Are you looking for a healthy snack that’s both delicious and crunchy? Look no further than celery! This humble vegetable is often overlooked, but it’s packed with nutrients like vitamin K, potassium, and antioxidants. And when paired with a variety of flavors and textures, celery can be transformed into a tasty treat.
From classic soups to savory stir-fries, we’ve got 18 crispy celery recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re in the mood for something comforting and creamy or fresh and zesty, there’s a recipe on this list that’s perfect for you. In this article, we’ll explore the many ways you can enjoy celery as a healthy snack, from sweet treats to savory bites.
Classic Creamy Celery Soup
This comforting soup is a perfect blend of fresh celery, creamy goodness, and subtle spices, making it a delightful addition to any meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 stalks celery, chopped
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add chopped celery and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until tender.
3. Pour in broth and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
4. Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Crunchy Celery and Apple Salad
This refreshing salad combines the natural sweetness of apples with the crunch of celery, perfect for a light and satisfying snack or side dish. With only a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy this delicious and healthy treat in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 stalks of celery, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 large apple, peeled and chopped
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the celery and apple.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the celery and apple mixture, tossing gently to coat.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Garlic Butter Sautéed Celery
This simple recipe elevates humble celery into a flavorful side dish perfect for accompanying your favorite meats or as a snack on its own. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, you’ll be enjoying the sweet and savory goodness of garlic butter sautéed celery in no time.
Ingredients:
– 4 stalks of celery, sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the sliced celery and cook for 5-7 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Celery and Carrot Stir-Fry
A refreshing and healthy stir-fry recipe that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the crunchy freshness of celery. Perfect as a quick side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 stalks of celery, sliced
– 4 medium-sized carrots, peeled and sliced
– 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
– 1 clove of garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: soy sauce or your favorite stir-fry seasoning
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced celery and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until it starts to soften.
3. Add the sliced carrots and minced garlic. Cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add soy sauce or your favorite stir-fry seasoning.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Peanut Butter Stuffed Celery Sticks
These crunchy treats are a classic snack that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. By filling celery sticks with creamy peanut butter, you’ll create a delightful combination that’s perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 12-16 celery stalks
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– Salt (optional)
Instructions:
1. Wash the celery stalks and pat them dry.
2. Cut off the top inch of each celery stalk to create a flat surface.
3. Spread about 1 tablespoon of peanut butter onto each celery stick, leaving a small border at the top.
4. Sprinkle with salt if desired (for added flavor).
5. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: None needed! This snack is ready when you are.
Celery and Tuna Salad
This classic salad is a great way to get your daily dose of omega-3s and fiber. With its crunchy texture and tangy flavor, it’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
– 2 stalks of celery, diced
– 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the tuna, celery, and mayonnaise.
2. Stir until well combined, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1-2
Roasted Celery with Parmesan
Roasted Celery with Parmesan: A Simple yet Elevating Snack
This recipe transforms humble celery into a delicious and savory snack, perfect for munching on while watching your favorite movie or serving as a crunchy addition to your next charcuterie board. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll be enjoying the sweet and salty flavors of roasted celery in no time!
Ingredients:
– 4-6 stalks of celery
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Cut the celery stalks into 2-inch pieces.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, softened butter, and salt.
4. Add the celery pieces to the bowl and toss until they’re evenly coated with the mixture.
5. Spread the celery out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Roast for 15-20 minutes or until tender and caramelized.
7. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the roasted celery and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Celery and Chicken Stir-Fry
A quick and flavorful stir-fry that combines the freshness of celery with the savory taste of chicken, perfect for a weeknight dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 stalks of celery, sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Salt to taste
– Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Add the celery, garlic, soy sauce, and black pepper. Stir-fry for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the celery is tender.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Celery and Cucumber Salad
This refreshing salad combines the crunch of celery with the coolness of cucumber, all tied together with a spicy kick from chili flakes. Perfect for a light and revitalizing side dish or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 stalks of celery, diced
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup of red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 teaspoon of chili flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the diced celery, cucumber slices, and red onion.
2. Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture and sprinkle with apple cider vinegar.
3. Add the chili flakes and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Celery and Potato Mash
This classic comfort food recipe combines the natural sweetness of potatoes with the fresh flavor of celery, creating a delicious and satisfying side dish. Perfect for accompanying your favorite main courses or as a standalone snack.
