You can make a lot of things with celery leaves, and once you realize how versatile they are, you’ll never toss them in the trash again.
Celery leaves are the leafy tops of the celery stalk, and they’re completely edible with a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that’s actually stronger than the stalks themselves.
If you’ve been asking what can you make with celery leaves, the short answer is soups, salads, pesto, stocks, smoothies, and even seasonings.
They’re packed with vitamins A, C, and K, plus antioxidants, so using celery leaves in your cooking adds nutrition without any extra cost.
In this post, we’ll explore what you can make with celery leaves, how to prep them, and a few creative ideas that go way beyond a basic garnish.
Let’s get into it.
What Can You Make With Celery Leaves?
When you’re wondering what you can make with celery leaves, the possibilities are honestly endless once you start experimenting.
Here are some of the best ways to put those leafy greens to work in your kitchen.
1. Fresh Celery Leaf Pesto
One of the best things you can make with celery leaves is a vibrant pesto.
Just blend celery leaves with garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, and a handful of nuts like walnuts or almonds.
It’s a great way to use up the leaves that would otherwise go to waste.
Spread it on toast, toss it with pasta, or drizzle it over roasted veggies.
This celery leaf pesto tastes bright and herby, and it keeps in the fridge for about a week.
2. Homemade Vegetable Stock
Another smart way to use celery leaves is by tossing them into a pot of homemade stock.
The leaves add a deep, savory flavor that you just don’t get from the stalks alone.
Simmer them with onion, carrot, and herbs, then strain everything out when you’re done.
You can also freeze leftover celery leaves and drop them into stock anytime you’re cooking.
This is probably the easiest thing to make with celery leaves if you’re new to using them.
3. Salads and Slaws
You can also make fresh salads and slaws with celery leaves.
Their mild crunch and peppery bite work beautifully with apples, walnuts, and a light vinaigrette.
Chop them up and mix them into potato salad or coleslaw for a flavor boost.
Since the leaves are tender, they soak up dressings nicely without getting soggy too fast.
Ways to Cook With Celery Leaves
Beyond pesto and stock, there are plenty of ways to cook with celery leaves so they shine in everyday meals.
1. Soups and Stews
Soups are one of the most satisfying things you can make with celery leaves.
Chop them finely and stir them in near the end of cooking to keep their fresh flavor intact.
They work great in chicken noodle soup, minestrone, or a creamy potato soup.
The leaves basically act like an herb, so treat them like you would parsley or cilantro.
2. Stir-Fries and Sauteed Dishes
You can also make stir-fries with celery leaves by throwing them in during the last minute of cooking.
They wilt quickly and add a fresh, green note to the dish.
Toss them with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and your favorite protein for a quick weeknight meal.
This is a simple way to use celery leaves without any special prep.
3. Smoothies and Juices
If you’re into healthy drinks, you can make green smoothies with celery leaves.
They blend right in with spinach, banana, apple, and a little lemon.
The flavor is mild enough that it won’t overpower your smoothie.
Just wash them well and toss a small handful into the blender.
4. Seasoning and Drying
Another thing you can make with celery leaves is your own celery salt or dried seasoning.
Dry the leaves in a low oven or a dehydrator, then crush them into a powder.
Mix the powder with salt for a homemade celery salt that’s great on fries, eggs, and popcorn.
It’s a fun DIY project and a clever way to preserve celery leaves for months.
How to Prep and Store Celery Leaves
Before you make anything with celery leaves, you’ll want to prep and store them the right way.
Rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove dirt and grit.
Pat them dry with a paper towel or spin them in a salad spinner.
For short-term storage, wrap them in a damp paper towel and pop them in the fridge.
For longer storage, chop the leaves and freeze them in ice cube trays with a little water or oil.
This way you always have celery leaves ready whenever you want to make a soup, pesto, or smoothie.
So, What Can You Make With Celery Leaves?
You can make pesto, stocks, soups, salads, smoothies, stir-fries, and even homemade seasonings with celery leaves.
They’re edible, nutritious, and full of flavor, so there’s really no reason to throw them away.
Whether you’re blending them into a green sauce or drying them for celery salt, celery leaves deserve a spot in your kitchen routine.
Next time you buy a bunch of celery, save those leaves and try one of these ideas.
You’ll be surprised at how much you can make with celery leaves once you start.