13 Best Celery Seed Substitutes

Celery has been used as a vegetable and herb since ancient times. Celery seeds are the small seeds of the celery plant and have a slightly bitter taste. They can be used whole or ground, and it is commonly found in Indian, Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisine.

While celery seeds may be small, they pack a punch when it comes to flavor. In fact, just a few seeds can add a potent celery flavor to soups, stews, and salads.

They are often used as a spice in pickling recipes and can be found in some commercial salad dressings and other foods. In addition to their culinary uses, celery seeds have a long history of being used for their medicinal properties.

Do you have a recipe that calls for celery seed but can’t find any at the store? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the best celery seed substitutes that you can use in a pinch.

13 Best Celery Seed Substitutes

1. Celery Leaves and Stalks

If you have celery in your fridge, then you already have the perfect substitute for celery seed. Simply remove the leaves and stalks from the celery plant and chop them up.

Both celery leaves and stalks have a similar flavor to the seeds, but they are much milder. Hence, when substituting celery leaves, use more than you would celery seed. For 1 tablespoon of celery seeds, use 6 tablespoons of chopped leaves and stalks instead.

2. Dried Celery

Dried Celery

If you can’t find fresh celery, then the next best thing is to use dried celery. Dried celery is made by removing the water from fresh celery, and it has all of the same aromatic properties as the fresh version. This can be found in the herb section of most supermarkets.

Dried celery has a more intense flavor than fresh celery, so you will need to use less of it. Add it to soup, stews, or rubs for meats for best results. For 1 tablespoon of celery seed, use 1 teaspoon of dried celery instead.

3. Celery Salt

If you’re looking for a quick and easy substitute, then look no further than celery salt. Celery salt is a popular seasoning that is made by combining salt and ground celery seeds.

Celery salt is a great all-purpose seasoning that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is commonly used as a seasoning in soups, stews, salads, and vegetable dishes.

Celery salt already has salt in it, so be careful not to overdo it when using this substitute. When substituting celery salt for celery seed, use double the amount of celery salt as you would celery seed. So, if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of celery seed, use 2 tablespoons of celery salt instead.

4. Fresh Dill

Dill Substitutes

If you have fresh dill on hand, then you already have a great substitute for celery seed. Dill is a popular herb that belongs to the same family as celery. It has a similar flavor profile, with a slightly sweeter taste.

Dill can be used in a variety of recipes and pairs well with many different ingredients. Try adding it to soups, salads, and sauces for an extra boost of flavor. It is also a popular seasoning for fish and chicken.

Remember when adding dill in cooked dishes, add it at the end so the flavor doesn’t cook out.

5. Parsley

Parsley is another common herb that can be used as a substitute for celery seed. Just like celery seed, parsley has a mild, slightly grassy flavor that works well in a variety of recipes. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy addition to your diet.

Parsley is most commonly used as a garnish, but it can also be used in soups, stews, and sauces. Fresh parsley is the best to use, but you can also use dried parsley if that’s all you have on hand.

6. Caraway Seeds

Caraway seeds are small, crescent-shaped brown seeds that have a similar flavor to celery seeds. Often used to flavor bread and other baked goods, caraway seeds have a sharp, anise-like flavor that can also enhance soups, stews, and vegetables. 

If you cannot find celery seed, caraway seed is a good substitute. Caraway seeds can be used whole or ground, and a little goes a long way. To substitute caraway seeds for celery seeds, use a 1:1 ratio.

7. Fennel Seeds

Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds are another good substitute for celery seeds. They are small, round, and greenish-brown in color. Fennel seeds have a licorice-like flavor that can be used in a variety of dishes.

Fennel seeds can be used whole or ground, and they work well in both savory and sweet dishes.

Commonly used in Indian and Chinese cuisine, fennel seeds are often used to flavor breads, pastries, and desserts. They can also be used to enhance the flavor of soups, stews, vegetables, and meats.

8. Dill Seed

If you’re out of celery seed or can’t find it in the store, don’t worry – dill seeds make an excellent substitution.

