20 Best Substitutes for Celery

Are you looking for a substitute for celery to cater to allergies, preferences, or ingredient availability? You're in the right place. In this concise guide, we'll provide simple and practical solutions, offering a range of delicious alternatives for every culinary scenario, ensuring your dishes are satisfying and hassle-free.

5 Reasons for Seeking Celery Substitutes

• Allergies: Substitutes provide a safe alternative for those with celery allergies, avoiding discomfort like itching or swelling.
• Taste Aversion: If you do not like celery's earthy, bitter flavor, milder options can better suit your palate.
• Dietary Restrictions: In the case of low-sodium or low-carb diets, substitutes without celery's sodium or carbs are essential.
• Texture Preferences: If you prefer a different mouthfeel, substitutes with alternative textures can cater to your taste.
• Availability and Seasonality: Substitute celery alternatives ensure consistent availability, even when celery isn't in season.

The 20 Best Celery Substitutes

1. Cucumber

Why It Works: Cucumber offers a similar crisp and watery crunch as celery, making it an excellent substitute. Its mild, refreshing taste complements a variety of dishes.

Measurements: Use an equal amount of cucumber as you would celery in salads, sandwiches, and snacks.

2. Green Bell Pepper

Why It Works: The green bell pepper provide a satisfying crunch and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. They work well in both raw and cooked applications.

Measurements: Substitute an equal amount of green bell pepper for celery in stir-fries, soups, and casseroles.

3. Fennel

Why It Works: Fennel and fennel stalks has a crisp texture and a subtle licorice-like flavor that can mimic celery's aromatic qualities in dishes. It's particularly suited for soups and salads. Fennel seeds can be used in the same way as celery seeds.

Measurements: Use about 1 cup of sliced fennel for every cup of chopped celery in soups and salads.

4. Leeks

Why It Works: Leeks offer a mild onion and garlic flavor, adding depth to dishes where celery is a background note. They work well in soups and sautéed dishes.

Measurements: Use an equal amount of sliced leeks in soups and sautéed recipes.

5. Spinach

Why It Works: Spinach provides a tender texture and a mild, earthy flavor. It's an excellent celery substitute in recipes where the vegetable contributes mainly to texture.

Measurements: Substitute spinach leaves for celery in green smoothies or as a filling in sandwiches, using an equal amount by volume.

6. Carrots

Why It Works: Carrots offer a sweet, crisp texture and earthy flavor that can complement or substitute celery in a variety of dishes.

Measurements: Use an equal amount of chopped carrots in recipes like soups, stews, and casseroles.

7. Green Onions (Scallions)

Why It Works: Green onions bring a mild onion-like flavor and a pleasant crunch to dishes, suitable for both raw and cooked applications.

Measurements: Substitute an equal amount of chopped green onions for celery in salads, stir-fries, and garnishes.

8. Jicama

Why It Works: Jicama offers a crunchy texture and a slightly sweet, nutty flavor, making it a refreshing substitute in salads and raw dishes.

Measurements: Use an equal amount of jicama in salads or as a dipper for snacks like celery.

9. Radish

Why It Works: Radishes provide a peppery crunch and a slightly spicy flavor, adding a zesty kick to salads and dishes.

Measurements: Use an equal amount of sliced radishes in salads and as garnishes.

10. Water Chestnut

Why It Works: Water chestnuts offer a crisp, crunchy texture and a subtle, nutty taste, ideal for Asian stir-fries and salads.

Measurements: Substitute an equal amount of sliced water chestnuts in stir-fry dishes.

11. Green Apple

Why It Works: Green apples bring sweetness and crunch to dishes, making them a suitable alternative in salads and snacks.

Measurements: Use an equal amount of diced green apple in salads or as a dipper.

12. Green Beans

Why It Works: These vegetables offer a crisp texture and a mild, green flavor, making them a versatile substitute for celery in various recipes.

Measurements: Replace celery with an equal amount of chopped beans in soups, salads, and casseroles.

13. Broccoli

Why It Works: Broccoli provides a hearty texture and a mild, slightly bitter taste, making it a great celery substitute in cooked dishes.

Measurements: Use an equal amount of broccoli florets in stir-fries, casseroles, and soups.

14. Bok Choy

Why It Works: Bok choy offers a crunchy stem and a mild, cabbage-like flavor, commonly used in Asian cuisine.

Measurements: Substitute an equal amount of sliced bok choy stems in stir-fries and soups.

15. Kohlrabi

Why It Works: Kohlrabi provides a crisp texture and a slightly peppery flavor, ideal for salads and raw dishes.

Measurements: Use an equal amount of kohlrabi in salads or as a snack.

16. Leek

Why It Works: Leeks offer a mild onion and garlic flavor, adding depth to dishes where celery is a background note. They work well in soups and sautéed dishes.

Measurements: Replace celery with an equal amount of sliced leeks in soups and sautéed recipes.

17. Asparagus

Why It Works: Asparagus provides a tender yet crisp texture and a mildly earthy flavor, suitable for various cooked dishes.

Measurements: Use an equal amount of chopped asparagus in recipes like stir-fries and casseroles.

18. Cabbage

Why It Works: Cabbage offers a crisp texture and a slightly sweet or peppery flavor, making it a versatile substitute in salads and slaws. Chinese cabbage works too.

Measurements: Substitute an equal amount of shredded cabbage in salads and coleslaw.

19. Celery Seeds

Why It Works: Ground celery seeds make a good celery substitute because they carry an intense, concentrated celery flavor, making them a perfect seasoning option for a wide range of dishes. Whether you're seasoning soups, salads, or sauces, celery seeds can mimic the aromatic essence of fresh celery. They also add a subtle crunch to some recipes.

Measurements: When using celery seeds, remember that a little goes a long way. Start with a small amount and taste as you go, as their flavor can quickly become overpowering.

In recipes that call for ground celery seed, you can easily grind whole celery seeds to the desired consistency using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Additionally, if you're looking for a celery-flavored salt, you can blend celery seeds with regular salt to create celery salt, which can be used in moderation to season your dishes.

Typically, 1 teaspoon of ground celery seed or celery salt can be a good starting point for many recipes, but always adjust based on your personal taste preferences.

20. Celery Root (Celeriac)

Why It Works: This vegetable has a similar flavor to celery but a different texture. This root vegetable ideal for soups, mashes, and purees.

Measurements: Use an equal amount of peeled and diced celeriac in soups and mashed potato recipes.

These versatile substitutes offer a range of flavors and textures to match various culinary needs. When replacing celery, adjust quantities to maintain the desired taste and texture in your dishes.

How to Choose a Celery Substitute

When selecting a celery substitute, several factors come into play to ensure your dish's success. Consider the following aspects: crunch, color, flavor and texture, as well as whether you're using the substitute in a raw or cooked application.

Below, we'll explore which substitutes from the list of 20 options work best for each criterion.

1. Crunch

• Raw: For dishes where celery contributes a crisp, refreshing crunch, substitutes like cucumber, jicama, radish, green bell peppers, green apples, and water chestnuts are excellent choices. Rainbow chard stalks have the same texture and flavor as celery stalks. These options offer a satisfying texture similar to celery when consumed raw.
• Cooked: If you're replacing celery in cooked dishes where you want to maintain some crunch, consider using green beans, broccoli, or asparagus. These substitutes retain their texture when lightly cooked.

2. Color

• Raw: When seeking a vibrant, colorful substitute for celery in raw dishes, cucumber, radish, green bell peppers, and jicama offer attractive hues that can brighten up salads and snacks.
• Cooked: In cooked dishes, green beans, broccoli, and asparagus maintain their green color, making them visually appealing alternatives to celery.

3. Flavor and Texture

• Raw: If you're looking for a celery substitute with a mild, refreshing flavor similar to celery, cucumber is a top choice. Jicama also offers a slightly sweet, nutty flavor that can complement various raw dishes. Radish adds a peppery kick, while green bell peppers provide a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
• Cooked: In cooked dishes, consider using substitutes like green beans, broccoli, or asparagus, as they offer a mild, earthy flavor and a firm texture that can mimic celery's presence without overpowering the dish.

