Celery leaves are edible and surprisingly useful in the kitchen, so don’t toss them out with the stems.
If you’ve been wondering what you can do with celery leaves, the answer is a lot more than you’d think.
They’re packed with flavor, nutrients, and versatility, which makes them one of the most underrated parts of the plant.
Most people trim them off and throw them away without realizing they’re tossing out something genuinely tasty.
In this post, we’ll look at what you can do with celery leaves, from cooking ideas to health benefits and even a few clever non-kitchen uses.
Let’s dig in.
What Can You Do With Celery Leaves?
There’s a lot you can do with celery leaves, and once you know how useful they are, you’ll never look at them the same way again.
Here are the best ways to put them to work.
1. Use Them as a Fresh Herb
Celery leaves work beautifully as a fresh herb, similar to parsley or cilantro.
They have a mild, grassy flavor with that signature celery taste, just more concentrated.
You can chop them up and sprinkle them over salads, soups, stews, and grain bowls.
They add a fresh, aromatic kick without overpowering the dish.
So the next time a recipe calls for parsley and you don’t have any, celery leaves are a solid swap.
2. Toss Them Into Stocks and Broths
One of the most common things you can do with celery leaves is drop them into stock.
They’re part of the classic mirepoix trio alongside onions and carrots, and the leaves carry just as much flavor as the stalks.
Simmer them with your bones, veggies, and aromatics, and they’ll deepen the flavor of the broth.
Just strain them out when you’re done, or leave them in if you don’t mind the texture.
3. Blend Them Into Pesto or Sauce
If you’re asking yourself what can you do with celery leaves beyond tossing them in soup, try making a pesto.
Blend celery leaves with garlic, nuts, olive oil, and a bit of parmesan, and you’ve got a bright, fresh sauce.
It works great on pasta, roasted vegetables, or even spread on toast.
You can also blend them into chimichurri, salsa verde, or a creamy green sauce for fish and chicken.
4. Add Them to Smoothies and Juices
Celery leaves are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants, which makes them a great addition to smoothies.
Toss a handful into your blender with fruit, yogurt, and a bit of honey.
The flavor is subtle enough that it won’t ruin your drink, but you’ll still get the nutritional boost.
If you juice regularly, celery leaves are a natural fit there too.
5. Dry Them for Later Use
If you’ve got more celery leaves than you can use right away, dry them.
Spread them out on a baking sheet or hang them in a warm, dry spot until they’re crispy.
Once dried, crumble them into a jar and use them like you would dried parsley or oregano.
This is one of the easiest things you can do with celery leaves when you don’t want them to go to waste.
Health Benefits of Celery Leaves
Celery leaves aren’t just useful in the kitchen, they’re also good for you.
Here’s why they’re worth keeping around.
1. Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Celery leaves contain vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K, along with potassium and calcium.
In fact, the leaves often hold more nutrients than the stalks themselves.
So when you throw them out, you’re tossing away some of the most nutritious parts of the plant.
2. Loaded With Antioxidants
They’re also packed with antioxidants that help fight inflammation and protect your cells.
Compounds like apigenin and luteolin are found in celery leaves and have been linked to various health benefits.
Adding them to your meals is a simple way to boost your antioxidant intake.
3. Low in Calories, High in Fiber
Celery leaves are low in calories but contain a decent amount of fiber.
That makes them a great choice if you’re watching your weight but still want to add volume and texture to your meals.
They’ll help keep you full without adding much to your daily calorie count.
Other Clever Uses for Celery Leaves
Beyond eating them, there are a few other things you can do with celery leaves.
Here are some ideas you might not have thought of.
1. Make a Refreshing Tea
You can steep celery leaves in hot water to make a mild, soothing tea.
It’s light and slightly earthy, and some people drink it for digestion or as a gentle detox.
Add a little honey or lemon if you want to brighten it up.
2. Use Them as a Garnish
Celery leaves make a lovely garnish for soups, stews, and even cocktails.
They add a pop of green and a subtle fresh scent that elevates the presentation.
So the next time you’re plating a dish, reach for those leaves instead of tossing them.
3. Freeze Them for Later
If you can’t use them right away, chop them up and freeze them in ice cube trays with a little water or oil.
Then you can pop them into soups and sauces whenever you need a flavor boost.
It’s one of the simplest things you can do with celery leaves when you’re short on time.
So, What Can You Do With Celery Leaves?
Celery leaves are edible, flavorful, and incredibly versatile, so there’s plenty you can do with celery leaves instead of throwing them away.
You can use them as a fresh herb, blend them into pesto, add them to stocks, smoothies, and teas, or dry and freeze them for later.
They’re also packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that make them a healthy addition to your diet.
So the next time you bring home a bunch of celery, don’t toss the leaves, put them to work.
You’ll be surprised at how much you can do with celery leaves once you start using them.