Pink celery is completely edible and can be used just like regular green celery in soups, salads, stir-fries, and juices.
The pink color comes from the variety itself, often a type like Chinese pink celery or red celery, and it doesn’t mean the vegetable is spoiled or unsafe.
If you’ve been wondering what to do with pink celery after finding it at a farmers market or growing it in your garden, you’re in the right place.
In this post, we’ll explore what to do with pink celery, including how to prepare it, cook with it, and store it so nothing goes to waste.
Let’s get into it.
What to Do with Pink Celery: The Basics
Pink celery is not a different vegetable altogether, so what you do with pink celery is basically the same as what you’d do with the green kind.
The main difference is its color, which comes from natural pigments called anthocyanins.
These pigments also give pink celery a slightly earthier, sometimes sweeter flavor compared to standard green celery.
Here’s how to make the most of it.
1. Use It Raw in Salads
One of the easiest things to do with pink celery is to slice it raw into salads.
The pink stalks add a gorgeous pop of color that makes any salad look restaurant-worthy.
Wash the stalks thoroughly, trim the base, and chop them into thin pieces.
Toss them with apples, walnuts, and a light vinaigrette for a simple, crunchy side.
The mild flavor of pink celery means it won’t overpower other ingredients, so it plays well with almost anything.
2. Juice It or Blend It
If you’re into juicing, pink celery is a fantastic addition to your routine.
You can juice pink celery alongside cucumbers, apples, ginger, and lemon for a refreshing green (or should we say pink) drink.
It also works beautifully in smoothies if you want to sneak in some extra fiber and vitamins.
Just chop the stalks into smaller pieces before blending so your machine doesn’t struggle.
This is one of the most popular answers to what to do with pink celery when you have more than you can eat fresh.
3. Add It to Soups and Stocks
Pink celery behaves exactly like green celery when cooked, so it’s a natural fit for soups and stocks.
Chop it up and add it to your mirepoix along with onions and carrots.
The color will fade a bit during cooking, but the flavor stays intact and adds depth to broths.
You can also toss pink celery into chicken noodle soup, minestrone, or lentil soup for extra aroma and texture.
Honestly, this is one of the best ways to use up a big bunch of pink celery before it wilts.
Creative Ways to Cook with Pink Celery
Beyond the basics, there are plenty of creative ways to cook with pink celery that highlight its unique color and flavor.
1. Stir-Fry It
Pink celery holds up well in a hot pan, making it perfect for stir-fries.
Slice the stalks diagonally and toss them into a wok with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and your favorite protein.
It keeps a nice crunch and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
This is a quick, weeknight-friendly answer to what to do with pink celery when you want something savory.
2. Pickle It
Pickling is an underrated way to use pink celery, and it preserves that lovely color for weeks.
Slice the stalks into sticks, pack them into a jar, and cover them with a brine of vinegar, water, salt, and sugar.
Add peppercorns, dill, or mustard seeds for extra flavor.
After a few days in the fridge, you’ll have tangy, crunchy pink celery pickles perfect for snacking or adding to sandwiches.
3. Roast It
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in pink celery and softens its texture.
Toss the stalks with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them on a baking sheet.
Roast at 400°F for about 20 minutes until the edges start to caramelize.
It makes a lovely side dish alongside roasted chicken or fish.
4. Use the Leaves Too
Don’t toss the leaves when you’re figuring out what to do with pink celery.
The leaves are edible and packed with flavor, similar to parsley or cilantro.
Chop them and use them as a garnish for soups, salads, or grain bowls.
You can also blend them into pesto or chimichurri for a fresh, herbaceous twist.
How to Store Pink Celery So It Lasts
Once you know what to do with pink celery, the next step is keeping it fresh long enough to use.
Here’s how to store it properly.
1. Refrigerate in Foil or a Bag
Wrap the stalks loosely in aluminum foil or place them in a perforated plastic bag.
Store them in the crisper drawer of your fridge, where humidity is higher.
This keeps pink celery crisp for up to two weeks.
2. Keep the Base in Water
If you want pink celery to stay extra crisp, stand the stalks upright in a jar with an inch of water.
Change the water every couple of days.
This mimics how the plant grows and keeps the stalks hydrated.
3. Freeze It for Later
If you have more pink celery than you can use, chop it and freeze it.
Spread the pieces on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags.
Frozen pink celery works great in cooked dishes like soups and stews, though it loses its crunch for raw uses.
So, What to Do with Pink Celery?
What to do with pink celery really comes down to treating it like any other celery, because that’s exactly what it is.
You can eat it raw, juice it, cook it, pickle it, or freeze it for later.
The pink color is just a bonus that makes your dishes look as good as they taste.
So next time you spot pink celery at the market or pull some from your garden, don’t hesitate.
Grab a bunch, get creative in the kitchen, and enjoy every crisp, colorful bite.