Celery leaves can be used in a surprising number of ways in the kitchen, and they’re far too valuable to toss in the trash.
Most people chop off the leafy tops, throw them away, and cook only the stalks, which is a real shame because celery leaves are edible, flavorful, and incredibly versatile.
If you’ve been asking yourself what can you make with celery leaves, you’re in the right place because there’s a lot more you can do with them than you probably realize.
They carry a concentrated celery flavor that’s slightly peppery and herbal, which makes them perfect for everything from soups to salads to sauces.
In this post, we’ll explore what you can make with celery leaves, why they deserve a spot in your cooking, and how to use them so nothing goes to waste.
Let’s dive in.
Why You Should Be Cooking With Celery Leaves
Celery leaves are not just edible, they’re actually one of the most underrated parts of the vegetable.
Here’s why you should stop tossing them.
1. They’re Packed With Flavor
Celery leaves taste like a stronger, more aromatic version of the stalks.
They have that same earthy, slightly bitter celery note but with a fresh herbal quality that works beautifully in cooked and raw dishes.
A small handful can season an entire pot of soup, which means you get a lot of flavor mileage out of something you’d normally throw away.
2. They’re Nutritious
Celery leaves are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, along with potassium and antioxidants.
In fact, the leaves often contain higher concentrations of some nutrients than the stalks themselves.
So when you cook with celery leaves, you’re not just adding flavor, you’re boosting the nutritional value of your meal.
3. They Reduce Food Waste
Using celery leaves is one of the easiest ways to cut down on kitchen waste.
Instead of buying a bunch of celery, using the stalks, and tossing the tops, you get to use the whole vegetable.
That saves you money and makes your groceries go further, which is a win no matter how you look at it.
What Can You Make With Celery Leaves?
Now for the fun part, because there are so many things you can make with celery leaves.
Here are some of the best ways to put them to work.
1. Soups and Stocks
This is probably the most popular use for celery leaves.
Toss a handful into chicken soup, vegetable broth, or minestrone, and they’ll infuse the whole pot with a deep celery flavor.
You can also add celery leaves to homemade stock along with the stalks, carrots, and onions for a richer base.
Just chop them roughly and let them simmer, then fish out any tough stems before serving.
2. Salads and Slaws
Celery leaves work wonderfully raw in salads.
Their slight bitterness and crunch add texture and interest to green salads, potato salads, and coleslaw.
Chop them finely and mix them with leafy greens, apples, walnuts, and a light vinaigrette for a fresh, vibrant side dish.
You can also use them as a garnish on top of any salad to add a pop of green and a burst of flavor.
3. Pesto and Sauces
If you love pesto, try swapping some or all of the basil for celery leaves.
Blend celery leaves with garlic, nuts, olive oil, and parmesan, and you get a bright, herbaceous sauce that’s perfect on pasta, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats.
You can also chop celery leaves into tomato sauce, salsa verde, or chimichurri for an extra layer of flavor.
4. Smoothies and Juices
Yes, you can even drink celery leaves.
Add a handful to your morning smoothie along with fruit, yogurt, and a little honey, and you’ll get a nutrient-packed drink that tastes fresh and clean.
If you juice, toss celery leaves into the juicer with the stalks, cucumber, apple, and lemon for a refreshing green juice.
5. Seasoning Blends and Dried Herbs
You can dry celery leaves and crush them into a powder to use as a seasoning.
This is a fantastic way to make your own celery salt or celery seed substitute.
Sprinkle the dried, crushed leaves over roasted potatoes, eggs, soups, or stews whenever you want that celery taste without chopping fresh stalks.
6. Stir-Fries and Omelets
Celery leaves also shine in quick-cooked dishes.
Toss them into a stir-fry at the last minute so they wilt slightly but keep their color and flavor.
Fold chopped celery leaves into omelets, frittatas, or scrambled eggs for a savory breakfast twist that feels a little fancy but takes almost no effort.
How to Store Celery Leaves So They Last
If you’re not using your celery leaves right away, you’ll want to store them properly.
Keep them wrapped in a damp paper towel and place them in a sealed bag in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for about a week.
You can also freeze chopped celery leaves in ice cube trays with a little water or olive oil, then pop them into soups and sauces whenever you need them.
Drying them is another great option, especially if you want a shelf-stable seasoning you can use all year round.
So, What Can You Make With Celery Leaves?
Celery leaves can be used in soups, stocks, salads, pesto, smoothies, stir-fries, and even dried seasonings, making them one of the most versatile parts of the vegetable.
They’re flavorful, nutritious, and easy to cook with, so there’s really no reason to throw them out anymore.
Whether you’re blending them into a sauce or tossing them into a pot of soup, celery leaves deserve a place in your kitchen.
The next time you’re chopping celery, hold onto those leafy tops and put them to good use, because the answer to what can you make with celery leaves is basically anything you want.