Ingredients:
– 3 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
– 2 stalks of celery, chopped
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot and add enough cold water to cover them. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the chopped celery, butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
3. Mash the potato mixture with a potato masher or a fork until smooth and creamy.
4. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Celery and Blue Cheese Dip
Elevate your snack game with this creamy and addictive celery and blue cheese dip. Perfect for parties, picnics, or a quick indulgence at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 block of cream cheese (softened)
– 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup of crumbled blue cheese
– 2 stalks of celery, finely chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Mix until smooth.
2. Add the crumbled blue cheese and mix until well combined.
3. Stir in the chopped celery until it’s evenly distributed throughout the dip.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time: None! This dip is ready when you are.
Braised Celery with Herbs
This recipe is a simple yet flavorful way to prepare celery, elevating it from a humble crudité to a main event. The slow-cooked celery absorbs the rich flavors of herbs and aromatics, making it perfect for accompanying roasted meats or as a standalone side dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 stalks of celery
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the sliced onion and cook until caramelized, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add the chopped thyme and rosemary, and stir to combine.
6. Add the celery stalks to the skillet, cover with a lid, and transfer to the preheated oven.
7. Braise the celery for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Celery and Lentil Soup
This hearty soup is a perfect blend of earthy lentils and sweet celery, simmered to perfection in a flavorful broth. Serve with a swirl of cream or crusty bread for a cozy meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 stalks celery, chopped (about 2 cups)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: cream or crusty bread for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the chopped celery and minced garlic in a little water until tender.
2. Add the lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, topped with a dollop of cream or crusty bread, if desired.
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Celery and Walnut Pesto Pasta
This vibrant pasta dish combines the freshness of celery with the richness of walnuts and a hint of garlic, all tied together with a creamy pesto sauce. A perfect blend of textures and flavors that will delight your taste buds.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz spaghetti
– 2 stalks celery, leaves only
– 1/4 cup walnuts
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a food processor, combine celery leaves, walnuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Process until well combined.
3. With the processor running, slowly pour in olive oil through the top. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add reserved pasta water to thin out pesto sauce if needed.
5. Toss cooked spaghetti with pesto sauce. Top with chopped parsley, if desired.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Celery and Avocado Smoothie
This refreshing smoothie combines the subtle sweetness of celery with the creamy richness of avocado, making it a perfect blend for a healthy snack or post-workout treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 stalks of celery
– 1 ripe avocado
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
– Ice cubes (as needed)
Instructions:
1. Add the celery, avocado, almond milk, and lemon juice to a blender.
2. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Taste and add honey if desired for a touch of sweetness.
4. Add ice cubes if you prefer a thicker consistency.
5. Blend again until the ice is crushed and the smoothie is the desired thickness.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes
Celery and Radish Slaw
This refreshing slaw is a perfect accompaniment to your favorite grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a healthy snack on its own. The crunchy texture of the celery and radishes pairs perfectly with the tangy dressing.
Ingredients:
– 2 large stalks of celery, sliced into thin strips
– 1 bunch of radishes, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon of honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced celery and radishes.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and honey until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the celery and radish mixture, and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (prep) + 30 minutes (chilling time)
Celery and Mushroom Risotto
A creamy and savory risotto recipe that combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms with the freshness of celery, perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 stalks celery, diced
– 8 oz mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, 3-4 minutes.
2. Add celery and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
3. Add Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Add wine (if using) and cook until absorbed, 1 minute.
5. Warm broth in a separate pot and add to risotto, stirring constantly and adding broth in 1/2 cup increments.
6. After 20-25 minutes of cooking, stir in butter and mushrooms. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until mushrooms are tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese (if desired).
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Celery and Bacon Stuffed Peppers
Transform ordinary bell peppers into a flavorful and savory delight with this simple recipe. Crunchy celery, crispy bacon, and melted cheese come together to create a deliciously satisfying snack or side dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh celery
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, mix together crumbled bacon, chopped celery, and shredded cheese.
4. Stuff each pepper with the bacon-celery mixture, filling as full as possible.
5. Drizzle the tops with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get creative with celery! This humble veggie is more than just a crunchy snack. Discover 18 delicious and healthy recipes that showcase celery’s versatility. From soups to salads, stir-fries to dips, there’s something for everyone. Try Classic Creamy Celery Soup or Crunchy Celery and Apple Salad for a tasty treat. Or get adventurous with Garlic Butter Sauteed Celery or Spicy Celery and Cucumber Salad. With these recipes, you’ll never look at celery the same way again!
