11 Best Recipes with Celery: Delicious Dishes to Elevate Your Cooking

Celery is a versatile vegetable that can add flavor and crunch to many dishes. It’s often overlooked, but this crunchy stalk deserves a spot in your kitchen. Discovering the best recipes with celery can enhance your meals and introduce new tastes to your table.

I enjoy incorporating celery into various recipes, from soups to salads. Not only does celery provide nutritional benefits, but it also complements many flavors, making it a great ingredient for creative cooking.

1. Celery and Blue Cheese Salad

Celery and Blue Cheese Salad is a crisp and flavorful dish. It combines the crunch of celery with the rich taste of blue cheese. This salad is easy to make and perfect as a side or light meal.

To prepare this salad, I usually gather a few simple ingredients. You will need fresh celery, blue cheese, cherry tomatoes, a lemon, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Here are the steps to make it:

1. Chop the celery: I take about 4-5 stalks of celery and slice them into bite-sized pieces.
2. Halve the tomatoes: I grab a cup of cherry tomatoes and cut them in half.
3. Make the dressing: I mix the juice of one lemon with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste.
4. Combine: In a bowl, I toss the celery, tomatoes, and crumbled blue cheese together.
5. Serve: Finally, I drizzle the dressing over the salad and mix it gently.

This salad has a fresh and tangy flavor, making it a nice addition to many meals.

2. Creamy Celery Soup

Creamy celery soup is a smooth and flavorful dish made primarily from fresh celery. It’s a comforting choice for chilly days or when I need a quick meal.

Making this soup is simple and requires just a few ingredients. I appreciate how easy it is to prepare. With basic cooking skills, I can have it ready in about 30 minutes.

Here are the steps I follow:

1. Chop one medium onion and four stalks of celery.
2. In a pot, I heat two tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
3. I add the onion and celery, cooking until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Then, I pour in four cups of vegetable or chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
5. After that, I reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Finally, I blend the soup until smooth and stir in half a cup of cream.

I often serve my creamy celery soup with crusty bread or croutons. It’s a delightful way to enjoy the fresh taste of celery.

3. Stir-Fried Celery with Chicken

Stir-fried celery with chicken is a simple and nutritious dish. It combines tender chicken pieces with crisp celery, creating a balance of flavors and textures. This dish is quick to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.

To make this recipe, I usually follow these easy steps:

1. Ingredients: Gather chicken breast, fresh celery, garlic, soy sauce, and cornstarch.
2. Preparation: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and slice the celery into diagonal strips.
3. Marinate: Mix the chicken with a bit of soy sauce and cornstarch. Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
4. Cook: In a hot pan, add oil and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds.
5. Add Chicken: Cook the marinated chicken until it turns white, about 5 minutes.
6. Add Celery: Toss in the celery and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until it’s tender but still crunchy.
7. Finish: Add more soy sauce if desired and serve hot.

This dish is not only easy to make, but it also showcases the natural flavors of the ingredients. Enjoy the crunchy texture and savory taste!

4. Celery and Apple Slaw

Celery and apple slaw is a refreshing dish that combines crisp celery with sweet apples. This slaw offers a crunchy texture and a balance of flavors. It’s easy to make and perfect for a quick side dish.

To prepare the slaw, I start with these ingredients:

1. 2 cups of thinly sliced celery
2. 1 large apple, cored and diced
3. 1/4 cup of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans)
4. 1/4 cup of plain yogurt or mayonnaise
5. 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
6. Salt and pepper to taste

Here are the simple steps I follow:

1. In a large bowl, I combine the sliced celery, diced apple, and chopped nuts.
2. In a separate bowl, I mix the yogurt or mayonnaise with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. I pour the dressing over the celery and apple mixture, tossing gently to coat everything evenly.

This slaw can be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. It makes a great addition to sandwiches or grilled meats. Enjoy!

