It seems like every recipe I pull up lately calls for celery salt. Well, dang it, people, sometimes you need a celery salt substitute. Let’s get to it.
If you’re a fan of cooking savory dishes or experimenting with different ingredients, you know that celery salt seems to be having a moment. Is it just me, or is it everywhere?
But I’m going to be honest. There are very few foods I dislike less in life than celery. Between the stringy texture and the taste, I’ve never been a fan. But I, like the rest of the world right now, can get behind a little celery salt.
So let’s dive into this popular ingredient. We’ll talk about what it is, how to make your own, finding a celery substitute, and all your burning FAQs.
Celery Salt Is Having A Moment
Celery salt has become popular for a few reasons: its unique flavor profile, its versatility, and the rise in food trends emphasizing natural ingredients. Here are some factors that have contributed to its popularity:
Celery Salt Has a Unique flavor
Celery salt adds a distinct, savory flavor to dishes. Adding both depth and complexity. It has a slightly bitter yet earthly taste that enhances the flavors of a wide range of dishes.
It’s Versatile
Celery salt can be used in tons of different types of dishes. From soups and stews to salads and cocktails, it’s a great flavor additive, and since it’s salt, you can use it at nearly a 1:1 ratio to replace typical sea salt. Its versatility makes it a good staple for any pantry. (i.e. Add it to your grocery list!)
It’s Natural
As people become more conscious of the ingredients they consume, there has been a shift towards using natural, minimally processed seasonings. Celery salt is made from ground celery seeds and salt, making it a simple, natural alternative to more processed or artificial flavorings.
It Great for Cocktail
The resurgence of craft cocktails has played a role in celery salt’s popularity. It’s a key ingredient in the classic Bloody Mary cocktail and can rim the glass of various other drinks, adding a savory twist.
Social Media Seems to Love It
Food trends and social media have contributed to the widespread interest in unique, flavorful ingredients. Celery salt has been featured in various food blogs, recipe sites, and cooking shows, which has helped increase its popularity among home cooks and food enthusiasts.
Culinary Exploration
Everyone’s a chef nowadays! So as people explore different cuisines and experiment with new recipes, they often discover ingredients like celery salt, which can be used in a wide range of dishes, from American classics to global recipes.
What is celery salt?
Celery salt is a seasoning blend that combines ground celery seeds with salt. It’s pretty straightforward. It’s also been around for a very long time. Some say as long as thousands of years! You can use it in lots of dishes that call for regular salt but where you want to add a punch of extra flavor. Use it in:
- Soups
- Stews
- Salads
- Casseroles
- Cocktails (Here’s look at you Bloody Mary!)
The taste? It’s slightly bitter, a bit earthy, and most definitely savory.
Making Celery Salt at Home
Making celery salt from scratch is a great way to use leftover leaves or stalks. It might sound difficult, but it’s quite easy. Here is a fast and easy recipe to try.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch of celery with leaves
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C).
- Rinse your celery leaves and stalks, then chop them into small pieces. The smaller, the better.
- Place the pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure the pieces are spread apart and not overlapping.
- Dehydrate in the oven for 1-2 hours or until the celery pieces are completely dry and brittle.
- Remove them from the oven and let them cool.
- Using a mortar and pestle, or a spice grinder, grind the dried celery pieces into a fine powder.
- Then, combine one teaspoon of celery powder with two teaspoons of sea salt or table salt. This is fancy salt, so use quality sea salt.
- Store your homemade celery salt in an airtight container.
Homemade Celery Salt
Ingredients
- celery stalks and leaves
- 2 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C).
- Rinse your celery leaves and stalks, then chop them into small pieces. The smaller, the better.
- Place the pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure the pieces are spread apart and not overlapping.
- Dehydrate in the oven for 1-2 hours or until the celery pieces are completely dry and brittle.
- Remove them from the oven and let them cool.
- Using a mortar and pestle, or a spice grinder, grind the dried celery pieces into a fine powder.
- Then, combine one teaspoon of celery powder with two teaspoons of sea salt or table salt. This is fancy salt, so use quality sea salt.
- Store your homemade celery salt in an airtight container.
Nutrition
17 Celery Salt Substitutes
Ok, maybe you don’t want to make your own celery salt. That’s ok. If you don’t have celery salt on hand or prefer a different flavor profile, consider choosing a celery substitute from the below list. Remember, for any of the below recommendations, if they don’t include salt, you’ll have to add sea salt to ensure your recipe is properly seasoned.
Fresh Celery
For a similar taste and texture, chop fresh celery stalks or celery leaves and add them to your recipe. This is especially suitable for salads, soups, and stews. Add salt to taste.