Common Culinary Uses of Celery

Celery is a versatile ingredient that finds its way into numerous culinary creations. From adding crunch to salads to enhancing the flavor of soups and stews, its applications are diverse. Below, we'll explore the various ways in which celery is commonly used in the kitchen:

1. Salads

Celery is a versatile ingredient in salads, often providing a crisp and crunchy texture to classics like potato salad, tuna salad, and chicken salad.

Best celery substitutes: cucumber, jicama, radish, green bell pepper, water chestnut

2. Soups and Stews

In soups and stews, celery is a crucial component of mirepoix, the classic French flavor base, along with onions and carrots, adding a savory depth to the broth. In Latin cuisine, celery often features in sofrito, where it joins other aromatic ingredients like onions and bell peppers to create a rich, flavorful foundation for hearty soups and stews, such as bolognese, shepherd's pie, venison stew, and caponata.

Best replacement for celery: leeks, celery root (celeriac), carrots, onion and bell peppers, green onions (scallions), cabbage

3. Snacks and Dips

Celery is a go-to choice for raw snacks and dips, often cut into sticks for easy dipping into hummus, peanut butter, homemade ranch dressing, or guacamole. Its natural crunchiness adds a satisfying element to snack platters, and its mild flavor pairs well with various dips, making it a versatile choice for gatherings.

Best replacement for celery: bell peppers, cucumber, jicama

4. Stir-Fries

In stir-fries, celery is sliced thinly and added to the wok, providing a satisfying crunch and subtle flavor while absorbing the stir-fry sauce. Its crisp texture complements other vegetables and proteins, contributing to the dish's overall texture and balance of flavors.

Best celery alternatives: Green beans, broccoli, asparagus

5. Juices and Smoothies

In juices and smoothies, celery is commonly blended for its mild, refreshing flavor and high water content, contributing to the overall hydration and healthiness of the beverage. Its crisp texture and neutral taste make it an excellent addition to green juices and smoothies, balancing out bolder flavors from fruits and vegetables.

Best substitute for celery: Spinach, cucumber, bell peppers

6. Casseroles

In casseroles, celery is often diced and included to provide a mild, savory note and contribute to the overall flavor profile. It also adds a pleasant crunch to the casserole, enhancing its texture.

Best celery substitutes: Carrots, kohlrabi, green beans

7. Sauces and Gravies

In sauces and gravies, celery is finely chopped and used in mirepoix or similar flavor bases to build complexity and depth of flavor. Its natural umami and aromatic qualities enhance the sauce's taste, providing a balanced and savory component.

Best substitute for celery: Celery seeds (for seasoning)

8. Sandwiches

Celery is typically used in sandwiches as thin, crunchy slices that add a refreshing textural contrast to fillings like egg salad, chicken salad or tuna salad. Its mild, earthy flavor complements a variety of sandwich ingredients.

Best celery substitute for celery: Green onion (scallions)

9. Pickles and Relishes

In pickles and relishes, celery is often finely chopped and mixed with other vegetables and spices to create a flavorful and crunchy condiment. Its crisp texture and mild taste contribute to the overall character of the pickle or relish.

Best celery substitute: Cabbage

10. Sautéed or Roasted Side Dishes

In sautéed or roasted side dishes, celery is commonly diced and sautéed with other vegetables to add a subtle savory flavor and maintain a satisfying crunch when cooked. It complements the dish's overall texture and enhances its savory profile.

Best celery substitutes: Green beans, broccoli, asparagus

11. Stuffing and Dressings

In stuffings and dressings, celery is finely chopped and included to provide a mild, savory depth of flavor and a pleasant crunch. Its presence enhances the overall taste and texture of the dish, whether used in classic Thanksgiving stuffing or as a component of other dressings.

Best celery alternatives: Leeks, celery root (celeriac)

12. Baking

In baking, celery is rarely used as a primary ingredient but occasionally as a subtle addition to savory breads or rolls, where it imparts a mild, earthy flavor. Its presence is most common in stuffing or dressing recipes for poultry, where it adds depth and aroma to the dish.

Best celery alternatives: Celery seeds