You can use celery leaves in soups, salads, smoothies, and stir-fries just like you would use the stalks.
Celery leaves are actually the most flavorful part of the plant, so tossing them out is like throwing away the best seasoning in your kitchen.
If you’ve been wondering how to use celery leaves without wasting them, you’re in the right place.
In this post, we’ll explore how to use celery leaves in everyday cooking, why they deserve a spot on your plate, and a few simple ways to store them so they last longer.
Let’s dive in.
Why You Should Use Celery Leaves
Celery leaves are edible, nutritious, and packed with flavor, which is why you should use celery leaves instead of discarding them.
Here’s why they deserve a place in your kitchen:
1. They Pack a Flavor Punch
Celery leaves taste like a concentrated version of the stalks, with a slightly peppery, herbaceous kick.
When you use celery leaves in cooking, you’re basically adding a free herb to your dish.
They work beautifully anywhere you’d use parsley or cilantro.
2. They’re Loaded with Nutrients
The leaves contain vitamins A, C, and K, along with potassium and antioxidants.
In fact, studies show the leaves often have higher concentrations of certain nutrients than the stalks themselves.
So when you use celery leaves, you’re boosting the health value of your meal without spending extra money.
3. They Reduce Food Waste
Most people chop off the leaves and toss them in the bin.
But when you use celery leaves, you get more mileage out of every bunch you buy.
That’s better for your wallet and the planet.
How to Use Celery Leaves in Everyday Cooking
There are countless ways to use celery leaves, and once you start, you’ll wonder why you ever threw them away.
Here are some of the best ways to put them to work:
1. Toss Them into Salads
Fresh celery leaves add a crisp, refreshing bite to green salads.
Simply chop them up and sprinkle them over your greens.
You can also use celery leaves as a base for tuna salad, chicken salad, or egg salad instead of lettuce.
2. Blend Them into Smoothies
If you want a nutrient boost in your morning smoothie, use celery leaves along with spinach or kale.
They blend easily and add a mild, earthy flavor that pairs well with fruits like banana and pineapple.
3. Stir Them into Soups and Stews
This is one of the easiest ways to use celery leaves.
Just chop them and add them near the end of cooking so they keep their flavor and color.
They work great in vegetable soup, chicken noodle soup, and lentil stew.
4. Use Them as a Garnish
Instead of reaching for parsley, use celery leaves as a garnish for soups, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.
They look pretty and taste fresh.
5. Make Pesto or Chimichurri
You can use celery leaves in place of basil or parsley to make a unique pesto.
Blend them with garlic, olive oil, nuts, and Parmesan, and you’ve got a sauce that’s perfect for pasta or grilled meat.
6. Sauté Them with Other Vegetables
When you use celery leaves in a stir-fry or sauté, they wilt down nicely and add depth to the dish.
Toss them in with onions, carrots, and bell peppers for a quick side.
How to Store Celery Leaves So They Last
If you want to use celery leaves throughout the week, storing them properly is key.
Here’s how to keep them fresh:
1. Refrigerate in a Damp Paper Towel
Wrap the leaves in a slightly damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag.
They’ll stay crisp for several days.
2. Freeze Them for Later
You can also freeze celery leaves to use in soups and stews later.
Just wash, dry, chop, and store them in a freezer bag.
3. Dry Them Like an Herb
If you have a dehydrator or a warm, dry spot, you can dry celery leaves and crush them into a powder.
Then use celery leaves as a seasoning any time you need a savory boost.
So, How Do You Use Celery Leaves?
You can use celery leaves in soups, salads, smoothies, pesto, and more.
They’re flavorful, nutritious, and easy to work with.
So the next time you bring home a bunch of celery, don’t toss the leaves.
Use celery leaves in your cooking and you’ll add flavor, save money, and cut down on waste.
Give it a try, and you might just find that the leaves become your favorite part.