6 Incredible Celery Substitutes

by John Staughton (BASc, BFA) last updated -

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.

A close-up view of celery roots with leaves placed on a wooden table

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]

A close-up view of a whole and cut jicama on a wooden table

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.

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About the Author

John Staughton is a traveling writer, editor, publisher and photographer with English and Integrative Biology degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana (USA). He co-founded the literary journal, Sheriff Nottingham, and now serves as the Content Director for Stain’d Arts, a non-profit based in Denver, Colorado. On a perpetual journey towards the idea of home, he uses words to educate, inspire, uplift and evolve.

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