Pickled celery

Pickled celery is a delightful way to bring a tangy crunch to your meals. This quick pickle recipe not only preserves the freshness of celery but also enhances its flavor, making it perfect for salads, sandwiches, or as a standalone snack. Whether you’re preparing a summer picnic or looking for a tasty side dish at dinner, pickled celery is an easy and versatile choice that everyone will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 8 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy days.
• Flavorful Crunch: The combination of vinegars and spices gives pickled celery a unique taste that elevates any dish.
• Versatile Use: Great as a snack, salad topping, or sandwich filler, it fits seamlessly into various meals.
• Healthy and Low-Calorie: With only 31 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free addition to your diet.
• Long-Lasting: Pickled celery can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 months, making it ideal for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started on this delicious recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mason jars with lids
• Small saucepan
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Mason jars with lids: These are essential for storing your pickles safely while keeping them fresh.
• Small saucepan: Perfect for heating the brine without taking up too much space on your stove.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the celery into sticks or dice.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes quick work of cutting your vegetables evenly.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make delicious pickled celery:

For the Pickling Brine

• 1 cup water (filtered water works best)
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

For the Celery

• 1 lb fresh celery (cut into sticks or diced)
• 1 teaspoon whole black pepper
• ½ teaspoon fennel seed
• 1 Fresno pepper (de-seeded and finely chopped)

How to Make Pickled Celery

Step 1: Prepare Your Jars

Start by placing a pinch of whole black pepper, fennel seed, and chopped Fresno pepper at the bottom of each mason jar. This will infuse extra flavor into your pickles.

Step 2: Cut the Celery

Cut the fresh celery stalks into sticks or diced pieces according to your preference.

Step 3: Make the Brine

In a small saucepan, combine:
1. 1 cup water
2. 1 cup white vinegar
3. 1 cup apple cider vinegar
4. 3 tablespoons honey
5. 2 teaspoons kosher salt

Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over low heat. Stir until honey and salt are dissolved.

Step 4: Combine Celery with Brine

Pour the hot brine over the cut celery in the mason jars, ensuring all pieces are submerged under the liquid.

Step 5: Cool Down and Store

Allow the jars to cool to room temperature before screwing on the lids. Store them in the refrigerator once cooled.

Step 6: Enjoy!

Let sit for at least 24 hours before enjoying your pickled celery. It will keep in the fridge for up to 2 months!

How to Serve Pickled celery

Pickled celery adds a refreshing crunch and tangy flavor to various dishes. It can elevate your appetizers and main courses, making them more exciting and delicious.

As a Side Dish

• Serve pickled celery alongside sandwiches or burgers for an added crunch.
• Pair with cheese platters as a unique, flavorful complement to rich cheeses.

In Salads

• Toss into green salads for a zesty kick that enhances the flavors of other vegetables.
• Mix with pasta salads for an extra layer of texture and taste.

With Dips

• Enjoy pickled celery sticks with hummus or ranch dip for a healthy snack.
• Use as a garnish on guacamole or bean dips for added color and flavor.

On Charcuterie Boards

• Include pickled celery on charcuterie boards for a colorful addition that balances savory meats and cheeses.
• Arrange with olives, nuts, and fruits to create visually appealing snacks.

How to Perfect Pickled celery

To ensure your pickled celery turns out delicious every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose Fresh Celery: Always opt for crisp, fresh celery stalks for the best flavor and crunch in your pickles.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of honey based on your preference for sweetness; try using maple syrup as an alternative.
• Experiment with Spices: Add different spices like dill seeds or garlic cloves to customize the flavor profile of your pickled celery.
• Sterilize Jars: Properly sterilize mason jars before use to enhance shelf life and safety when storing your pickles.
• Let It Marinate: For the best flavor, allow the pickled celery to marinate for at least 24 hours before consuming.

Best Side Dishes for Pickled celery

Pickled celery pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its tangy taste. Here are some great options:

1. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted to perfection brings out their natural sweetness, balancing the tartness of the pickles.
2. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette complements the crunchy texture of pickled celery.
3. Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw provides a rich counterpart to the sharp flavors of pickled celery.
4. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread offers a delightful contrast when enjoyed alongside tangy pickles.
5. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy chicken skewers are enhanced by adding pickled celery as a refreshing side.
6. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers make an excellent dish alongside the bright notes of pickled celery.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Pickling celery can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure your pickled celery is flavorful and crisp.

• Using the wrong vinegar: Not all vinegars are created equal. Stick to white vinegar and apple cider vinegar for a balanced flavor.
• Skipping the cooling step: Allowing the jars to cool to room temperature before sealing helps maintain texture. Don’t rush this step!
• Overcrowding jars: Ensure there’s enough space in each jar for the celery and brine. Overcrowding can lead to uneven pickling.
• Not letting it sit long enough: For optimal flavor, let your pickled celery sit for at least 24 hours before tasting. Patience is key!
• Ignoring storage conditions: Store your pickled celery in the refrigerator, not at room temperature. This keeps it fresh longer.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store pickled celery in sealed mason jars.
• It will last up to 2 months in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pickled celery

• Although freezing is not recommended for crispness, if needed, use airtight containers.
• Consume within 1-2 months for best quality.

Reheating Pickled celery

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm pickled celery in an oven-safe dish for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat at medium power in a microwave-safe container for 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat with a small amount of water over low heat on the stove until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making pickled celery.

How To Pickle Celery At Home?

To pickle celery at home, prepare a brine of water, vinegar, honey, and spices. Pour over cut celery and allow it to cool before refrigerating.

Can You Pickle Celery?

Yes! You can easily pickle celery using a variety of vinegars and spices to enhance its flavor and shelf life.

What Are Some Variations of Pickled Celery?

You can add ingredients like garlic, dill, or different peppers to create unique flavors in your pickles.

How Long Does Pickled Celery Last?

Pickled celery can last up to 2 months when stored properly in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

This pickled celery recipe is a delightful way to preserve fresh vegetables while adding a zesty crunch to your meals. Feel free to customize the spices or add other vegetables for a unique twist. Try it today and enjoy its versatility!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Pickled Celery

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 13 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Pickled celery is a vibrant and tangy addition to your meals, bringing a satisfying crunch that elevates salads, sandwiches, and snacks. This quick pickle recipe not only preserves the crispness of fresh celery but also infuses it with a zesty flavor profile thanks to a delightful blend of vinegars and spices. Perfect for meal prep or as a refreshing side dish at any gathering, pickled celery adds both taste and color to your culinary creations. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create this delicious treat that lasts for weeks in the fridge.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb fresh celery (cut into sticks or diced)
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 cup water
• Whole black pepper
• Fennel seeds
• Fresno pepper (for added flavor)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare mason jars by adding whole black pepper, fennel seeds, and chopped Fresno pepper at the bottom.
2. Cut celery into sticks or dice as preferred.
3. In a small saucepan, combine water, white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, honey, and kosher salt; bring to a gentle boil until dissolved.
4. Pour the hot brine over the cut celery until fully submerged.
5. Allow jars to cool before sealing with lids and refrigerating.
6. Let sit for at least 24 hours before enjoying.

• Prep Time: 8 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Pickling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 cup (60g)
• Calories: 31
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg