What Are Some Celery Seed Substitutes for Cooking?

Whether you've rediscovered celery seed during a pantry overhaul or stumbled across a recipe that calls for it, it's time to dust off that neglected jar from the back of your spice rack. You know the one — probably tucked between the dried parsley and that spice blend you bought on a whim, with no real idea of how to use it.

Trust me, this overlooked seasoning can easily find its way into your regular rotation if you give it a chance.

We've all found creative uses for celery, from the essential component of mirepoix to smothering it in peanut butter and topping it with raisins for a nostalgic snack. But celery seed? What’s it doing in my dish, and does it taste like celery too?

What Exactly Is Celery Seed?

Celery seeds pack a robust flavor that's unmistakably reminiscent of celery. Although they've been a staple in Asian cooking for centuries, it's only more recently that they've gained popularity in Western kitchens.

These tiny seeds shine in everything from salads and sauces to marinades and dressings. Many recipes are enhanced by the bold flavor they bring. For example, I once made a cream of celery soup that needed an extra flavor boost, and a sprinkle of celery seed did the trick perfectly.

Celery seed is available either whole or ground. The whole seeds are the tiny little nuggets floating in pickle brine, while the ground version is perfect for mixing into any liquid concoction.

What Role Does Celery Seed Play in Recipes?

Though it might not be the star of the dish, celery seed is an essential supporting player. Its primary role is to infuse recipes like salads, sauces, dressings, brines, and marinades with earthy, aromatic flavors.

Its vibrant flavor elevates everything from potato salad to coleslaw, lobster rolls to stuffing. Much like celery, celery seed pairs perfectly with tomatoes, which is why it's a staple in Bloody Mary mix, tomato-based soups, homemade ketchup, or barbecue sauce. It's also a key component in beloved seasoning blends like Old Bay.

Much like onion or mustard, the slightly sharp flavor of celery seed can trick your taste buds into perceiving a bit of heat or spice when used too generously. While this can be the desired effect in some recipes, it's why you usually won’t find it in large quantities in most dishes.

Substitutes for Celery Seed

Ran out of celery seed? Don’t worry — there are plenty of alternatives you can turn to. Here are some options to try:

Celery Stalk, Leaf, and Root

A straightforward substitute is another part of the celery plant itself. While it won’t have the same level of flavor intensity or the distinct bitterness and earthiness of the seeds, it will work just fine. As a guideline, use 2 tablespoons of minced celery (including tops, stalks, leaves, and root) for every ½ teaspoon of celery seeds.

Celery Salt

Celery salt brings a savory, grassy note that's simply delightful. Beyond sprinkling it into soups or brunch cocktails, try it on deviled eggs, roasted vegetables, or mixed into potato salad. Since celery salt contains salt, make sure to adjust the salt in your recipe accordingly.

Parsley

A great herbal alternative, parsley offers a fresh, green taste that makes it a solid stand-in for celery seed. Given that celery seed belongs to the same parsley family (Apiaceae), this herb can be used in equal amounts as a replacement.

Dill

Lighter and fresher than celery seed, dill is a versatile herb that pairs well with far more than just pickles. Its bright, tangy pop makes it an excellent substitute for celery seed. Whether in omelets, vegetable dishes, mayonnaise, yogurt, or even in beverages like lemonade, dill brings a refreshing zest. It's a perfect match with peas, beans, cabbage, basil, mint, chives, and garlic. Use half the amount of dill as you would celery seed for a balanced flavor.

Dill Seeds

Dill seeds, with their earthy, woody flavor and subtle menthol notes, offer a close match to celery seed in various dishes, from salads to seafood. Being a part of the parsley family like celery seeds, they can be used as a 1:1 replacement.

Fennel

This aromatic flowering plant, belonging to the carrot family, has a distinct anise flavor. It adds depth to casseroles, curries, and marinades. Being a relative of parsley, it can be swapped 1:1 with celery seed for a similar effect.