What to do with celery stalks is simple: use them.
Celery stalks are one of the most versatile vegetables in your kitchen, and you can put them to work in soups, stocks, salads, stir-fries, and even smoothies.
If you’ve ever chopped the leaves off a bunch of celery and wondered what to do with celery stalks that are starting to wilt, you’re in the right place.
In this post, we’ll look at what to do with celery stalks so you never waste them again, plus a few clever ways to use every last bit.
Let’s get to it.
What to Do with Celery Stalks: The Best Ways to Use Them
Here’s what to do with celery stalks when you want to use them up fast:
1. Toss Them in a Soup or Stew
The easiest answer to what to do with celery stalks is to chop them up and drop them into a pot of soup.
Celery is part of the classic mirepoix trio alongside onions and carrots, and it adds a savory depth that makes soups taste richer.
Just slice the stalks into small pieces and let them simmer with the rest of your ingredients.
They’ll soften as they cook and blend right into the broth.
2. Make a Batch of Vegetable Stock
If you’re wondering what to do with celery stalks that are looking a little limp, make stock.
Toss them into a pot with onion, carrot, garlic, and any other veggie scraps you’ve been saving.
Cover everything with water, simmer for an hour, then strain.
You’ll end up with a flavorful stock you can freeze and use for weeks.
3. Slice Them Into a Salad
Fresh celery stalks add crunch to any salad.
Chop them thin and mix them with apples, walnuts, and a little mayo for a classic Waldorf salad.
Or keep it simple with celery, blue cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Either way, you’re putting those stalks to good use.
4. Stir-Fry Them with Other Veggies
Celery holds up well in a hot pan, which makes it a great addition to stir-fries.
Slice the stalks on a diagonal and toss them in with bell peppers, broccoli, and your protein of choice.
The celery stays crisp and adds a fresh bite that balances out the sauce.
5. Blend Them Into a Smoothie
Yes, you can put celery stalks in a smoothie.
They blend well with apple, spinach, cucumber, and a squeeze of lemon.
It’s a refreshing way to use up celery stalks that you might otherwise toss.
What to Do with Celery Stalks That Are Wilting
When celery stalks start to wilt, they’re not ruined.
You just need to know what to do with celery stalks that have lost their crunch.
1. Revive Them in Ice Water
Cut the ends off and place the stalks in a bowl of ice water for about 30 minutes.
The cells absorb the water and the stalks firm right back up.
This trick works wonders for celery stalks that have gone soft in the fridge.
2. Cook Them Down
Wilted celery stalks are perfect for cooking.
Since they’re already soft, they break down quickly in soups, stews, and sauces.
You won’t even notice they were past their prime.
3. Freeze Them for Later
Chop the stalks and spread them on a baking sheet, then freeze.
Once frozen, transfer them to a bag and store.
Now you’ve got celery ready to go whenever a recipe calls for it.
That’s what to do with celery stalks when you can’t use them right away.
Creative Ideas for Using Celery Stalks
If you want more ideas for what to do with celery stalks, try these:
1. Make Celery Juice
Celery juice is a popular health drink, and it’s easy to make at home.
Run the stalks through a juicer or blend them and strain through a fine mesh.
Drink it fresh for a crisp, hydrating boost.
2. Use Them as a Garnish
Celery leaves and thin stalk slices make a great garnish for Bloody Marys, soups, and dips.
They add color and a fresh celery flavor.
3. Stuff Them for a Snack
Classic ants on a log is still a winner.
Fill celery stalks with peanut butter and top with raisins or chocolate chips.
It’s a quick snack that kids and adults both love.
4. Add Them to a Casserole
Celery adds texture and flavor to casseroles.
Chop the stalks and layer them in with your other ingredients before baking.
They’ll soften in the oven and blend right in.
5. Pickle Them
Pickled celery stalks are tangy and crunchy.
Pack them in a jar with vinegar, water, salt, sugar, and a few spices, then refrigerate.
They’re ready in a day and last for weeks.
So, What to Do with Celery Stalks?
What to do with celery stalks comes down to using them before they go bad.
You can toss them in soup, make stock, slice them into salad, stir-fry them, or blend them into a smoothie.
And if they’re wilting, a quick ice bath or a trip to the freezer brings them right back.
There’s no reason to let celery stalks go to waste when there are so many ways to use them.
So next time you’re staring at a bunch of celery in the fridge, you’ll know exactly what to do with celery stalks.