Have you ever wondered what gives that distinctly savory flavor to a Bloody Mary?
Or how do different chefs achieve that perfect balance of salty and umami in their dishes? The answer, more often than not, is celery salt.
Celery salt is a common ingredient in many pantries, but it’s also one of the most versatile.
It can be used as a seasoning for meats and vegetables or as a finishing touch for soups and sauces.
It’s also a key ingredient in many cocktails, like the Bloody Mary.
If you’re out of celery salt or just looking for an alternative, there are several substitutes that will work just as well.
In this article, we’ll share the five best substitutes for celery salt.
What’s Celery Salt?

Celery salt is a type of seasoning that is made from ground celery seeds and salt.
It has a strong, savory flavor and is often used to season soups, stews, and salads.
Celery salt can also be used as a rub for meats or vegetables.
The first recorded use of celery seed as a spice dates back to the ancient Greeks.
The seeds were used to flavor wines and other beverages.
Celery salt became more widely used in the 18th century when it was introduced to England.
Today, it is a popular ingredient in many different cuisines.
Celery salt has a unique taste that is both savory and slightly bitter.
The saltiness of the seasoning helps to enhance other flavors in a dish.
Celery salt generally has a finer texture than regular salt, making it ideal for sprinkling on food.
There are many ways to use celery salt in cooking.
It can be used to season soup, stew, or salad.
It can also be used as a rub for meats or vegetables.
Celery salt can also be added to bread dough or used as a topping for popcorn or french fries.
The 5 Best Substitutes for Celery Salt
If you’re out of celery salt and in a pinch, there are several substitutes that will do the trick.
Here are the five best substitutes for celery salt:
1 – Mix of Salt and Celery Seeds

Celery salt is a common seasoning made from a mix of equal parts salt and celery seeds.
It has a distinct, earthy flavor that can enhance many dishes.
Celery salt is often used to season soups, stews, and salads.
It can also be sprinkled on roasted meats or vegetables.
Additionally, celery salt is a key ingredient in certain cocktails, such as the Bloody Mary.
If you don’t have celery salt on hand, you can substitute it with a mix of salt and celery seeds.
Simply grind the seeds in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle until they are finely ground.
Then, mix them with an equal amount of salt.
Use this mixture in any recipe that calls for celery salt.
2 – Fresh or Dried Celery

Celery is a crunchy, refreshing vegetable that can be enjoyed fresh or dried.
When eaten fresh, celery has a crisp, watery texture and a slightly bitter taste.
Dried celery is less crunchy and chewy, with a milder flavor.
Celery can be used as a garnish or as an ingredient in salads, soups, and stews.
It is also a common ingredient in Celery salt, which is used to season food.
To substitute dried celery for Celery salt, simply grind the dried celery into a fine powder using a food processor or coffee grinder.
One tablespoon of Celery salt can be replaced with one teaspoon of dried celery powder.
3 – Mix of Dill Seeds and Salt

Dill seeds are a flavorful addition to any dish, but they can also be used as a substitute for celery salt.
The seeds have a slightly bitter taste, but they also have a unique flavor that can add depth to any dish.
The texture of the seeds is similar to that of celery, making them an ideal substitution in any recipe.
To use dill seeds as a substitute for celery salt, simply grind the seeds into a powder and add it to your dish.
The powder will help to bind the flavors together, just as celery salt would.
As a result, you’ll be able to enjoy the same great taste without having to use celery salt.
4 – Nigella Seeds

Nigella seeds have a distinctively earthy flavor that is both spicy and slightly bitter.
The texture of the seeds is similar to that of poppy seeds, although they are slightly larger.
Nigella seeds can be used as a substitute for celery salt in many recipes.
When substituting nigella seeds for celery salt, use a 1:1 ratio.
For example, if a recipe calls for one teaspoon of celery salt, use one teaspoon of nigella seeds instead.
Keep in mind that the flavor of nigella seeds is more intense than that of celery salt, so you may want to start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.
5 – Caraway or Fennel Seeds

Caraway seeds have a sharp, anise-like flavor that is often used in Middle Eastern and European cuisine.
The seeds are small and brown, with a ridged surface.
They have a crunchy texture with a slightly bitter taste.
Caraway seeds are often used as a substitute for celery salt.
When substituting caraway for celery salt, use half as much caraway seed as you would celery salt.
Caraway can also be used in baked goods, such as bread and cakes.
It is often used in savory dishes, such as stews and casseroles.
Caraway seeds can be bought whole or ground.
If using whole seeds, they should be crushed before use.
Caraway is also available as an essential oil.
This can be used in place of the seeds but should be used sparingly as it has a strong flavor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, celery salt is a great way to add flavor to any dish.
However, if you don’t have celery salt on hand, there are plenty of substitutes that can be used in its place.
Dill seeds, nigella seeds, caraway seeds, and fennel seeds are all great options for substituting celery salt.
Each of these substitutes will add its own unique flavor to your dish.
So, if you’re looking for a way to add depth of flavor, try one of these substitutes for celery salt.