Fresh celery leaves are completely edible and they’re one of the most underrated parts of the plant.
Most people chop off the leafy tops and toss them straight into the trash without a second thought.
If you’ve ever wondered what to do with fresh celery leaves, you’re in for a treat because those little green tops are packed with flavor.
They taste like a milder, slightly more aromatic version of the stalks themselves, with a gentle hint of parsley and anise.
Knowing what to do with fresh celery leaves opens up a whole new world of cooking possibilities that won’t cost you an extra cent.
In this post, we’ll look at the best ways to use fresh celery leaves, how to store them, and why you should stop throwing them away.
Let’s get into it.
What to Do With Fresh Celery Leaves: The Simple Answer
What to do with fresh celery leaves comes down to one simple idea: treat them like an herb.
That’s right, those leafy tops work beautifully anywhere you’d use parsley, cilantro, or dill.
They add a fresh, grassy, slightly peppery note that brightens up all kinds of dishes.
So the next time you’re staring at a bunch of celery and wondering what to do with fresh celery leaves, just remember they belong in your food, not your bin.
Here are the best ways to put them to work.
1. Toss Them Into Salads
One of the easiest answers to what to do with fresh celery leaves is to chop them up and scatter them over a salad.
They add a lovely texture and a mild, herby crunch that pairs well with tomatoes, cucumbers, and leafy greens.
Just rinse them well, pat them dry, and tear or chop them roughly before tossing them in.
2. Use Them as a Garnish
If you’re wondering what to do with fresh celery leaves when you want a pretty plate, use them as a garnish.
They look delicate and elegant on top of soups, stews, mashed potatoes, or even deviled eggs.
A few leaves sprinkled over a bowl of creamy soup add color and a subtle fresh flavor.
3. Blend Them Into Soups and Stocks
Another great option for what to do with fresh celery leaves is to drop them into soups and stocks.
They deepen the celery flavor and add a nice aromatic quality to broths.
Toss a handful in during the last few minutes of cooking so they keep their brightness.
4. Make a Fresh Herb Paste
When you’re not sure what to do with fresh celery leaves and you have a big pile, blend them into a paste.
Combine the leaves with garlic, olive oil, salt, and a squeeze of lemon.
You can spread this paste on toast, stir it into pasta, or use it as a marinade for chicken and fish.
More Creative Ways to Use Fresh Celery Leaves
Beyond the basics, there are plenty of other clever things you can do with fresh celery leaves.
These ideas help you get the most out of every bunch you buy.
1. Infuse Oils and Vinegars
One creative answer to what to do with fresh celery leaves is to infuse oil or vinegar.
Simply pack clean, dry leaves into a jar, cover them with olive oil or white vinegar, and let them sit for a week.
The result is a subtly celery-flavored liquid that’s amazing on salads and roasted veggies.
2. Add Them to Smoothies
If you’re looking for what to do with fresh celery leaves in a healthy way, blend them into a smoothie.
They blend smoothly with spinach, apple, banana, and a splash of water or juice.
The flavor is mild, so they won’t overpower your drink, but they add vitamins and a fresh green color.
3. Freeze Them for Later
A smart answer to what to do with fresh celery leaves when you have too many is to freeze them.
Chop the leaves, pack them into ice cube trays, and top with water or olive oil.
Once frozen, pop the cubes into a bag and drop them into soups, stews, or sautés whenever you need a flavor boost.
4. Dry Them for a Pantry Staple
Drying is another simple solution for what to do with fresh celery leaves.
Lay them on a baking sheet in a single layer and let them dry in a warm, airy spot or a low oven.
Once crumbly, crush them and store in a jar to use like dried parsley or celery seed.
5. Mix Them Into Butter or Cream Cheese
For a fancy touch, chop fresh celery leaves and fold them into softened butter or cream cheese.
This makes a delicious spread for bagels, toast, or baked potatoes and it’s a lovely way to use up the leaves.
How to Store Fresh Celery Leaves
If you want to keep your celery leaves fresh for as long as possible, proper storage is key.
Start by separating the leaves from the stalks and rinsing them well.
Dry them thoroughly with a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel because excess moisture leads to wilting.
Wrap the dry leaves loosely in a paper towel, then place them in a zip-top bag or airtight container.
Store them in the crisper drawer of your fridge, where they’ll keep for about a week.
For longer storage, freeze or dry them using the methods above.
So, What to Do With Fresh Celery Leaves?
Fresh celery leaves are edible, flavorful, and incredibly versatile, so the answer to what to do with fresh celery leaves is simple: use them like an herb.
You can toss them in salads, blend them into soups, turn them into pesto, infuse oils, or freeze them for later.
They add a fresh, mild celery taste to almost any dish and they save you money by using more of the plant.
So the next time you’re chopping celery, don’t toss those leafy tops.
Now you know exactly what to do with fresh celery leaves.