Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crisp and crunchy texture
- Bright, tangy flavor with subtle herbal notes
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Great way to use extra celery
- Perfect for salads, sandwiches, and garnishes
- Ready with minimal preparation
- Keeps well in the refrigerator
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 bunch celery, cut into sticks or sliced
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, lightly crushed
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 sprigs fresh dill (optional)
Directions
- Wash the celery thoroughly and trim the ends.
- Cut the celery into sticks or slices that fit comfortably into your jars.
- Pack the celery into clean glass jars.
- Add the garlic, peppercorns, celery seeds, bay leaf, and dill if using.
- In a saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, salt, and sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring until the salt and sugar dissolve completely.
- Remove the brine from the heat.
- Carefully pour the hot brine over the celery, ensuring it is fully submerged.
- Allow the jars to cool to room temperature.
- Seal the jars and refrigerate.
- Let the celery pickle for at least 24 hours before serving.
- For the best flavor, allow it to sit for 2 to 3 days.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Pickling Time: 24 hours
- Total Time: 24 hours 20 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Pickled Celery: Add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
- Garlic Lover’s Version: Increase the amount of garlic for a bolder flavor.
- Herb-Infused Celery: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley.
- Sweet Pickled Celery: Increase the sugar slightly for a sweeter pickle.
- Citrus Pickled Celery: Add lemon or orange zest to the brine.
- Mixed Vegetable Pickles: Combine celery with carrots, radishes, or cauliflower.
Storage/Reheating
Storage
- Store Pickled Celery in airtight jars in the refrigerator.
- It will remain fresh for up to 1 month.
- Keep the celery fully submerged in the brine.
- Always use clean utensils when serving.
Reheating
- Pickled Celery is best served cold or at room temperature.
- Reheating is not recommended, as it can soften the celery and reduce its crunch.
FAQs
What does Pickled Celery taste like?
It has a crisp texture with a tangy, slightly sweet flavor and subtle herbal notes from the spices and seasonings.
How long does Pickled Celery take to be ready?
It can be enjoyed after 24 hours, but the flavor improves after 2 to 3 days.
Can I use celery leaves?
Yes, celery leaves can be included for extra flavor and can be enjoyed along with the stalks.
What foods pair well with Pickled Celery?
It pairs wonderfully with sandwiches, salads, cheese boards, grilled meats, and cocktails such as Bloody Marys.
Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely. Add fresh chilies, jalapeños, or red pepper flakes to increase the heat level.
Why is celery seed used in the recipe?
Celery seed enhances the natural flavor of the celery and adds depth to the brine.
Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar?
Yes, apple cider vinegar provides a slightly sweeter and more complex flavor.
How do I keep Pickled Celery crunchy?
Use fresh celery, avoid over-processing, and keep it refrigerated in the brine.
Can I add other vegetables to the jar?
Yes, carrots, onions, radishes, and cauliflower make excellent additions.
How long does homemade Pickled Celery last?
When refrigerated and properly stored, it typically stays fresh for up to 1 month.
Conclusion
Pickled Celery is a simple yet flavorful preserve that adds crunch, tanginess, and freshness to a wide range of dishes. Whether served on a charcuterie board, tucked into a sandwich, or used as a cocktail garnish, its bright flavor makes it a versatile kitchen staple. Easy to prepare and wonderfully refreshing, this homemade pickle is a great way to elevate everyday meals with minimal effort.
PrintPickled Celery
Pickled Celery is a crisp, tangy, and refreshing condiment made with fresh celery, vinegar, and aromatic spices. Perfect for salads, sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and cocktail garnishes, it adds bright flavor and satisfying crunch to many dishes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 24 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Pickling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 bunch celery, cut into sticks or sliced
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, lightly crushed
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 sprigs fresh dill (optional)
Instructions
- Wash the celery thoroughly and trim the ends.
- Cut the celery into sticks or slices that fit comfortably into your jars.
- Pack the celery into clean glass jars.
- Add the garlic, peppercorns, celery seeds, bay leaf, and dill if using.
- In a saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, salt, and sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring until the salt and sugar dissolve completely.
- Remove the brine from the heat.
- Carefully pour the hot brine over the celery, ensuring it is fully submerged.
- Allow the jars to cool to room temperature.
- Seal the jars and refrigerate.
- Let the celery pickle for at least 24 hours before serving.
- For the best flavor, allow it to sit for 2 to 3 days.
Notes
- Add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy variation.
- Increase the garlic for a more robust flavor.
- Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley for herbal notes.
- Use apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Store refrigerated for up to 1 month.
- Keep the celery fully submerged in the brine for best quality.
- Celery leaves can be included for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 recipe
- Calories: 18 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 730 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
