitute for celery in mirepoix?

The traditional mirepoix is made with onions, carrots and celery. However, there are a few good substitutions that you can use to make your own version. Try substituting a handful of fresh parsley, basil, or thyme for the celery, or even adding in a few more carrots and a few cloves of garlic.

See Also: 11 Best Substitutes for Celery in Mirepoix

What’s a Good substitute for celery in chicken salad?

Celery is one of the most common ingredients used in chicken salad recipes. However, if you want to make it even healthier, you can use apple slices or cucumber instead. You can also use shredded carrots, red bell pepper and celery sticks.

What’s a Good substitute for celery in stock?

Celery is a great addition to stocks and soups because it has a clean, crisp taste and is low in calories. However, if you want to make a stock that doesn’t have celery, try using carrots instead. Carrots are slightly sweeter and less bitter than celery.

What’s a Good substitute for celery in potato salad?

Celery is one of the main ingredients in potato salad. It provides the crunchy texture, flavor, and texture that potato salad is known for. If you’re not a fan of celery, you can use other ingredients like cucumber, carrots, peppers, or even bell pepper.

What’s a Good substitute for celery in chili?

Celery is a popular addition to chili. But if you’re looking for a healthy and nutritious substitute, try some broccoli stems. You can also try some fresh parsley or cilantro leaves.

What’s a Good substitute for celery in beef stew?

If you’re looking to switch out celery for another vegetable in beef stew, you’ll want to try carrots, parsnips or sweet potatoes. These starchy vegetables will provide a different texture and taste than celery.

What’s a Good substitute for celery in bone broth?

Celery is a great base for making bone broth, but it’s not the only option. You can use parsnips, onions, carrots, garlic, leeks, or even sweet potatoes. For the most part, any vegetable that has a lot of water content can be used as a substitute.

See Also: 9 Best Herbs and Spices for Bone Broth

What’s a Good substitute for celery in chicken pot pie?

The best substitute for celery in chicken pot pie is a small, crisp green salad. When you’re making this dish, it’s important to use a good quality chicken broth or stock. If you opt for store bought, make sure you choose one with no additives. The addition of good quality chicken broth is what makes this dish so good.

What’s a Good substitute for celery in jambalaya?

When making jambalaya, there’s no need to use celery. It’s a traditional ingredient that is found in many regional cuisines. However, if you want to add some celery to your dish, you can sauté it with onion and peppers for a bit of a kick.

What’s a Good substitute for celery in meatloaf?

Celery is a great addition to meatloaf, but if you’re looking to make it healthier, you can use asparagus or spinach instead. Simply cut the stalks and chop the leaves, and place them into the meatloaf mixture before baking.

What’s a Good substitute for celery in macaroni salad

If you’re looking for a healthier option to celery in macaroni salad, try a mix of broccoli, cauliflower, or even asparagus. They’re all fairly low in calories, but they do have some fiber and are a good source of vitamins C and K.

What’s a Good substitute for celery in casserole?

Celery is a staple ingredient in a variety of dishes, including soups, salads, sandwiches, appetizers, and casseroles. While celery is a great base to many dishes, it’s also a good alternative to add more flavor to recipes that don’t call for a lot of celery.

The best way to substitute celery in your recipes is to use other starchy vegetables, like corn, potatoes, or carrots. These vegetables can be used interchangeably in your recipes.

What’s a Good substitute for celery in cottage pie?

Celery is one of the main ingredients in cottage pie, and there are a lot of ways to make it without it. Instead of celery, you can use onions, mushrooms or peppers. You can also replace the celery with a vegetable like broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach.

What’s a Good substitute for celery in chicken and dumplings?

Celery is a classic addition to chicken and dumplings, but it can be hard to find at the grocery store. Fortunately, there are plenty of good substitutes. Try using carrots, asparagus, or even green beans.

What’s a Good substitute for celery in dressing?

Celery is a popular and versatile ingredient in salad dressings. However, if you are looking for something that tastes similar but is less starchy, you can opt to use roasted red peppers instead. Roasted red peppers are similar to celery in that they have a mild taste and are a good alternative to the starchy vegetable.

What’s a Good substitute for celery in egg salad?

Egg salad is one of those foods that you want to make sure you have in your pantry at all times. It’s versatile and can be used in countless ways. The key to making a great egg salad is to use quality ingredients.

One of the most common substitutions for celery is corn. While it’s not quite the same as celery, it does work in a pinch. For a more authentic celery taste, use celery seed instead. You can add other ingredients like onions, bell peppers, and even parsley to give it a bit of a kick.

What’s a Good substitute for celery in juice?

Celery is a staple in many juice recipes, but if you’re looking for a healthier alternative, consider using cucumber instead. The slightly sweet taste of the cucumber is a perfect complement to the tartness of the citrus.

What’s a Good substitute for celery salt in a bloody mary?

Celery salt is the classic garnish for a bloody mary. However, if you’re not a fan of celery salt or are out of the celery seasoning, try a combination of lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, Tabasco, and/or hot pepper sauce to create your own celery salt flavor.

What’s a Good substitute for celery in osso buco?

Celery is often used to bulk up a dish, but it’s not always the best choice for a side dish. Instead, opt for carrots or fennel. The sweet taste of these vegetables pairs well with the rich, meaty flavor of osso buco.

What’s a Good substitute for celery seed in bread?

Celery seed is not used as much in breads nowadays, but if you want to add some spice to your bread, you can use caraway seed. It has a similar taste to celery seed, but it’s more mild in flavor.

What’s a Good substitute for celery bitters?

Celery bitters is a popular topping on cocktails, but it can be hard to find in stores. If you can’t get your hands on them, you can substitute celery salt. It has the same flavor and it’s easier to find at the grocery store.

Conclusion

So, what are the best substitutes for celery?

Celery has a very distinct flavor, so there aren’t many other options that can replace it. If you want to try something similar, you can use chives or dill, which have a similar flavor profile to celery.