Nigella Seeds
Nigella seeds, also known as black cumin, black caraway, black sesame, onion seed, or kalonji, are the small, black, crescent-shaped seeds of the Nigella sativa plant. Add salt to taste.
Old Bay Seasoning
This popular seasoning mix has a complex flavor that includes celery seeds. It can be used as a substitute for celery salt, but keep in mind that it has additional spices that may alter the flavor of your dish.
Ground Celery Seeds
If you want the flavor of celery without the added salt, use ground celery seeds as a 1:1 substitute. Simply grind whole celery seeds using a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle. Add salt to taste.
Celery Seed + Salt
Combine ground celery seeds with your preferred type of salt at a 1:2 ratio to create a DIY celery salt substitute.
Celery Powder
Made from dehydrated and ground celery, this alternative provides a concentrated celery flavor. Use it in a 1:1 ratio with your recipe’s specified amount of celery salt. Add salt to taste.
Dill Seeds
With a slightly bitter and earthy taste, dill seed is an excellent celery salt substitute. Use it in recipes like potato salad or to season vegetables. Add salt to taste.
Caraway Seeds
Similar to dill seed, caraway seeds have an earthy and slightly sweet flavor. They’re best used in savory dishes, such as soups, stews, or casseroles. Add salt to taste.
Fennel Seeds
These seeds offer a sweet, licorice-like flavor that works well as a celery salt replacement in savory dishes and sauces. Add salt to taste.
Lovage Seeds
With a taste profile similar to celery, lovage seeds can be used in a 1:1 ratio as a celery salt substitute. Add salt to taste.
Onion Salt
Combining the flavors of onion and salt, this alternative works well in dishes where a hint of onion would be welcome. Use it in soups, stews, and potato salads.
Garlic Salt
If you’re looking for a more robust flavor, garlic salt can be an excellent substitute. Use it in savory dishes, sauces, and casseroles.
Mustard Greens
Chop mustard greens and add them to your recipe for a similar texture and slightly bitter taste. They work well in salads and stews. Add salt to taste.
Romaine Lettuce
For a milder flavor and crunchy texture, try using chopped romaine lettuce in salads and sandwiches as a celery salt substitute. Add salt to taste.
Water Chestnuts
These add a subtle, nutty flavor and crunchy texture to dishes. Use them in salads, stir-fries, and casseroles. Add salt to taste.
Coriander Seeds
With a warm, citrusy flavor, coriander seeds can be used as a celery salt substitute in savory dishes, soups, and stews. Add salt to taste.
Star Anises
This spice offers a sweet, licorice-like taste that can be used in place of celery salt in some recipes, especially in Asian cuisine. Add salt to taste.
How to Use Celery Salt
Celery salt can be used in various ways to enhance the flavor and texture of your dishes. Some popular uses include:
- Sprinkling it on salads, vegetables, or potatoes for added flavor
- Adding it to soups, stews, or casseroles as a seasoning
- Using it in homemade spice blends or rubs
- Incorporating it into your favorite Bloody Mary or other cocktails
- Mixing it with other spices, like garlic salt or onion salt, for a unique seasoning blend
Celery Salt Substitute FAQs
How should I store celery salt?
Store celery salt in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to keep it fresh and maintain its flavor.
Can I use celery salt as a table salt substitute?
While celery salt contains salt, it also has a distinct flavor from the ground celery seeds. Using it as a table salt substitute will add a unique, savory taste to your dishes.
How much celery salt should I use in my recipe?
The amount of celery salt you should use depends on the recipe and your personal taste preferences. Start with a small amount, such as a teaspoon, and adjust according to your taste.
What are the health benefits of celery salt?
Celery salt contains various nutrients, including potassium and vitamin K, from the celery seeds. However, because it also contains added salt, it’s essential to use it in moderation, especially for those monitoring their sodium intake.
Can I make celery salt using a dehydrator?
Yes, you can use a dehydrator to dry celery leaves and stalks before grinding them into a powder. Follow your dehydrator’s instructions for optimal results.
Whether you’re looking for a celery salt substitute or want to make your own from scratch, this guide has you covered. With 17 alternatives and a homemade recipe, you’ll never be stuck without celery salt again. Experiment with different substitutes to find the perfect flavor and texture for your favorite dishes, and enjoy the versatility that celery salt has to offer.
More Substitutes
Green Onion Substitutes
Thyme Substitute Options
Coconut Oil Substitutes
Vanilla Extra Substitutes
Bay Leaf Substitutes
Baking Powder Substitutes
Have questions or suggestions about celery salt substitute? Leave them in the comments below.
