If you find yourself in the middle of a recipe without this crunchy staple, stop not. Here, you can effortlessly find a celery substitute for your dish and keep cooking!
Celery
Celery is also found in nearly every cuisine across the world. Its crisp freshness and distinctive sharp flavor are key ingredients in a lot of common foods, even if you don’t realize it. Celery is ubiquitous around the world, along with onion and carrot, making it one of three ‘holy trinity’ vegetables that make up mirepoix, the base ingredients of French cooking. Celery is eaten raw, pickled, sautéed, stewed, baked and pureed. It is primarily composed of water, but also provides fiber in your diet, and can improve the texture of many dishes. [1]
List of Celery Substitute
Bok choy is the best celery substitute you can add to your dish. You can also try celery root, fennel, parsnips, jicama, and green apple while preparing soups, stews, and salads.
Celery leaves are very helpful in improving your overall health. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Celery Root
The texture is a major part of the enjoyment of eating, so if celery’s texture bothers you, try celery root instead! It’s actually the root of celery’s cousin, ‘celeriac’ and is available in the produce section of most grocers. It has the flavor of celery, but a texture that is more similar to turnips. It’s great on its own when sautéed with butter; you can mash it for a unique side dish, or even use it in soups or broth.
Fennel
The stalks of fennel are a close celery substitute. Fennel does have an aroma of anise, which mellows when cooked. Fennel goes great with fish and spring vegetables if you add just a spritz of fresh lemon juice. [2]
Parsnip
These root vegetables look like white carrots and taste like parsley. Use them in stuffing, soup, or even salads for a great crunch and a sharp, but earthy flavor.
Jicama
Jicama’s texture is very crisp like a green apple, but the flavor is fresh, not sweet, and it’s very juicy, so it can be a great alternative if you do not want to use celery. Jicama is best when eaten raw, so use it to replace celery in slaw, spring rolls, or in crudité. It works like cucumber in most meals, which is another vegetable that can be used as a substitute. [3]
Jicama is low in calories as well as high in fiber and water. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Green Apple
For a bright and tart flavor, try green apples in place of celery. They can be enjoyed raw, cooked, or juiced in place of celery where a little sweetness is desired. [4]
Bok Choy
Bok choy is the perfect stir-fry ingredient you can try in place of celery. Chop the white base just as you would celery and then flash cook to keep the great crunch.
