Celery leaves are edible and surprisingly useful in the kitchen, so don’t toss them out with the scraps.
In fact, if you’ve ever wondered what you can do with celery leaves, the answer is a lot more than you might think.
They’re packed with flavor, nutrients, and versatility, and they can be used in ways that rival the stalks themselves.
In this post, we’ll explore what you can do with celery leaves, from cooking and garnishing to blending and even freezing them for later.
Let’s get into it.
What You Can Do With Celery Leaves in the Kitchen
Celery leaves are completely edible and can be used just like fresh herbs.
Here are some of the best ways to put them to work:
1. Use Them as a Flavorful Herb
One of the easiest things you can do with celery leaves is treat them like an herb.
They have a concentrated celery taste that’s slightly peppery and grassy.
You can chop them up and sprinkle them into soups, stews, and salads.
They also work beautifully in stuffing, meatballs, and salad dressings.
2. Blend Them Into Pesto or Sauce
If you’re wondering what you can do with a big bunch of celery leaves before they wilt, try blending them into pesto.
Swap out basil or parsley for celery leaves and combine them with garlic, nuts, olive oil, and parmesan.
You can also blend them into tomato sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
The leaves add a fresh, savory note that pairs well with pasta, grilled veggies, or even spread on toast.
3. Toss Them Into Smoothies or Juices
Celery leaves are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, so they’re a great addition to smoothies and fresh juices.
You can do with celery leaves exactly what you’d do with spinach or kale: blend them up with fruit, yogurt, or ice.
They add a mild celery flavor that works well with apple, pineapple, or banana.
4. Garnish Like a Pro
Another great thing you can do with celery leaves is use them as a garnish.
They look a lot like flat-leaf parsley, so they make a lovely green topping for deviled eggs, potato salad, or roasted fish.
Just a few sprigs on top of a dish can make it look restaurant-quality.
5. Dry or Freeze Them for Later
If you have more celery leaves than you can use right away, you can dry or freeze them.
To dry them, lay the leaves out on a tray in a cool, dark spot or use a dehydrator.
Once they’re dry, crush them and store them in an airtight jar.
To freeze them, chop the leaves and pack them into ice cube trays with a little water or olive oil.
Then you can pop them out whenever you need a flavor boost.
Creative Ideas for What You Can Do With Celery Leaves
Beyond the basics, there are plenty of creative ways to use celery leaves.
Here are a few ideas you might not have considered:
1. Infuse Vinegar or Oil
You can do with celery leaves something really fun: infuse them into vinegar or oil.
Just pack clean, dry leaves into a jar, cover them with white wine vinegar or olive oil, and let them sit for a week or two.
The result is a subtly celery-flavored liquid that’s amazing on salads or roasted vegetables.
2. Make Celery Leaf Salt
Another clever thing you can do with celery leaves is make celery salt.
Dry the leaves thoroughly, then blend them with coarse salt until you get a fine green powder.
Use it on fries, eggs, or popcorn for a savory kick.
3. Add Them to Stocks and Broths
Celery leaves are a classic addition to homemade stock.
They add depth and aroma that you just don’t get from the stalks alone.
So next time you’re simmering bones or vegetables, toss in a handful of leaves.
4. Whip Up a Quick Salad
You can also use celery leaves as the base for a simple salad.
Combine them with sliced apple, walnuts, and a lemon vinaigrette.
The leaves are tender enough to eat raw and add a nice crunch.
5. Use Them in Stuffing or Dressing
If you’re making holiday stuffing, don’t skip the celery leaves.
They add a traditional flavor that complements bread, onions, and herbs.
Chop them finely and mix them right in.
How to Store Celery Leaves So They Last
Knowing what you can do with celery leaves also means knowing how to keep them fresh.
Here are a few storage tips:
1. Keep Them Dry and Cool
Wrap the leaves in a paper towel and place them in a loosely closed plastic bag in the fridge.
They’ll stay fresh for about a week.
2. Don’t Wash Until Ready to Use
Moisture speeds up spoilage, so wash them only when you’re about to use them.
3. Freeze for Long-Term Storage
As mentioned earlier, freezing is a great option if you have more than you can use.
You can freeze them whole, chopped, or blended with oil or water.
So, What Can You Do With Celery Leaves?
You can do a whole lot with celery leaves, from using them as an herb to blending them into pesto, infusing oil, or drying them for later.
They’re not just scraps; they’re a flavorful, nutritious ingredient that deserves a spot in your kitchen.
So next time you bring home a bunch of celery, don’t toss the leaves.
Now you know exactly what you can do with celery leaves, and you can feel good about using every part of the plant.