If you need a vegetable that is crunchy and has a slightly salty taste, then celery may be the right choice for you. However, if you are looking for a celery substitute there are several options to choose from.

From celery substitutes in salads and stir-fries to soup and delicious stuffing recipes, we have you covered!

We explore what celery is used for in recipes and suggest some good substitutes depending on what you need. So whether you’re looking for a substitution for crunch or flavor, we’ve got an alternative for you that is just as delicious!

What is Celery And It’s Common Uses?

Celery (Apium graveolens) is a vegetable that is related to carrots, parsley, and fennel. It has a long, white stalk with green leaves attached. The flavor of celery is slightly salty and crunchy, making it a popular choice for use in salads, stir-fries, soups, and stuffing recipes.

Celery is a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamins A and C. It also contains a compound called coumarin which may have anti-inflammatory properties.

When selecting celery at the grocery store, look for stalks that are firm with no brown spots or wilting leaves as these indicate that the celery is past its prime.

It is commonly used as a side dish or as an accompaniment to main dishes. Celery is often used as a base for more flavorful soups and can also be stuffed with meats, cheeses, and other fillings. In addition, celery is added to some salads for flavor and texture.

It is also a popular ingredient in smoothies, juices, and other beverages because of its crisp, refreshing taste.

Best Substitute To Celery Listed

Substitute For Celery In Salads

Jicama

• Jicama (Pachyrhizus erosus) is a crunchy vegetable that has a similar texture to celery.
• It has a mild flavor similar to celery and is a healthy substitute as a good source of dietary fiber, potassium, and vitamin C.
• It works well in salads as an alternative to celery because it provides a similar crunch and flavor.

Green Apples

• Green apples are a tasty, crunchy alternative to celery in salads.
• They have a slightly sweet flavor and are a source of vitamin C.
• Green apples work well in salads because they hold their shape when chopped and are not mushy, much like celery.

Carrots

• Carrots are another crunchy alternative to celery in salads.
• They are similar to celery because they offer a sweet flavor, but carrots tend to be moister than other options. 
• Raw shredded carrots can also double as a garnish when placed on top of salads.

Substitute For Fresh Celery In Stir-Fries

Bok Choy

• Bok choy (Brassica rapa) is a leafy green vegetable that works well as a celery substitute in stir-fries.
• It provides a slightly salty taste and crunches similar to celery, but bok choy has much more flavor.
• This makes it a great option for when you want an extra punch in your stir-fries.

Asparagus

• Asparagus (Asparagus Officinalis) is a green vegetable that is related to celery.
• It has a slightly salty and crunchy taste and works well as a celery substitute in stir-fries.
• It also has a similar texture as celery and won’t break down in the stir-fry, whereas something like green beans tends to lose their texture when cooked for more than a few minutes.

Cabbage

• Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) is another leafy green vegetable that works well as a celery alternative for stir-fries.
• It has a slightly salty and crunchy flavor, similar to celery, and is nutrient-dense with vitamins B and C.
• You can use cabbage in stir-fries to substitute for celery, and while it won’t last as long after cooking, it does provide a very similar flavor to celery. It is important to note that cabbage can be a bit strong in flavor, so you may want to start with a smaller amount and add more as needed.

Celery Substitute In Soup

Leek

• Leeks are a member of the onion family and have a similar flavor and crunch to celery.
• They grow in bundles similar to celery with one large stalk and several smaller stalks, which can be eaten raw or cooked.
• They also tend to be milder than other options like green onions or regular onions, so they work well for adding flavor to soups without overpowering them.

Green Bell Pepper

• Green bell peppers are a crunchy, mild vegetable that can be easily used as a celery substitute in soups.
• They have a slightly sweet flavor and work well when chopped into small pieces and don’t lose their flavor or texture after cooking.
• Green bell peppers are a healthy vegetable that is low in calories and a good source of vitamins C and A.

Green Beans

• Green beans are another crunchy vegetable that can be used as a celery substitute.
• They have a slightly sweet and nutty flavor and work well when chopped into small pieces. They go great in soups like asparagus or other kinds of soup that need a crunchy celery-like vegetable.
• Like green bell peppers, they don’t lose their flavor or texture after cooking and are a good source of natural vitamins.

Substitute For Celery In Stuffing

Fennel

• Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a vegetable that has a licorice-like flavor and can be used very well as a celery substitute in the stuffing.
• It is crunchy and has a slightly sweet taste that goes well with savory flavors. Fennel also has a high vitamin C content.
• You can use fennel in the stuffing to add a unique flavor and crunch that celery provides.

Celery Seed

• Celery seeds are another alternative for celery in stuffing as they have a similar taste and crunchy texture, but are slightly nuttier than traditional celery.
• They can be used as an ingredient in the stuffing itself or as a garnish on top of it.
• They have a more spicy flavor than fresh celery, but they mimic the taste well and can be used to add some extra spices to your recipe.

Fresh Chives

• Chives are a similar green, grassy vegetable to celery that can be used as an alternative in the stuffing.
• They have a slightly salty and onion-like flavor and go well with savory ingredients like sausage and other kinds of meat.
• You can use chives as a garnish on top of the cooked stuffing or you can add them to the dish itself.

People Also Ask

What Vegetable Is Closest To Celery?

There are many different vegetables with a celery-like taste, crunch, and texture, and are part of the same family. These include cilantro, leeks, green bell peppers, cabbage, and asparagus. All these work as good substitutes to celery when making recipes.

What Spice Can You Substitute For Celery?

Celery contains some spices that add to the taste and some that add to the texture. When you make a recipe, it is best to look at what kind of celery you are using (fresh or dried) and for what purpose (texture or flavor).

For fresh celery used for its flavor, parsley, thyme, sage, rosemary, and marjoram are all good options for substitution. When making a dish that needs celery raw (for texture), try green onions or garlic.

Can You Substitute Bell Pepper For Celery?

Yes, bell peppers can be substituted for celery in recipes. They have a similar crunch and taste and can also be used in soups or as part of the stuffing.

Be sure to chop them into small pieces so they are easier to eat. Also, try adding a little bit of salt to boost their flavor.

Conclusion

Celery is a crunchy vegetable that has a strong, fresh flavor and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.

Remember though that some vegetables have a stronger taste than celery, so you might need to use less of them if substituting them.

In addition to my list of substitutes above, you can also use fresh or dried herbs as an alternative for celery when needed. Some of the best options include parsley, thyme, sage, rosemary, and marjoram.

My personal favorite? For their closeness in flavor and texture, Leeks are the number 1 choice for my celery substitute. They can be used in so many dishes from salads and soups to stir-fries and stuffing. They also taste nicer than celery too!

Fennel and Green Beans are next as good runner-ups. They have a great crunch and flavor that can elevate your recipe simply.

What is your favorite celery substitute?

Share your favorites in the comments below and thanks for reading!