Enjoy the crisp and versatile goodness of celery with our 25 easy celery recipes.

From refreshing salads to hearty main courses, these recipes prove that celery is not just a crunchy sidekick but an important ingredient for adding flavor and texture.

Easy celery recipes

Our recipe collection offers a diverse range of easytofollow recipes that will delight your taste buds and transform the way you view this underappreciated vegetable.

Get ready to rediscover celery in delicious ways as we present a medley of flavors, textures, and culinary inspirations in this celery recipes roundup.

1. Tomato celery salad

Italian tomato salad with onion, celery, and carrot.

Italian tomato salad with celery is a refreshing medley of vibrant tomatoes and crisp celery tossed in a zesty dressing of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and fresh herbs.

This classic dish celebrates the essence of Italian cuisine with its simple yet flavorful combination. It pairs well with bruschetta, focaccia bread, and crostini as an appetizer or light meal idea.

2. Easy lentil soup

lentil soup served in a bowl with toasted bread

Celery plays a crucial role in the soffrito flavor base for lentil soup, lending a subtle earthiness and aromatic depth.

Sautéed alongside onions and carrots, this trio creates a harmonious foundation that enhances the overall richness and complements the earthy lentils.

3. Macaroni salad

Macaroni salad with peas

In our creamy macaroni salad, celery adds a delightful crunch and a hint of earthy freshness, creating a satisfying contrast to the al dente pasta.

Its mild flavor seamlessly blends with the creamy dressing, enhancing the overall texture and taste of this classic pasta salad

4. Lentil chili

lentil chili in a bowl topped with sourcream, avocado, and pickled red onions

In lentil chili, celery contributes a subtle yet savory depth to the hearty blend of lentils, kidney beans, and black beans.

The crisp texture of celery complements the vegetables and legumes and adds a refreshing note to this protein-rich and flavorful chili.

5. Vegetarian stuffing

Vegetarian stuffing with silver spoon

In our vegetarian stuffing recipe, celery contributes to a wellbalanced and aromatic stuffing perfect for any vegetarian feast.

It’s the perfect side dish to share with loved ones for a memorable holiday feast or a cozy family dinner.

6. Dill potato salad

Dill Potato Salad with smoked paprika powder

Celery chunks in this creamy dill potato salad introduce a refreshing crispness, complementing the creamy mayonnaise and delicate dill flavors.

It’s an excellent salad to make ahead for BBQs, cookouts, picnics, and potlucks or to enjoy as a delicious side dish for an everyday dinner.

7. Creamy pasta salad

Creamy pasta salad with mayo and olives

In a creamy pasta salad with yogurt mayo dressing, celery adds a refreshing crispness and a subtle peppery undertone.

It’s a tangycrunchycreamy, and refreshing recipe with beans that you can make with your favorite pasta and crisp veggies in about 20 minutes.

8. Split pea soup

Split peas soup with baguette

In the flavor foundation of a vegetarian split pea soup, celery adds a savory depth that complements the richness of split peas for a comforting bowl of vegetarian soup.

This proteinrich soup comes together in approximately 45 minutes; it’s incredibly tasty, nutritious, and easy to make.

9. Morrocan lentil soup

Moroccan lentil soup with pickled onions

Celery in Moroccan lentil soup adds a refreshing crunch and an earthy flavor, complementing the rich blend of aromatic spices and hearty lentils.

You’ll love this recipe because it’s easy to make, in one pot, and with pantry staples. Its comforting texture and flavors will fill you with the wanderlust to try more Mediterranean dishes.

10. Mashed chickpea salad

chickpea tuna salad in a bowl

In a mashed chickpea salad with vegan mayonnaise, celery imparts a refreshing crispness, while red onions contribute a sweet and zesty kick.

These vibrant ingredients harmonize perfectly, enhancing the creamy and flavorful profile of this plant-based delight.

11. Mushroom Wellington

Mushroom Wellington recipe with lentil filling and roasted potatoes on the side

Our mushroom Wellington, elevated by a sofrito flavor base of carrot, onion, and celery, delivers a blend of aromatic richness to each bite.