Just like celery seeds, dill seeds have a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a hint of bitterness. They can be used in any recipe that calls for celery seed, from pickles and salad dressings to soups and stews.

It can be used as a seasoning in soups, stews, vegetables, sauces, and salad dressings. Dill seed can also be used to flavor breads and baked goods.

When substituting dill seeds for celery seeds, use the same amount called for in the recipe.

9. Star Anise

Star Anise Substitutes

Star anise is a star-shaped fruit that comes from an evergreen tree. It has a strong, licorice-like flavor with a hint of sweetness.

Star anise is often used in Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine, and it is a key ingredient in many Asian dishes. It can be used in place of celery seed in most recipes.

Star anise is also a popular ingredient in many savory dishes, including roasted meats and stews. While it’s not an exact substitute for celery seed, it does have a similar flavor profile. In addition, star anise can be used to add depth and complexity to soups, sauces, and marinades.

10. Ginger

Ginger is a popular spice that has a warm, slightly sweet flavor with a hint of heat. It is commonly used in Asian cuisine, and it pairs well with many different flavors.

While ginger does not have the same flavor as celery seed, it can be used as a substitute in many recipes. Ginger adds a unique flavor to soups, stews, sauces, and salads.

If you find that the ginger is too strong, you can always add more other spices to balance it out. Garlic, onion, and black pepper are all good choices.

11. Nigella Seeds

Nigella seeds are small, black seeds. It is often used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. They have a complex, nutty flavor with hints of onion, oregano, and black pepper. 

Nigella seed can be used as a celery seed substitute in many recipes. They can be used whole or ground up and added to soups, stews, curries, and salads. Nigella seeds can also be used as a garnish or sprinkled on top of breads and other baked goods.

12. Turmeric

Turmeric Powder

Turmeric is a spice that has a warm, slightly bitter flavor. It is commonly used in Indian cuisine and gives curry its characteristic yellow color.

Turmeric can be used as a celery seed substitute in many recipes. It pairs well with other spices, such as ginger, cumin, and coriander. Turmeric can also be used to add color and flavor to soups, stews, curries, and vegetables.

13. Lovage

If you’re in a pinch, lovage is the perfect celery seed substitute. Lovage is a perennial herb with a celery-like flavor. The leaves can be used in salads or as a garnish, and the seeds can be used in soups, stews, and pickles.

Related Questions

What Does Celery Seed Taste Like?

Celery seed has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a hint of bitterness that is reminiscent of celery itself. However, the taste is much more concentrated and can be quite overwhelming if used in too large of a quantity. Because of this, celery seed is often used as a flavoring agent rather than as the main ingredient.

Is Coriander the Same as Celery Seed?

No, coriander and celery seed are not the same. Coriander is a spice made from the dried seeds of the cilantro plant. Celery seed comes from the wild celery plant and has a slightly different flavor profile. However, they can be used interchangeably in most recipes.

What Can You Substitute for Celery Seed in Coleslaw?

The best substitutes for celery seed in coleslaw are dill seed, caraway seed, or fennel seed. All three of these spices have a similar flavor profile to celery seed and will work well in coleslaw.

Does Celery Seed Taste Like Celery?

No, celery seed does not taste exactly like celery. Celery seed has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a hint of bitterness. The taste is much more concentrated than celery itself. However, they do have a similar flavor profile.

Is Celery Seed the Same as Celery Salt?

No, celery seed and celery salt are not the same. Celery seed is a spice made from the dried seeds of the celery plant. Celery salt is a mixture of salt and ground celery seeds. It has a similar flavor to celery seed but is much saltier.

Final Words

So there you have it, some of the best celery seed substitutes out there. If you find yourself in a bind and need to use a celery seed substitute in a recipe, any of these options will work well. Just be sure to adjust the amount of seasoning used to account for the different flavor profiles.

With a little experimentation, you’ll be able to find the perfect celery seed substitute for your needs.

I hope this article was helpful. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment below. Thanks for reading!

I’m a passionate food blogger on a journey to become a go-to person who can help others prepare delicious foods. I share recipes, food substitutes, and other cooking tips. Read more about my journey...

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