10 Best Celery Salt Substitutes
on Apr 11, 2022
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Celery salt is a seasoning that’s often used in salads, cooked foods, and even drinks! If you’re in the middle of a recipe that includes celery salt but you don’t have any on hand, there are some handy options you can use instead.
Keep reading to learn a little about celery salt and the 10 best ingredients you can use as a substitute. We’ve also included a recipe for a homemade celery salt substitution!
What is Celery Salt?
Celery salt is a combination of regular salt and the crushed seeds of a celery plant. Some cooks like to use celery salt in place of regular salt to add more flavor to their dishes.
What Does Celery Salt Taste Like?
Celery salt tastes like regular salt that has been injected with a hit of celery flavor. It’s a bit peppery and has a grassy and slightly bitter taste.
Are Celery Salt and Celery Seed the Same Thing?
No, celery salt is a combination of regular salt and crushed celery seeds, typically at a ratio of 1 part celery seeds to 2 parts salt. Celery seed, on the other hand, doesn’t include any other ingredients. It can be purchased whole or crushed, and is also used as a seasoning.
Substitutions for Celery Salt
Try some of these easy swaps if you don’t have celery salt on hand.
The Mix of Celery Seed and Salt
Celery salt is made from a combination of salt and celery seeds, so it makes sense to use celery seeds as a replacement. You’ll need to grind the seeds in a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder and combine it with regular salt. Use celery seed and salt at a ratio of 1:2. For every 1 tablespoon of celery seeds, you’ll need 2 tablespoons of salt.
Dried celery
If you have a dehydrator, this is a good option. You’ll need to chop fresh celery into small pieces and use a dehydrator to dry it out. You’ll need to add salt to the dried celery and then add the mixture to your dish. As a guideline, use 4 teaspoons of dried celery mixed with 1 teaspoon of salt to replace 2 teaspoons of celery salt.
Fresh Celery
Depending on what you’re making, fresh celery can be used in place of celery salt. Note that fresh celery will add texture to your dish, so you’ll need to decide if it’ll work as a substitute.
Onion Salt
Onion salt will add flavor to your dish but it doesn’t taste like celery salt. You’ll have to decide if it would be appropriate for your dish.
Garlic Salt
Similar to onion salt, garlic salt will add a delicious flavor to your dish but it doesn’t have the same flavor as celery salt.
Dill Seed
Dill seeds come from the dill plant and can be used in place of celery salt. It will add a slightly sweet citrusy flavor. Check the label to see if it contains salt before adding it to your dish. If it does not contain salt, you’ll need to add salt before adding it to your dish. Use a ratio of 1 part dill seed to 2 parts salt.
Celery Seed Essential Oil
Essential oil is usually used for aromatherapy but can be used in food as well. You’ll need to add salt so be sure to taste the dish and season as needed.
Caraway Seeds
Caraway seeds can be used as a swap for celery salt but because of their stronger flavor you’ll want to use a little less. Grind the seeds and mix them with salt at a 1:2 ratio before adding the mixture to your dish.
Mustard Greens
Fresh mustard greens have a slightly peppery and bitter taste that’s somewhat similar to fresh celery. Finely chop the greens and add them to your dish as it cooks.
Regular Salt
If nothing else is available you can always use regular salt. Just note that it won’t have the celery flavor that comes from celery salt. You may want to add a pinch of black or white pepper to boost the flavor. Use regular salt at a ratio of 1:1.
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How to Make Homemade Celery Salt Substitute
Ingredients
- 1 cup celery leaves
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat an oven to 200°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread the celery leaves out in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes, rotating the pan after 10 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the oven and let the celery leaves cool slightly before transferring to a spice grinder.
- Add salt and process the leaves until finely ground. Cool completely and store covered in your pantry.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