The earthy mushrooms and walnut blend wrapped in flaky pastry create a delicious and sophisticated vegetarian dinner.

12. Simple side salad

simple side salad in a bowl

You can eat raw celery in this easy side salad and enjoy the crisp and hydrating crunch.

Its lowcalorie content and high water content make it a guiltfree addition, while the fibrous texture adds a satisfying element to the simple medley of fresh vegetables.

13. Tuscan White bean soup

Tuscan white bean soup with silver spoon and fresh herbs on the side

Adding celery to soups, like white bean soup, imparts a refreshing crunch and subtle herbal notes that elevate the overall flavor.

Its crisp texture and mild taste add a delightful layer to this hearty and comforting vegetarian meal.

14. Eggplant caponata

Eggplant Caponata in a bowl

In this tender eggplant caponata, celery introduces a crisp and refreshing contrast to the silky texture of roasted eggplant and enhances the medley of Italian flavors.

Serve eggplant caponata as a starter on crunchy breada side dish, or a delicious pasta sauce.

15. Sweet potato chili

Sweet potato chili with cilantro

In onepot dishes, celery contributes a savory depth and subtle crunch, seamlessly blending with the flavors of other ingredients.

This sweet potato chili is excellent for meal prep and pairs well with nachossour creamguacamole, lime, and fresh cilantro.

16. Italian salad

Big Italian salad with Italian dressing

Raw celery in salads, like Italian salad, adds a mild, peppery flavor that complements the assortment of vegetables and croutons.

Customize this salad by choosing your favorite add-ins, and season it with our homemade Italian dressing to add a bright and tangy taste.

17. Black bean soup

Black bean soup with parsley and lime juice

In a hearty black bean soup, celery subtly elevates the flavor profile of black beans with its crisp texture and earthy notes.

Black bean soup is a tasty and hearty meal that’s easy to prepare with everyday ingredients and topped with simple toppings and spices, such as guacamole or sour cream.

18. Creamy Turkish lentil soup

Turkish red lentil soup with fresh parsley and chili oil

The base of this Turkish lentil soup is similar to that of our Italian lentil pastapasta e fagioli, or chickpea soup, where olive oil is used to sauté onion, celery, carrot, and garlic.

This base creates a rich flavor base and complex aroma that makes the soup taste delicious.

19. Lentil Bolognese

Lentil Bolognese on a white plate

For this lentil bolognese, we use chopped onion, celery, and carrot to add flavor to the sauce.

We recommend chopping these veggies by hand with a chef’s knife for the best results. Lentil Bolognese is an excellent recipe for those trying to incorporate more meatless dishes into their diet, and it’s delicious with pastagrainsgnocchi, and lasagna.

20. Pasta e Fagioli

Pasta e Fagioli with garlic and fresh herbs

Celery plays a crucial role in pasta e fagioli soup by adding a subtle yet essential layer of savory depth to the soup broth.

The celery’s presence adds complexity to this comforting Pasta e fagioli soup, wonderful for meal prep and to be enjoyed by picky adults and kids alike.

21. Vegan egg salad

vegan egg salad with tofu in a sandwich

A rib of celery, cut into small pieces, adds a wonderful crunchy texture to the tofu egg salad.

The celery also adds a freshness that cuts through the mayonnaisebased dressing.

22. Chickpea soup

Chickpea soup with toasted bread and hand

In a nourishing chickpea soup, the trio of celery, carrots, and leek creates a symphony of flavors and textures.

The celery’s crispness, paired with the sweetness of carrots and nutty chickpeas, adds a delightful complexity to this hearty and wholesome soup.

23. Tuscan bean stew

bean stew with toasted bread

In a Tuscan bean stew, celery enhances the robust flavors of beans and tomatoes, adding a crisp and savory dimension to this Italian comfort food.

It’s an excellent recipe for a quick and fulfilling weeknight dinner, ready in just over 30 minutes

24. Mushroom ragu

Mushroom Bolognese with fork

In our mushroom ragu, celery offers a subtle crunch and a hint of herbal freshness that beautifully complements the savory umami of the mushrooms.

