11 Substitutes for Celery in Cooking (From a Nutritionist)
Celery is a common ingredient for salads, soups, and stews. But what happens if you don’t like celery, or you don’t have it on hand? Here are some great substitutes for fresh celery including fennel, cucumber, green bell pepper, and more.
Celery is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes.
It has a crisp, crunchy texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Celery can be eaten raw, cooked, or pickled. It is often used as a base for salads and soups, or as a garnish.
It is often used as a base for salads and soups, or as a garnish. When choosing celery, look for stalks that are firm and brightly colored. Avoid celery that is wilted or yellowing. Celery stalks should be stored in the refrigerator for later use.
Substitutes for Celery
Whether you’re making a chicken salad or a comforting soup, here are the very best celery substitutes.
1. Fennel
Fennel is a member of the parsley family and has a long, white bulb with green stalks.
The bulb, stalk, and leaves are all edible and have a sweet, anise-like flavor. It can be eaten raw, cooked, or pickled, and it pairs well with fish, poultry, and vegetables.
Whether you are looking to add flavor to your dishes or improve your health, fennel is a great option and is a great substitute for celery.
To substitute two stalks of celery or one cup of chopped celery, use one cup of chopped fennel. Use the fennel bulb and not the fennel stalks.
2. Cucumber
Cucumbers are low in calories and have a high water content, making them a perfect food for hot summer days.
Cucumbers are also fairly neutral in flavor so they can stand in for celery quite nicely. They make an excellent substitute with a very similar flavor profile.
To substitute two stalks of celery or one cup of chopped celery, use one cup of cucumber.
3. Green onion
The flavor of green onions is fairly mild, and they add a touch of sweetness and freshness to a dish.
Green onions are a good source of vitamin C and vitamin K. They’re also low in calories and can be used in place of raw celery, celery root, or celery leaves.
To substitute two stalks of celery or one cup of chopped celery, use ½ cup of green onion.
4. Mixture of carrots and onion
When carrots and onions are cooked together, they create a delicious and healthy mixture that can stand-in well for celery.
The combination will have a similar texture to celery and is a great choice for cooked dishes like soups and stews.
To substitute two stalks of celery or one cup of chopped celery, use one cup of a carrot and onion mixture.
5. Water chestnuts (canned)
Water chestnuts are a type of nut that grows in freshwater marshes and wetlands. They have a crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor, making them a popular addition to stir-fries, salads, and other dishes.
The flavor profile is different from celery, but the crunch is similar.
To substitute two stalks of celery or one cup of chopped celery, use one cup of canned water chestnuts (you can chop the water chestnuts before adding them to your dish).
6. Jicama
This root crop is a crunchy, refreshing root vegetable that is often used in salads.
Jicama has a mild flavor that pairs well with other ingredients. It’s not a perfect substitute for celery due to its earthy flavor, but it has a very similar texture and crunch.
To substitute two stalks of celery or one cup of chopped celery, use one cup of chopped jicama.
7. Radish
Radish is grown for its edible roots which vary in color from white to red to black.
Radishes are low in calories and a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They can be eaten raw, cooked, or pickled. Radishes are often used in Asian cuisines, such as in Korean kimchi.
In the Western world, radishes are commonly served as part of a salad or as a garnish on sandwiches and burgers.
Radishes do tend to have a bit of a spicy flavor, but they can be used as a celery substitute, especially in cooked dishes.
To substitute two stalks of celery or one cup of chopped celery, use one cup of chopped radishes.
8. Green bell pepper
Green peppers are versatile vegetables that add a delicious crunch to any dish.
But green bell peppers are more than just a tasty treat-they’re also packed with nutrients.
Celery has a stronger flavor than bell pepper, but green bell pepper can make for a good substitute when necessary.
To substitute two stalks of celery or one cup of chopped celery, use one cup of chopped green bell pepper.
9. Green cabbage
Green cabbage has a crisp texture, and a slightly sweet flavor and is a good source of nutrients.
When preparing cabbage, wash it thoroughly under cold water. Remove the outer leaves, then slice or chop the cabbage as desired.
Green cabbage can be eaten raw or cooked. It is commonly used in salads and stir-fries.
To substitute two stalks of celery or one cup of chopped celery, use one cup of chopped green cabbage.
10. Celery seeds
These tiny seeds that have a milder flavor than their full-grown form, but they pack a punch when it comes to nutrition.
Celery seeds can be used to add flavor to soups, salads, and other dishes. So don’t let the small size fool you—celery seeds are a powerhouse of nutrition and flavor.
Look for celery seeds in the spice aisle of most grocery stores. If you can’t find them, you could also try using caraway seeds or fennel seeds instead.
To substitute two stalks of celery or one cup of chopped celery, start with a tablespoon of celery seeds and adjust to taste.
11. Green apple
Green apples are generally tart in taste, and they are often used in pies and other baked goods. In addition to their culinary uses, green apples are also known for their nutritional value.
While green apples are naturally sweeter than celery, they can be used as a substitute to help replicate the crunch factor.
To substitute two stalks of celery or one cup of chopped celery, use ½ cup of green apple and adjust to preference.
Celery Substitute Pros and Cons
Here’s a chart summarizing various substitutes for fresh celery, including the respective pros and cons.
Substitute | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Fennel | Sweet, anise-like flavor, works well with fish and veggies. | Flavor may be too distinct for some recipes. |
Cucumber | Refreshing, neutral flavor, hydrating. | Less flavor impact compared to celery. |
Green Onion | Adds mild sweetness and freshness. | Stronger flavor, use less compared to celery. |
Carrots and Onion | Creates a flavorful blend, widely available. | Texture and flavor profile differ from celery. |
Water Chestnuts | Adds crunch, slightly sweet. | Different flavor, more suitable for Asian dishes. |
Jicama | Crunchy texture, mild flavor, good in salads. | May be harder to find in some regions. |
Radish | Adds a spicy kick, versatile in use. | Spicier than celery, might overpower mild dishes. |
Green Bell Pepper | Nutrient-rich, adds crunch and color. | Can be more bitter than celery. |
Green Cabbage | Crisp texture, slightly sweet, nutritious. | Stronger flavor, may not work in all celery applications. |
Celery Seeds | Concentrated flavor, nutritional benefits. | More potent, adjustments needed for flavor balance. |
Green Apple | Adds a sweet and tart crunch. | Sweeter, changes the flavor profile of savory dishes. |
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Conclusions
As you can see, there are a number of different vegetables that can be used as a celery substitute. Each of these options has its own unique flavor and nutritional profile. So, whether you’re looking for a crunchy addition to your salad or a flavorful ingredient for your soup, one of these celery substitutes is sure to do the trick.
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About the Author: Carrie Forrest has a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition and is studying to be a holistic nutritionist. She is a top wellness and food blogger with over 5 million annual visitors to her site. Carrie has an incredible story of recovery from chronic illness and is passionate about helping other women transform their health. Send her a message through her contact form.