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Celery sticks can be eaten raw as a crunchy snack, added to soups and stews, or juiced for a refreshing drink.
They’re incredibly versatile, and you might be surprised by just how many things you can do with them.
If you’ve been staring at a bag of celery sticks in your fridge wondering what to do with them before they go limp, you’re in the right place.
Celery sticks are low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins K and C, which makes them a smart addition to almost any meal.
In this post, we’ll explore the many ways you can use celery sticks, from simple snacks to creative recipes that’ll make you see this humble vegetable in a whole new light.
Let’s dig in.
What Can You Do With Celery Sticks?
You can do a lot with celery sticks, and here are some of the best ways to put them to work.
1. Enjoy Them Raw as a Snack
The simplest thing you can do with celery sticks is eat them raw.
They have a satisfying crunch and a mild, slightly peppery flavor that pairs well with almost any dip.
You can dip celery sticks in hummus, ranch, peanut butter, or cream cheese for a quick and healthy snack.
Ants on a log is a classic option where you fill celery sticks with peanut butter and top them with raisins.
This is a fun way to get kids to eat more veggies too.
2. Add Them to Soups and Stews
Celery sticks are a cornerstone of soups and stews.
Along with onions and carrots, they form the classic mirepoix that gives so many dishes their deep, savory base.
Chop your celery sticks into small pieces and toss them into chicken noodle soup, beef stew, or vegetable broth.
They soften as they cook and release a subtle, earthy flavor that enhances the whole pot.
You can also add celery sticks to chili for a bit of extra texture and nutrition.
3. Juice Them for a Refreshing Drink
If you have a juicer, celery sticks are perfect for making fresh green juice.
Celery juice is hydrating and loaded with antioxidants.
You can juice celery sticks on their own or blend them with apples, cucumbers, spinach, and lemon for a nutrient-packed beverage.
Many people drink celery juice first thing in the morning as part of a wellness routine.
Just wash your celery sticks thoroughly and run them through the juicer.
4. Stir-Fry Them With Other Veggies
Celery sticks hold up well in a hot skillet.
Slice them thinly and stir-fry with bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and soy sauce for a quick weeknight dinner.
The celery sticks stay slightly crisp, which adds a nice crunch to the dish.
You can serve this over rice or noodles for a filling meal.
5. Use Them as a Base for Stuffing
Celery sticks are a key ingredient in traditional stuffing or dressing.
When chopped and sautéed with onions, they add incredible flavor to bread-based stuffings.
You can also use celery sticks as a low-carb scoop for chicken salad, tuna salad, or egg salad.
Just spoon the filling into the groove of the celery stick and enjoy.
Creative Ways to Use Celery Sticks
Beyond the basics, there are plenty of creative things you can do with celery sticks.
1. Make a Celery Stick Smoothie
You can blend celery sticks into a smoothie for a boost of fiber and vitamins.
Combine celery sticks with banana, pineapple, and coconut water for a tropical twist.
The celery flavor is mild, so it won’t overpower the other ingredients.
2. Pickle Your Celery Sticks
Pickling is a great way to use up a large batch of celery sticks.
Mix vinegar, water, sugar, and salt, then pour the brine over celery sticks in a jar.
Add garlic, dill, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Let them sit in the fridge for a few days, and you’ll have tangy, crunchy pickled celery sticks.
3. Grill or Roast Them
Roasting celery sticks brings out their natural sweetness.
Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them on a baking sheet.
Roast at 400°F for about 15 minutes until they’re tender and slightly caramelized.
You can also grill celery sticks alongside other vegetables for a smoky flavor.
Tips for Storing and Preparing Celery Sticks
To keep your celery sticks fresh and crisp, store them properly.
1. Wrap Them in Foil
Wrap celery sticks tightly in aluminum foil and store them in the fridge.
This keeps them crisp for weeks.
2. Cut Them Into Sticks Right Away
If you buy a whole head of celery, cut the stalks into sticks as soon as you get home.
Place them in a container with a little water, and they’ll stay ready to eat.
3. Freeze Them for Later
If you have more celery sticks than you can use, freeze them.
Chop them up and place them in freezer bags.
Frozen celery sticks work great in soups and stews, though they’ll lose their crunch when thawed.
So, What Can You Do With Celery Sticks?
Celery sticks can be eaten raw, cooked, juiced, pickled, roasted, or blended into smoothies.
They’re one of the most versatile vegetables you can keep in your kitchen.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack or a flavorful addition to your favorite recipe, celery sticks have you covered.
So the next time you’re wondering what to do with celery sticks, remember there’s no shortage of delicious options.
Give a few of these ideas a try and you might just find a new favorite way to enjoy them.