You can use celery leaves in cooking in almost any dish where you’d use the stalks, and they bring a fresh, herbal flavor that’s often more intense than the stems themselves.
Celery leaves are the leafy tops of the celery plant, and they’re completely edible, nutritious, and surprisingly versatile in the kitchen.
If you’ve been tossing those leafy greens into the compost bin, you’ve been missing out on one of the most underrated herbs in your fridge.
In this post, we’ll explore how to use celery leaves in cooking, from soups and salads to pesto and garnishes, so you can get the most out of every bunch.
Let’s dive in.
Why You Should Be Cooking With Celery Leaves
Celery leaves are more than just a pretty garnish on your plate.
Here’s why they deserve a spot in your regular cooking routine.
1. They Pack a Serious Flavor Punch
Celery leaves taste like celery but with a deeper, more concentrated flavor.
They have that same earthy, slightly peppery note you get from the stalks, but it’s more intense and herbaceous.
When you use celery leaves in cooking, you’re essentially adding a free herb to your dish that can stand in for parsley or even cilantro in a pinch.
2. They’re Loaded With Nutrients
Those leafy greens are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, along with potassium and antioxidants.
In fact, the leaves contain higher concentrations of some nutrients than the stalks do.
So using celery leaves in cooking isn’t just about flavor; it’s also a smart way to boost the nutritional value of your meals.
3. They Reduce Food Waste
How many times have you bought a bunch of celery, used the stalks, and thrown away the leaves?
Probably more times than you can count.
Using celery leaves in cooking is one of the easiest ways to cut down on kitchen waste while getting more value from the produce you buy.
4. They’re Incredibly Versatile
You can use celery leaves in cooking the same way you’d use fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or basil.
They work in hot dishes, cold dishes, sauces, and even drinks.
Once you start using celery leaves in cooking, you’ll wonder why you ever threw them out.
How to Use Celery Leaves in Cooking
Now that you know why celery leaves are worth keeping, let’s talk about how to actually use them.
Here are some of the best ways to incorporate celery leaves into your cooking.
1. Toss Them Into Soups and Stews
This is probably the easiest way to use celery leaves in cooking.
Just chop them up and add them to your soup or stew during the last few minutes of cooking.
They’ll wilt slightly and release their flavor into the broth, giving your dish a fresh, herbal note.
You can also add whole celery leaves as a garnish right before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
2. Make a Celery Leaf Pesto
If you love pesto, you have to try making it with celery leaves.
Simply blend celery leaves with garlic, nuts (walnuts or pine nuts work great), olive oil, and a bit of parmesan cheese.
The result is a vibrant, flavorful pesto that’s perfect on pasta, toast, or as a dip.
Using celery leaves in cooking this way is a game-changer, especially if you have a big bunch of leaves to use up.
3. Add Them to Salads
Fresh celery leaves are a wonderful addition to salads.
They add a crisp, peppery bite that complements leafy greens like spinach, arugula, and romaine.
Just chop them roughly and toss them in with your other salad ingredients.
You can also use celery leaves in cooking grain salads, pasta salads, and even potato salad for an extra layer of flavor.
4. Use Them as a Garnish
Celery leaves make a beautiful and tasty garnish.
Sprinkle them over roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or even a bowl of hummus.
They add a fresh, green touch that makes any dish look more appetizing.
And because they’re so flavorful, using celery leaves in cooking as a garnish isn’t just about looks; it’s about adding taste too.
5. Blend Them Into Smoothies and Juices
Yes, you can even use celery leaves in cooking by adding them to your morning smoothie or fresh juice.
They blend right in with fruits and vegetables, adding a boost of nutrients without overpowering the flavor.
Try adding a handful of celery leaves to your next green smoothie for a refreshing twist.
6. Stir Them Into Sauces and Dips
Celery leaves can be finely chopped and stirred into sauces, dips, and dressings.
They work especially well in yogurt-based dips, mayonnaise-based sauces, and vinaigrettes.
Using celery leaves in cooking this way adds a fresh, herbaceous quality that brightens up any condiment.
7. Freeze Them for Later
If you can’t use all your celery leaves right away, don’t let them go to waste.
Chop them up and freeze them in ice cube trays with a little water or olive oil.
Then, whenever you need to use celery leaves in cooking, just pop out a cube and toss it into your pan.
It’s a simple trick that ensures you always have celery leaves on hand.
Tips for Using Celery Leaves in Cooking
Before you start cooking with celery leaves, here are a few quick tips to keep in mind.
1. Wash Them Thoroughly
Celery leaves can trap dirt and grit, so give them a good rinse before using them.
A quick soak in cold water followed by a spin in a salad spinner will do the trick.
2. Use Them Fresh or Cooked
Celery leaves can be used both raw and cooked.
Raw, they add a crisp texture and bold flavor.
Cooked, they soften and mellow out, blending beautifully into soups and sauces.
3. Don’t Overdo It
Celery leaves are flavorful, so a little goes a long way.
Start with a small amount and adjust to taste, especially if you’re using them in a dish where celery isn’t already a main ingredient.
So, How Do You Use Celery Leaves in Cooking?
You can use celery leaves in cooking in countless ways, from soups and salads to pesto and smoothies.
They’re flavorful, nutritious, and incredibly versatile, making them a worthy addition to your kitchen repertoire.
So the next time you bring home a bunch of celery, don’t toss those leaves.
Instead, get creative and start using celery leaves in cooking.
You’ll be glad you did.