5. Chilled Celery and Cucumber Soup

Chilled celery and cucumber soup is a refreshing dish, perfect for hot days. It blends the crisp taste of cucumbers with the distinct crunch of celery, creating a light and flavorful experience.

I find this soup easy to make. Here are the steps I follow:

1. Gather the ingredients: 2 cups of chopped celery, 1 large cucumber, 1 cup of vegetable broth, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and salt to taste.
2. Peel and chop the cucumber.
3. In a blender, combine the chopped celery and cucumber with the vegetable broth.
4. Blend until smooth.
5. Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt.
6. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

This soup is versatile. I can garnish it with fresh herbs or a dollop of yogurt for extra flavor. Enjoying it chilled brings out the freshness of the vegetables, making it a great starter or light lunch option.

6. Celery and Fennel Gratin

Celery and Fennel Gratin is a delightful dish that combines the crisp flavor of celery with the mild anise taste of fennel. It’s baked with a cheesy topping, creating a comforting and flavorful side dish.

I find this recipe easy to make, perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks. Here’s how I prepare it:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Chop 2 cups of celery and 2 cups of fennel.
3. Sauté them in olive oil over medium heat until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
4. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
5. Add the sautéed vegetables and stir.
6. Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
7. Top with 1 cup of grated cheese such as Gruyère or Parmesan.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

This dish stands out as a tasty option for any meal, providing a unique combination of flavors.

7. Celery Smoothie with Pineapple

I find a celery smoothie with pineapple to be refreshing and nutritious. Celery is hydrating and low in calories, while pineapple adds sweetness and vitamin C. This combination makes a tasty drink that’s easy to prepare.

To make this smoothie, I need just a few simple ingredients: 1 cup of chopped celery, 1 cup of fresh pineapple chunks, and 1 cup of water or coconut water.

Here are the steps I follow:

1. Rinse the celery and chop it into smaller pieces.
2. Cut the fresh pineapple into chunks if not using pre-cut ones.
3. Add the chopped celery and pineapple to a blender.
4. Pour in the water or coconut water.
5. Blend until smooth. If it’s too thick, I can add more water to reach my desired consistency.

I enjoy this smoothie any time of the day. It’s a great way to cool off and can serve as a healthy snack or part of breakfast. The taste is bright and invigorating, making it a favorite in my recipe collection.

8. Celery Stuffing for Thanksgiving

Celery stuffing is a flavorful side dish that complements any Thanksgiving meal. It combines the crunch of celery with bread and spices, creating a delicious blend of textures and tastes.

Making this stuffing is quite simple. I often start by chopping 2 cups of celery and 1 cup of onion. Sauté them in a skillet with butter for about 5 minutes until they are soft.

Next, I take 4 cups of bread cubes and place them in a large bowl. I then mix in the sautéed vegetables and add 1 tablespoon of herbs like sage or thyme.

For added moisture, I pour in about 1 to 1.5 cups of vegetable broth. I then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Once everything is combined, I transfer the mixture to a baking dish. I bake it in the oven at 350°F for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

This celery stuffing is a classic and easy option that can elevate any Thanksgiving table.

9. Spicy Celery Stir-Fry with Peanuts

Spicy Celery Stir-Fry with Peanuts is a quick and tasty dish. It combines crispy celery with crunchy peanuts and bold flavors. This recipe is easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

To prepare, I need a few ingredients: celery, peanuts, garlic, soy sauce, and chili flakes. The steps are straightforward.

1. Start by washing and slicing 4 stalks of celery into bite-sized pieces.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
4. Toss in the sliced celery and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until it’s tender but still crunchy.
5. Stir in 1/4 cup of peanuts, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and a pinch of chili flakes.
6. Cook for another 2 minutes, mixing well.

This dish is delicious served over rice or on its own as a snack. Enjoy the mix of textures and the spicy kick!

10. Celery Juice Detox Drink

Celery juice is a refreshing drink that I enjoy for its potential detox benefits. It is easy to make and requires just a few ingredients.