This sauce is one of our go-to quick dinner sauces when we feel like eating an earthy and flavorful pasta dish.

25. Vegetable soup

Vegetable soup with silver spoon

What’s essential when making a tasty vegetable soup is starting with a flavor base of onioncelery, and carrots gently fried in olive oil.

You’ll love this vegetable soup recipe because it’s so easy to make in one potcomforting, and keeps in the fridge for several days.

For many more dinner ideas, check out our mains category page.

Easy celery recipes with salads and quick soups

Easy Celery recipes

By: Nico Pallotta
5 from 1 vote
This lentil soup is an easy, tasty, and nourishing Mediterranean-inspired recipe you can make in one pot with simple ingredients in about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the lentil’s cooking time.
Our recipe combines rich and earthy lentils with veggies, aromatic spices, and herbs into a wholesome and comforting bowl of goodness.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: First Course, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Equipment

  • Immersion blender if you want your soup extra creamy

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 1 rib celery chopped
  • 2 medium carrots chopped
  • 1 leek thinly sliced, optional
  • 2 cloves garlic pressed
  • ½ teaspoon dried rosemary sub thyme or Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin + 1 teaspoon turmeric optional
  • 1 cup dried lentils brown or green – or 2½ cups cooked lentils; in this case you'll need half the vegetable broth
  • 6 cups vegetable stock add more as needed to fully cook the lentils
  • 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 6 ounces kale or another leafy green like spinach or chard
  • 1 teaspoon salt or more to taste
  • 2 twists black pepper

Instructions 

  • Heat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a large pot. Add 1 large onion, 1 rib celery, 2 medium carrots, 1 leek (all chopped) and sauté for 5 minutes stirring often.
    flavor base for the soup
  • Add 2 cloves garlic (pressed), ½ teaspoon dried rosemary, and 1 teaspoon ground cumin and cook 1 more minute until fragrant.
    Fry the veggies in a casserole
  • Now add 1 cup dried lentils (rinsed under water), 6 cups vegetable stock, 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 twists black pepper and cook for 30 – 45 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
    Blend 2 cups of the soup.
    Tip: if you use cooked or canned lentils, half the amount of broth and cut the cooking time in half.
    blend some of the lentils
  • Stir in 6 ounces kale (chopped) and cook for a few more minutes or until tender.
    Lentil soup in a casserole
  • Taste and adjust for salt. Serve with toasted bread or grains and a sprinkle of parmesan.
    Add a squeeze of lemon, pickled red onions, or chili oil for some kick.
    lentil soup served in a bowl with toasted bread

Video

Italian Lentil Soup is a wholesome Dinner Idea

Notes

Nutrition information is for 1 serving of lentil soup out of 4 servings without bread or cheese.
STORAGE & MAKE AHEAD
Make Ahead: this lentil soup is an excellent recipe to make ahead as its flavor improves as the soup sits in the fridge. The next day, the soup is creamier, richer, and more flavorful.
We always make a big batch and store half of it in the refrigerator and half in the freezer.
Refrigerator: keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Let the soup cool down completely, then transfer it into a freezer-friendly container and freeze it for up to 3 months.
Thaw: defrost it in the fridge over several hours or overnight. To speed things up, you can thaw it with the thawing function of your microwave.
Reheat: reheat in the microwave or a saucepan on the stovetop. Add some water if necessary.
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Nutrition

Calories: 351kcal, Carbohydrates: 53g, Protein: 18g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Potassium: 1207mg, Dietary Fiber: 23g, Sugar: 10g, Vitamin A: 10006IU, Vitamin B6: 1mg, Vitamin C: 59mg, Vitamin E: 3mg, Vitamin K: 197µg, Calcium: 229mg, Folate: 334µg, Iron: 7mg, Manganese: 2mg, Magnesium: 123mg, Zinc: 3mg
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Nico and Louise in the kitchen

Hi! We are Nico & Louise

Welcome to The Plant-Based School, a food blog with easy, tasty, and wholesome recipes.

Our aim is to help you and your family eat more veggies through delicious recipes with simple ingredients.

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