Celery is often an unsung hero in the produce aisle, celebrated mostly for its satisfying crunch in salads or as a vehicle for delicious dips. But this humble stalk has so much more to offer, especially when it comes to vegan cooking.
Its fresh, slightly peppery flavor and crisp texture make it a versatile ingredient that can be transformed into hearty soups, refreshing salads, or even savory main dishes. In this post, I’ll share a collection of my favorite vegan celery recipes, designed to showcase just how creative and satisfying this often-overlooked vegetable can be.
Whether you’re a long-time celery lover or someone trying to use up a bunch languishing in the fridge, these recipes will inspire you to see celery in a whole new light. From a zingy Celery & Chickpea Salad to a comforting Creamy Vegan Celery Soup—and a few clever snacks in between—you’ll find new ways to bring out celery’s best qualities.
Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These vegan celery recipes are perfect for anyone looking to add more veggies to their diet without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. Celery’s mild taste makes it an ideal canvas for bold herbs, creamy dressings, and earthy legumes.
Plus, these recipes are quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and packed with nutrients.
- Healthy and Low-Calorie: Celery is naturally low in calories and high in fiber, making these dishes filling and guilt-free.
- Easy to Customize: Whether you’re meal-prepping or hosting a potluck, these recipes adapt to your needs and pantry staples.
- Great for Any Season: Celery shines in both refreshing summer salads and warming winter soups.
You’ll love how these recipes bring out the best in celery and fit seamlessly into a variety of meal plans. For more plant-based inspiration, check out my Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor or try a comforting Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals when you want to set it and forget it!
Ingredients
Recipe | Ingredients |
---|---|
Creamy Vegan Celery Soup |
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Celery & Chickpea Salad |
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Crunchy Celery Sticks with Hummus |
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Equipment
- Large saucepan or soup pot (for celery soup)
- Blender or immersion blender (to puree soup)
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Salad bowl and mixing spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving bowls or plates
Instructions
Creamy Vegan Celery Soup
- Prepare your vegetables: Wash and chop the celery, onion, and potatoes. Mince the garlic.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Add celery and potatoes: Toss the chopped celery and potatoes into the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the celery starts to soften.
- Pour in broth: Add vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Blend: Carefully use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth (or transfer to a regular blender in batches, then return to the pot).
- Stir in milk: Add plant-based milk, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Heat gently, stirring, until warm. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Garnish and serve: Ladle soup into bowls and top with chopped parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Celery & Chickpea Salad
- Prepare ingredients: Slice celery, chop red onion and parsley. Rinse and drain chickpeas.
- Make dressing: Whisk together vegan mayo (or tahini), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Combine: Add chickpeas, celery, onion, parsley, and capers (if using) to the bowl. Toss until evenly coated.
- Chill: Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Spoon onto plates or serve over greens. Enjoy as a light lunch or side dish.
Crunchy Celery Sticks with Hummus
- Prep celery: Wash celery stalks well and cut into sticks.
- Arrange and dip: Place celery sticks on a serving plate with a bowl of hummus in the center.
- Garnish: Sprinkle hummus with smoked paprika and chopped herbs if desired.
- Snack time: Serve immediately for a healthy, protein-rich snack or appetizer.
Tips & Variations
Pro Tip: Save and freeze your celery leaves and trimmings to make homemade vegetable broth. They add a lovely aromatic flavor!
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in carrots, leeks, or spinach to the soup for extra nutrients and color.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeño to the chickpea salad for a kick.
- Go Crunchy: Top your celery soup with toasted pumpkin seeds or croutons for added crunch.
- Protein Boost: Stir in cooked quinoa or lentils to either the soup or salad for a more filling meal.
- Dressings: Swap vegan mayo with avocado mash or a lemon-tahini dressing for a different flavor profile in the salad.
- For a Meal Prep Win: Double the chickpea salad recipe and use it as a filling for wraps or sandwiches. Pair with my Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade for an easy lunch!
“Celery isn’t just for snacking—it’s a secret ingredient for creamy soups, zesty salads, and hearty plant-based meals.”
Nutrition Facts
Recipe | Calories (per serving) | Protein | Fiber | Fat | Key Vitamins |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Creamy Vegan Celery Soup | 130 | 3g | 3g | 4g | Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Folate |
Celery & Chickpea Salad | 220 | 8g | 7g | 7g | Vitamin K, Iron, Vitamin B6 |
Celery Sticks with Hummus | 110 | 4g | 3g | 6g | Vitamin K, Folate, Vitamin E |
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and will vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.
Serving Suggestions
- With Crusty Bread: Serve the creamy celery soup alongside a slice of warm, crusty bread. For a homemade option, try my Vegan Bread Maker Recipe for Soft and Delicious Loaves.
- As a Wrap: Spoon the chickpea celery salad into lettuce leaves or wrap it up in a tortilla for a quick portable lunch.
- On a Platter: Include celery sticks with hummus as part of a vegan appetizer platter, along with sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
- In a Grain Bowl: Top a bowl of quinoa or brown rice with celery salad for a satisfying meal.
- With Soup & Salad Combo: Pair a cup of celery soup with a side of chickpea salad for a light yet filling lunch.
- For Entertaining: Serve celery sticks with flavored hummus (think roasted red pepper or garlic) at your next gathering for a healthy, crowd-pleasing snack.
Conclusion
Celery is far more than a background player in the kitchen—it’s a star ingredient that brings freshness, crunch, and subtle flavor to a wide range of vegan dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for a creamy, comforting soup, a zesty protein-packed salad, or a simple, satisfying snack, these vegan celery recipes deliver both nutrition and taste.
Best of all, they make the most of a vegetable that’s often overlooked, helping you reduce food waste and discover new favorites.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs, spices, and add-ins to make these recipes your own. Celery has a unique ability to soak up flavors and complement other ingredients beautifully.
If you’re looking for even more plant-based recipe ideas, explore my collection of Veg Maharashtrian Recipes: Easy & Delicious Meals or treat yourself with a sweet finish like my Vegan Chocolate Milk Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide.
Happy cooking—and happy crunching!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Celery Stir-Fry
Description: A quick and flavorful vegan stir-fry featuring crisp celery, bell peppers, and tofu in a savory sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, drained and cubed
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 celery stalks, sliced diagonally
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Pat tofu dry and toss with cornstarch.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add tofu and cook until golden on all sides, then remove from skillet.
- Add remaining oil to the skillet.
- Stir-fry celery, bell pepper, and garlic for 3-4 minutes.
- Return tofu to the pan.
- Add soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, and black pepper; toss to combine.
- Cook for 2 more minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 210 kcal | Protein: 11 g | Fat: 13 g | Carbs: 14 g
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