To prepare this drink, I use fresh, organic celery stalks. I wash them thoroughly and cut off the ends. For the best flavor and nutrients, I recommend using about 8-10 stalks of celery.

Here’s how I make it:

1. Wash the celery thoroughly.
2. Chop the celery into smaller pieces for easier blending.
3. Blend the chopped celery in a high-speed blender until smooth.
4. Strain the mixture using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the pulp.
5. Serve the juice over ice for extra refreshment.

This drink is hydrating and can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with other juices, like carrot or cucumber. I find it works well as a part of my daily routine. If you’re looking to add a simple detox drink to your diet, give celery juice a try.

11. Celery and Walnut Pesto

Celery and walnut pesto is a fresh twist on the traditional basil pesto. It combines the crunch of celery with the richness of walnuts. This dish is flavorful and offers a unique way to enjoy celery.

Making this pesto is easy and quick. I can whip it up in less than 15 minutes. Plus, it requires no cooking.

Here’s how I prepare it:

1. I chop about 2 cups of fresh celery into small pieces.
2. I add 1 cup of walnuts to a food processor.
3. Then, I mix in 2 cloves of garlic, 1/2 cup of olive oil, and salt to taste.
4. I blend everything until smooth. If it’s too thick, I add a bit more olive oil.
5. I can serve this pesto with pasta, on toast, or as a dip with veggies.

This recipe is not only simple but also very versatile. It enhances many dishes with its fresh flavor.

What Are the Health Benefits of Celery?

Celery offers numerous health benefits that make it a great addition to any diet. From its nutritional content to its antioxidant properties, understanding these benefits can help me make informed choices about including celery in my meals.

What Is the Nutritional Profile of Celery?

Celery is low in calories, making it an excellent snack option. A 100-gram serving contains about 16 calories. This crunchy vegetable is also a good source of important nutrients, such as:

• Vitamin K: Essential for bone health and blood clotting.
• Vitamin C: Supports the immune system and improves skin health.
• Potassium: Helps regulate blood pressure and supports heart health.
• Folate: Important for cell division and healthy tissue growth.

Celery is primarily composed of water, about 95%, which helps keep me hydrated. The dietary fiber found in celery can aid digestion and promote a feeling of fullness, aiding in weight management.

What Are the Antioxidant Properties of Celery?

Celery contains several antioxidant compounds that help combat oxidative stress in the body. These include:

• Flavonoids: Such as apigenin and luteolin, which have anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Phenolic acids: Help reduce the risk of chronic diseases by protecting cells from damage.

Studies show that these antioxidants can contribute to heart health by reducing blood pressure and lowering cholesterol levels. Incorporating celery into my diet can support overall well-being and may even enhance the immune system due to its high nutrient content.

How Can You Use Different Cooking Techniques for Celery?

I find that using the right cooking techniques can enhance celery’s natural flavor and texture. Two effective methods are sautéing and roasting. Both techniques bring out unique qualities in the celery while allowing it to complement various dishes.

How Do You Sauté Celery?

Sautéing celery is a quick and easy way to cook it while maintaining its crunch. I start by chopping the celery into even pieces, around ½ to 1 inch in size. This helps them cook evenly.

Next, I heat some olive oil or butter in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, I add the celery and season with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes until the celery is tender yet still crisp.

To enhance the flavor, I often add garlic, onions, or herbs like thyme or rosemary. This method works well in stir-fries, soups, or as a side dish.

How Do You Roast Celery?

Roasting celery gives it a deeper flavor and a slightly caramelized texture. I find this technique perfect for adding a different dimension to my meals.

I first preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). I cut the celery into similar lengths, usually about 2 to 3 inches, and place them on a baking sheet. I drizzle olive oil over the celery, ensuring it’s well-coated, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any preferred herbs.

I roast the celery for 20 to 25 minutes, tossing halfway through for even cooking. The result is a deliciously tender, slightly crispy vegetable that’s great in salads, as a garnish, or served warm.