Celery salt is similar to regular salt but with a subtle celery aroma, thanks to the inclusion of crushed celery seeds in its composition. It has a mild peppery bite that gives dishes a somewhat bitter finish. Celery salt is often combined with paprika and capsicum in savory recipes to enhance the overall flavor of the versatile spice.
The flavor may sound too complex to be recreated, but don't worry, here's a list of 7 celery salt substitutes that you can easily use in place of celery salt.
1. Fresh Celery
Fresh celery has a more peppery flavor than celery seeds, and when used in the right amount, it can add a wonderful flavor to your recipes. Unless it is finely chopped, fresh celery may not serve as a one-size-fits-all substitute for celery salt, especially in drinks and dishes with smooth consistencies.
Because celery salt has a more intense flavor than fresh celery, you may want to add some salt with the chopped celery to compensate for the flavor difference. Keep in mind that fresh celery is also fibrous, so it will bulk up your meals. It will also modify the texture of recipes and may not be an appropriate stand-in for recipes that specifically call for a powdered ingredient.
1 teaspoon of celery salt = 6 teaspoons of finely chopped celery leaves and stalks. (Add salt as needed.)
2. Regular Salt
Regular salt is one of the safest substitutes you can use for celery salt. You can also play around with different types of salt, such as fine or coarse, depending on your recipe. For example, some recipes will benefit from fine salt that dissolves quickly, while others will require coarse salt to shine, such as for seasoning.
When substituting regular salt for celery salt, keep in mind that it will not help you recreate the earthy, grassy flavor and the depth of celery. If your recipe needs that complex flavor, you can add some white pepper with regular salt.
1 teaspoon of celery salt = 1 teaspoon of regular salt.
3. Celery Seed and Salt
Celery seed and salt is, by far, the best substitute for celery salt since you'll essentially be making celery salt at home. Just make sure you have fresh celery seeds so that your salt blend has a more robust flavor.
When making this celery seed and salt blend, you'll need to ground celery seeds until smooth. Use a spice grinder, food processor, or mortar and pestle if you like a more grainy texture. Combine the ground celery seeds with salt in a 1:2 ratio, and use this mix in your dishes as you would use celery salt. It will work like a charm in everything from salads and soups to cocktails and more.
1 teaspoon of celery salt = 1 teaspoon of ground celery seeds + salt mix.
4. Dill Seeds and Salt
Dill is a herb that has a citrusy taste and earthy undertones, with a flavor profile that is comparable to celery seed. It's a versatile herb whose leaves and seeds are commonly used to flavor soups, dips, sauces, vegetable dishes, seafood meals, and more. Because it comes from the same plant family, dill seeds can be used as a substitute for celery salt when you don't have any on hand.
If you're looking to use dill seeds as a stand-in for celery salt, pound dill seeds into a fine powder in a spice grinder. Mix one teaspoon of dill powder with two teaspoons of salt to create the perfect blend. You may use this versatile salt in a variety of ways, including barbeque rubs, salad dressings, soups, and dips.
1 teaspoon of celery salt = 1 teaspoon of ground dill seeds + salt mix.
5. Caraway Seeds and Salt
The flavor of caraway seeds is strong and sweet and has a hint of anise. It also has hints of citrus and pepper notes. Caraway seeds are extremely flavorful, so they'll work well in recipes where their pungency can elevate the flavor profile of the dish.
To use it as a substitute for celery salt, mix 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds and 2 teaspoons of salt and grind them to a fine powder. You can use this salt mix in soups, stews, desserts, veggie and meat-based dishes, and more.
While this blend is great in savory dishes, it will not work half as well in drinks like Bloody Mary. Caraway seeds are also sweeter and can overwhelm other flavors in the recipe. So start with a small amount and gradually build to taste.
1 teaspoon of celery salt = 1 teaspoon of ground caraway seeds + salt mix.
6. Dehydrated Celery
Dehydrated celery is one of the best substitutes you can use in place of celery salt. And you can make it at home! Although dehydrated celery will have a milder flavor, it can still be used as a stand-in for celery salt if the quantity is adjusted according to the recipe's requirements.
To dehydrate celery, chop celery stalks into small pieces and dry them in your dehydrator or oven until crisp. Once done, place the dehydrated stalks in a blender and blend until smooth. You can store this powder in a glass jar and use it in various recipes with other spices and seasonings. Celery stalks have a naturally sufficient sodium content, so you won't have to add too much salt.
1 teaspoon of celery salt = 2 teaspoons of dehydrated celery + 1 teaspoon of salt.
7. Lovage Seeds and Salt
Lovage, a member of the celery family, has a strong celery flavor and undertones of anise and parsley. While celery and lovage share similarities, they have slightly different flavor profiles. It can, however, be used as a substitute for celery salt.
To substitute lovage for celery salt, crush dried lovage seeds and mix the fine-textured powder with salt in a 1:2 ratio. You can use it in baked products like bread, pastries, and biscuits, as well as salads, soups, and stews. Keep in mind that lovage seeds have a stronger flavor compared to celery seeds, so it's advisable to start with a small amount and then adjust to taste.
1 teaspoon of celery salt = 1 teaspoon of ground lovage seeds + salt mix.
