Celery sticks aren’t just a crunchy snack; they are a versatile and nutritious base for countless vegetarian recipes. Whether you’re looking for a light appetizer, a healthy snack, or a creative addition to your lunchbox, celery sticks offer a refreshing crunch combined with a subtle, slightly peppery flavor that pairs beautifully with a variety of dips and toppings.
In this post, we’ll explore a simple yet delicious vegetarian celery sticks recipe that is perfect for all occasions. This recipe highlights the natural freshness of celery while adding layers of flavor with wholesome, plant-based ingredients.
Celery is low in calories but high in fiber and water content, making it an excellent choice for anyone aiming to eat healthy without sacrificing taste. Plus, with minimal preparation, you can transform plain celery sticks into a delightful dish that’s sure to impress both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.
Ready to learn how to elevate your celery game? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetarian celery sticks recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves simple, wholesome snacks. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and requires only a few fresh ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Why you’ll love it:
- Crunchy and refreshing: Celery is naturally crisp and hydrating, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite.
- Healthy and low-calorie: This recipe is packed with nutrients but light on calories, making it an ideal guilt-free snack.
- Customizable and versatile: You can easily adapt the filling or dip to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Perfect for entertaining: These celery sticks make a colorful, crowd-pleasing appetizer for parties or family meals.
If you enjoy this, you might also like our Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes for more healthy snack ideas.
Ingredients
- 6 large celery stalks, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup cream cheese (use plant-based cream cheese for vegan option)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: smoked paprika or chives
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
- Serving platter
Instructions
- Prepare the celery stalks: Rinse the celery stalks thoroughly under cold water. Trim the ends and remove any tough strings by snapping the stalks lengthwise if preferred. Cut each stalk into 3-4 inch sticks for easy handling.
- Make the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, finely chopped walnuts, chopped dried cranberries, fresh parsley, and lemon juice. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Season the filling: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix again to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Stuff the celery sticks: Using a spoon or your fingers, gently fill the groove of each celery stick with the prepared cream cheese mixture. Be generous but careful not to overfill, to avoid spills.
- Garnish (optional): Sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or chopped chives over the stuffed celery sticks for an added burst of flavor and color.
- Chill and serve: Arrange the stuffed celery sticks on a serving platter and chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and the filling to set slightly.
Tips & Variations
“Celery sticks can be more than just a vehicle for dips. By stuffing them with flavorful ingredients, you can turn a simple vegetable into a gourmet bite!”
- Nut-free option: Replace walnuts with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
- Vegan adaptation: Use a plant-based cream cheese or hummus for the filling to keep it vegan-friendly.
- Sweet & savory twist: Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the filling for a subtle sweetness that balances the crunch of celery.
- Spicy kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes into the cream cheese for some heat.
- Additional herbs: Experiment with dill, basil, or cilantro to give the filling a fresh herbal note.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (2 celery sticks) |
---|---|
Calories | 120 |
Protein | 3g |
Carbohydrates | 7g |
Dietary Fiber | 2g |
Sugars | 3g |
Fat | 9g |
Saturated Fat | 2g |
Cholesterol | 5mg |
Sodium | 80mg |
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed celery sticks make a fantastic appetizer or snack on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with other vegetarian dishes. Consider serving them alongside a fresh garden salad or a bowl of homemade hummus for a satisfying light meal.
For a party, arrange them on a colorful platter with other finger foods like cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and olives. They also complement dips from our Halibut Dip Recipe or our Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes collection.
For a wholesome lunchbox addition, pair celery sticks with whole grain crackers and a side of fruit for a balanced and refreshing meal.
Conclusion
Celery sticks are an underrated ingredient that deserve a spotlight in vegetarian cuisine. This recipe transforms simple celery into an elegant and nutritious snack that’s both satisfying and easy to customize.
Whether you’re preparing a quick snack or a vibrant appetizer for guests, these stuffed celery sticks deliver impressive flavor without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
By incorporating wholesome nuts, dried fruit, and fresh herbs into a creamy filling, you create a delightful contrast of textures and tastes that elevate the humble celery stalk. Plus, the recipe can be effortlessly adjusted to fit vegan, nut-free, or spicy preferences, making it a versatile option for any kitchen.
We hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious celery sticks recipe as much as we do!
For more inspiring recipes, don’t forget to check out our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe and Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Celery Sticks Recipe Vegetarian
Description: A simple and healthy vegetarian snack featuring fresh celery sticks served with a creamy herb dip. Perfect for a light appetizer or crunchy snack.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT10M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 6 large celery stalks, washed and cut into sticks
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Cut celery stalks into 4-inch sticks.
- In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, dill, parsley, and garlic.
- Season the dip with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Serve celery sticks with the herb dip on the side.
Nutrition: Calories: 80 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 4 g | Carbs: 6 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Celery Sticks Recipe Vegetarian”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A simple and healthy vegetarian snack featuring fresh celery sticks served with a creamy herb dip. Perfect for a light appetizer or crunchy snack.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT0M”, “totalTime”: “PT10M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“6 large celery stalks, washed and cut into sticks”, “1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt”, “2 tablespoons mayonnaise”, “1 teaspoon lemon juice”, “1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped”, “1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped”, “1 garlic clove, minced”, “Salt to taste”, “Black pepper to taste”, “1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cut celery stalks into 4-inch sticks.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, dill, parsley, and garlic.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season the dip with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve celery sticks with the herb dip on the side.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “80 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “4 g”, “fatContent”: “4 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “6 g”}}