Celery Recipes Vegetarian Lovers Will Enjoy Every Time

Updated On: October 4, 2025

Celery is often underrated in the vegetable world, but this crunchy, aromatic green stalk deserves a starring role in your vegetarian kitchen. Not only is celery incredibly versatile, but it’s also packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a fantastic ingredient for wholesome, flavorful vegetarian dishes.

Whether you’re looking for a crisp salad addition, a comforting stew base, or a unique snack, celery can elevate your meals with its refreshing taste and satisfying crunch.

In this post, we’ll explore several delightful celery recipes vegetarian lovers can enjoy. From simple snacks to hearty mains, these recipes showcase celery’s potential beyond just a garnish.

If you want to add more vibrant, nutritious meals to your weekly rotation, celery is the perfect vegetable to experiment with. Plus, these recipes are easy to make, budget-friendly, and great for all skill levels in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Celery is more than just a crunchy vegetable; it’s a nutritional powerhouse that brings texture, flavor, and freshness to any dish. These vegetarian celery recipes are designed to highlight its unique qualities—whether raw, sautéed, or simmered.

Why you’ll appreciate these recipes:

  • Health benefits: Celery is low in calories but rich in antioxidants and dietary fiber, supporting digestion and heart health.
  • Versatility: Use celery in salads, soups, stews, or as a snack with dips for a range of textures and flavors.
  • Simple ingredients: Most recipes use everyday kitchen staples, making them easy to prepare any day of the week.
  • Crunch and flavor: Celery adds a delightful crispness and subtle peppery note that complements many vegetarian ingredients.

Ingredients

  • 6-8 stalks of celery, washed and trimmed
  • 1 large carrot, diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cooked chickpeas (optional for protein)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
  • Vegetable broth, 2 cups
  • Lemon juice, 1 tbsp (optional)

Equipment

  • Cutting board
  • Sharp chef’s knife
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Large bowl for mixing
  • Serving plates or bowls

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables: Wash and trim the celery stalks. Slice them into bite-sized pieces. Dice the carrot, chop the onion, mince the garlic, and halve the cherry tomatoes.
  2. Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and allow it to warm up.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become translucent and fragrant.
  4. Add the celery and carrot: Stir the diced celery and carrot into the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly while retaining some crunch.
  5. Season the veggies: Sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the vegetables evenly with the spices.
  6. Add tomatoes and chickpeas: Mix in the cherry tomatoes and cooked chickpeas. Cook for an additional 3 minutes until tomatoes begin to soften.
  7. Pour in vegetable broth: Add the 2 cups of vegetable broth to the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 10 minutes to blend the flavors and reduce the liquid slightly.
  8. Finish with lemon juice and herbs: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the lemon juice if using, and sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.
  9. Serve warm: Spoon the celery vegetable medley into bowls or plates and enjoy as a light main dish or a hearty side.

Tips & Variations

“Celery is a fantastic base for many vegetarian dishes—try adding it to your favorite soups or stews for extra crunch and nutrition!”

  • Add nuts or seeds: Toasted almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds add a lovely texture contrast and boost protein.
  • Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or a dollop of vegan yogurt to turn this into a creamy stew.
  • Spice it up: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
  • Celery stir-fry: Swap the cooking method to a quick stir-fry with soy sauce and ginger for an Asian twist.
  • Use celery leaves: Don’t throw away the leaves! They have a stronger flavor and can be chopped into salads or used as garnish.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 120 kcal
Protein 5 g
Carbohydrates 18 g
Dietary Fiber 6 g
Fat 5 g
Vitamin A 1500 IU (30% DV)
Vitamin C 10 mg (17% DV)
Calcium 60 mg (6% DV)
Iron 2 mg (11% DV)

Serving Suggestions

This celery vegetable medley shines when paired with a variety of vegetarian-friendly sides. Here are some serving ideas to complete your meal:

  • Serve with steamed quinoa, brown rice, or couscous for a filling, wholesome meal.
  • Pair with warm, crusty bread or flatbreads to soak up the flavorful broth.
  • Top with crumbled feta or vegan cheese for an added creamy contrast.
  • Serve alongside a fresh green salad or a tangy cucumber raita.
  • For a protein boost, add a side of roasted chickpeas or a simple lentil salad.

More Delicious Vegetarian Recipes Featuring Vegetables

If you enjoyed these celery recipes, you might also want to check out these other flavorful vegetarian dishes packed with veggies:

Conclusion

Celery is a wonderfully versatile vegetable that deserves more attention in vegetarian cooking. From its crisp texture to its subtle earthy flavor, celery adds a refreshing and nutritious element to many dishes.

The recipes shared here demonstrate just how easy it is to incorporate celery into your daily meals, whether as a hearty stew ingredient or a crunchy snack base.

By experimenting with different spices, cooking methods, and complementary ingredients, you can create a wide variety of vegetarian dishes that highlight celery’s best qualities. So next time you’re at the market, pick up some fresh celery and try these recipes for a delicious, healthy addition to your meal plan.

For even more inspiration, explore our extensive collection of vegetarian and vegan recipes to keep your kitchen vibrant and exciting!

📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian Celery Stir-Fry

Description: A quick and healthy vegetarian stir-fry featuring crunchy celery and colorful vegetables. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 4 cups celery, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup carrots, julienned
  • 1 cup snap peas
  • 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add garlic and ginger; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add tofu cubes and cook until golden on all sides, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add celery, bell pepper, carrots, and snap peas; stir-fry for 7 minutes.
  5. Pour in soy sauce and mix well to coat all ingredients.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top and serve warm.

Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 15 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 18 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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