Substitutes for celery in cooking include jicama and apple in salads, leeks and green onions for flavor bases, carrots and fennel in soups and stews, bok choy and chayote in low-carb recipes, and cucumber and bell pepper for snacks and appetizers.
Jicama provides a refreshing crunch and mild flavor, making it an ideal celery substitute in salads. Peel and slice or dice, then use in a 1:1 ratio. Expect a slightly sweeter taste. It's also high in fiber. Melissa's and Frieda's are popular brands.
Apple can add a sweet and crisp texture to salads as a celery substitute. Use tart green apples for a flavor closer to celery's bitterness. Dice them and use in a 1:1 ratio. Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are excellent choices.
Leeks can offer a subtle onion-like flavor suitable for bases in cooked dishes. Chop and use in place of celery to contribute to the overall flavor profile. Use them in a 1:1 ratio. Make sure to clean them thoroughly. Popular brands include Christopher Ranch and Melissa's.
Green onions provide a mild onion flavor with a crunch that can be used as a celery substitute in flavor bases. Use both white and green parts in a 1:1 ratio. They are widely available and do not have a dominant brand.
Carrots can add a similar sweetness and color as celery. They won't provide the same crunch but are excellent for flavor. Use them in equal amounts as celery. They are good for maintaining the structure of mirepoix. Popular brands include Bolthouse Farms and Grimmway Farms.
Fennel has a crunchy texture and slightly sweet, anise-like flavor. It can be used as a celery substitute in soups and stews, especially if you're open to a different flavor profile. Use it in a 1:1 ratio. Florence fennel or bulb fennel are common varieties.
Bok choy has a crunch similar to celery and is low in carbohydrates. It works well in stir-fries and salads. Use the white stems as a celery substitute in a 1:1 ratio. Expect a milder flavor. Brands like Taylor Farms provide fresh bok choy.
Chayote is a low-carb vegetable with a crisp texture. It can be used raw or cooked as a celery alternative. Peel and dice or slice, then use in a 1:1 ratio. It's more neutral in flavor, so it won't overshadow other ingredients. Melissa's is a well-known brand for chayote.
Cucumber can replace celery for a refreshing crunch in snacks and appetizers. It's hydrating and has a mild flavor. Cut into sticks or rounds and use in a 1:1 ratio. English cucumbers are a popular seedless variety.
Bell peppers can be used for their crunch and sweet flavor. They come in various colors and can make dishes visually appealing. Slice into strips and use in a 1:1 ratio for a similar volume. Brands like Pero Family Farms and Sunset offer a variety of bell peppers.
| Recipe Category | Substitutes |
|---|---|
| Salads | Jicama, Apple |
| Flavor Bases | Leeks, Green Onions (Scallions) |
| Soups and Stews | Carrots, Fennel |
| Low-Carb Recipes | Bok Choy, Chayote |
| Snacks and Appetizers | Cucumber, Bell Pepper |
Celery's distinct flavor and crunch can be mimicked or replaced by a variety of other ingredients, each imparting their unique characteristics to a dish. When substituting celery, consider the desired texture and flavor outcome of your recipe to select the best alternative. Whether you're looking for similar crunch, maintaining low-carb requirements, or just need a flavor base, these substitutes will help you adapt your dishes accordingly.
