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11 Celery Salt Substitutes in Soups/Salads + Homemade Recipe

Celery salt is a type of ground spice that looks like table salt but has a lighter color and flavor. It is typically made by combining celery with coarse salt.

Seasoned cooks might opt for celery salt substitute when they are cooking for vegetarians who do not like the flavor of celery or want their food to be more savory.

So, what’s a good substitute for celery salt? Let’s talk about it!

What Is Celery Salt?

Introduced in France in 1842, Celery salt [1] is a flavor enhancer used to enhance food flavor.

celery salt

It is a mix of ground celery seeds combined with table salt. The exact ratio of the two ingredients varies, but in general, it contains about ⅓ to ½ as much celery seed as it does table salt. Celery seeds are usually dried then ground into flakes or powder before being mixed with the table salt.

Sometimes, the key to making a dish taste good is with just the right amount of celery salt.

What’s a Good Celery Salt Substitute?

1. Celery Seeds

celery seeds

Can you substitute celery seed for celery salt? The short answer is Yes!

Celery seed has a distinct flavor profile due to its high geosmin, giving it a salty and earthy taste. Celery salt is present in different dishes, including soups, sandwiches, and salads.

Celery seed is the most common replacement for celery salt. It is milder than celery salt and has the same flavor in recipes.

To make a substitute for one teaspoon of celery salt, use one teaspoon of celery seed and about ½ teaspoon of coarse ground pepper.

Don’t have this option? No worries! You may find some celery seed substitutes in your kitchen.

2. Onion Powder

onion powder

Though slightly more potent than celery salt, onion powder is a great substitute and can be used in many recipes.

It is perfect for adding flavor to many seasonings. If you don’t have any celery salt on hand, you can use onion powder in its place.

For substitution, the ideal ratio would be 1:1. This substitution works best for recipes that require small amounts of celery salt.

You May Like: 18 Substitutes for Onion Powder

3. Parsley

parsley

Parsley has the same texture as celery salt and can flavor soups, stews, and even salads.

The use of parsley as a replacement for celery salt is encouraged by many health-conscious individuals who avoid high sodium diets because parsley contains many minerals such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

When substituting parsley for celery salt, add two tablespoons of finely chopped parsley for every one teaspoon of celery salt.

4. Basil Leaves

basil

Basil leaves are also a great alternative to celery salt. Use them in tomato-based sauces or any recipe that uses basil as a primary ingredient.

The ratio varies from a single leaf to one tablespoon of basil leaves.

You can use fresh or dried basil leaves. To get the best results with them, you need to know how many leaves are required for each teaspoon of celery salt.

Use one teaspoon of dried basil leaves or one fresh leaf per teaspoon of celery salt. You can add more or less depending on your taste preference.

5. Dill Weed

dill weed

Dill weed is similar to celery salt but with a more robust flavor. Some people find it too strong and do not like using it in their cooking, so make sure you try out this alternative before adding it to your recipes.

Depending on the flavor you want in your dish, the ratio will vary between ¼ and 1 teaspoon for every 1 teaspoon of dill weed.

To substitute dill weed for celery salt in pickling recipes, try one teaspoon dill weed (or ½ teaspoon of dried dill) for every teaspoon of celery seed.

Do you know that dill weed is different from dill seed?

6. Truffle Salt

truffle salt

If you’re headed to a fancy dinner and want to impress your friends, this is the way to go.

Truffle Salt is an aromatic seasoning made from grinding and combining truffles with salt and other ingredients. It’s often used as a delectable component of French fries and pasta dishes or as a condiment for steaks, eggs, and other foods.

When substitute truffle salt for celery salt, use a 1:1 ratio. The flavor profile is slightly different. But the “saltiness” of the two seasonings is similar.

7. Rock Salt

rocks salt

This coarse salt works well with dishes that require a light touch, like steamed vegetables or boiled shrimp.

Rock salt has a similar but more intense flavor than celery salt. Use about ½ teaspoon of rock salt for one teaspoon of celery salt.

8. Maldon Sea Salt

maldon sea salt

This finishing salt is suitable for sprinkling meat before cooking or after roasting.

Note that if you’re substituting for celery salt, you’ll want to use about half the amount of other salts. Because the flavor of other salts is more potent than that of celery salt, so using the same amount will overpower your dish.

To substitute celery salt, you’ll want to use 1 tsp of Maldon sea salt for 2 tsp of celery salt.

9. Fleur de sel

This delicate French sea salt is excellent for finishing seafood and works well with eggs and salads.

Fleur de sel is the “finest” type of sea salt available because it is carefully handcrafted, which gives it distinct texture, taste, and appearance. The flakes are much larger than regular table salt (which also makes it more attractive on the table).

One tablespoon of Fleur de sel for every ¼ cup of celery salt will give you a tasty dish.

10. Smoked Sea Salt

smoked sea salt

Smoked sea salt is another finishing salt that is darker in color than other varieties. But it has a beautiful smoked flavor available for everything from chicken to baked potatoes.

This type of sea salt is an excellent substitute for celery salt. The smoky flavor makes it an ideal choice for recipes that call for celery salt, especially those that use hard-boiled eggs.

Use ½ teaspoon smoked sea salt instead of 1 teaspoon of celery salt. Add this substitution slowly, tasting as you go until you reach the desired flavor.

11. Caraway Seeds

caraway seeds

Caraway seeds have a strong flavor, so use them sparingly. The best way to enjoy them is to add them to homemade rye bread or crackers. Sprinkle a bit on top of your favorite sandwich for an extra punch of flavor.

Caraway seeds also go well in portions of pasta and soups. Combine them with other spices like black pepper, cumin, dill, and coriander for an added kick.

To substitute it for celery salt, use a 1:1 ratio. However, you might need to increase the amount in some cases because caraway is less potent than celery seeds.

homemade celery salt

Homemade Celery Salt

Yield: 2 Servings

Here is how you can make celery salt from celery seed.

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoon celery seed
  • 6 tablespoon table salt

Instructions

    1. Place celery seeds in an electric spice grinder and blend them into a coarse powder. This should take about thirty seconds.

    2. Add salt to taste and mix until it is completely incorporated with the celery seeds.

    3. Store celery salt in an airtight container for one year.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 37Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 19049mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 2g

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

Be sure to leave a comment and rating below. I appreciate your feedback!

FAQs About Celery Salt

Is celery seed the same as celery salt?

They are different. Celery seed is small and round like a pea, while salt is white and granular. For another, both have distinct flavors: seeds taste more like fresh herbs than salty flavorings.

Celery seed is the main spice used in making celery salt; it’s a more potent, slightly bitter flavor that you can use for seasoning vegetables, soups, and stews.

How much celery salt equals one stalk?

About four teaspoons of celery salt equal a stalk.

Final Words

Celery Salt is a popular seasoning used in recipes to add spice, salt, and a bit of funk.

However, it doesn’t work on all dishes, and not everyone likes celery salt. That’s why you may need a substitute for celery salt.

Just choose the one you prefer, you’ll like the taste it brings!

I’m Jennifer Schlette, a Registered Dietitian and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. I love cooking, reading, and my kids! Here you’ll find the healthiest recipes & substitutions for your cooking. Enjoy, and be well, friends!

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