Need a celery root substitute for a similar crunchy texture? Numerous varieties of root vegetables are excellent stand-ins.
I have a deep appreciation for food and new recipes and techniques in the kitchen. Recently, I’ve been cooking with celery root more often.
But suppose the grocery store where you shop doesn’t have it. There are a number of alternatives to celery root that may provide the same taste and texture in your dishes.
I’ll discuss several excellent substitutes for celery root and how to prepare them in the kitchen.
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What is a celery root?
Celeriac, or celery root, is used in a wide variety of ways. It tastes and feels different from celery stalks which are also popular culinary items.
This bulb-like vegetable has a knobby brown exterior and soft white flesh. The celery knob is often eaten raw or cooked.
Roasted, fried, or mashed celery root is used in soups, stews, and purees for a nutty and sweet taste.
Celery root contains vitamin C, potassium, phosphorus, and fiber. Its many health benefits include improved digestion and heart health.
Make use of the thick, robust celery roots. If it feels squishy or has spots, it probably isn’t fresh. Storage options for celery root include refrigeration for up to a week or freezing for extended preservation.
Also, consider these fragrant options as a substitute for celery leaves in your next salad or garnish!
9 best celery root substitute ideas
If celery root isn’t accessible, what can you use? I’ll list my fave substitutes for celery root here.
- Parsnips
Celery root substitutes include parsnips with a similar celery-like taste and feel. Parsnips are versatile vegetables that can be eaten fresh or cooked in a wide range of meals, such as soups, stews, and roasts.
I often make creamy parsnip soup as a substitute for celeriac. It tastes and feels quite similar to the original.
You can also cut parsnips into wedges and toss them in the oven with some olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices for a wonderful side dish. What an amazingly versatile root vegetable!
- Jicama
Jicama is another perfect substitute idea for a crunchy experience (celery also works well as a jicama substitute!). It can be used in soups, stews, salads, and slaws to add crispness and sweetness.
In place of celery root, I’ve had great success using jicama in coleslaw. The flavors were accentuated by the jicama’s subtle sweetness and nutty crunch.
- Fennel
Fennel’s anise-like flavor makes it a good substitute for celery root. It’s a versatile ingredient since you can cook using both the fennel bulb and frond. Fennel goes great in soups, stews, and roasts.
The fennel bulb can be sautéed or roasted as a celery root alternative while the fronds can be sliced and used in dishes for taste.
- Turnips
Turnips can also substitute for the flavor of celery root. Their crisp texture and mildly sweet taste are a great addition to soups, stews, and roasts.
I also have a post in which I discuss substitutes for turnips. For additional inspiration, have a look!
- Kohlrabi
Soups, salads, stir-fries, and roasted foods benefit greatly from the use of kohlrabi as a celery root alternative. It shares celery root’s crisp texture and little sweetness.
After being peeled and diced, kohlrabi can stand in for celery root whenever needed.
One of these kohlrabi substitutes might be a great addition to your next dinner in place of it.
- Rutabaga
Rutabaga is a vegetable that looks like celery root but isn’t as earthy. It has a somewhat sweet flavor and a sturdy texture that works well in soup and stews.
In addition to its use in these cooked dishes, rutabaga is also delicious when roasted. If peeled and sliced, it can stand in for celery root.
One of my favorite preparations involves substituting rutabaga for celery root in a roasted vegetable dish. I can use either one of them interchangeably as a fantastic accompaniment because of how similar they are in flavor and texture.
This is why replacements for rutabaga include celery root. Read these to get ideas rolling!
- Sweet potato
Sweet potatoes taste somewhat sweet and delicate. Use them in your next pot of soup, roast, or stew.
As a celery root replacement, use peeled and sliced sweet potatoes or delicata squash / a delicata squash alternative. My lentil curry, for instance, featured sweet potatoes in place of celery root. As a whole, the curry and sweet potatoes made for a satisfying vegetarian dinner.
- Daikon radish
The mild flavor of daikon radish makes it a suitable alternative for celery root in dishes like soups, salads, and slaws. Daikon’s crunchiness lends a welcome new dimension to savory preparations.
I’ve tried daikon radish in place of celery root in my potato salad. Daikon’s crunch and mild sweetness were ideal complements to the other ingredients.
The fans of this veggie might also be curious about similar foods to use in place of Daikon radish. There are many versatile vegetables on the list!
- Arracacha
The white carrot, or arracacha, is a rare root vegetable that originates in South America. The crunchiness and taste remind me of celery root. Use it to make delicious soups, stews, and roasted veggies!
Celery substitute FAQs
One cup of raw celery root (156g) contains only about 66 calories.
Ground celery seeds can be used as a seasoning or addition to marinades. To add a little flair to your plate, try sprinkling some of the seeds on top.
Parsnips are one of the best substitutions for celery root in soup.
Yes, you can definitely use celery root in salads! Just be careful to remove the rough skin before chopping it up for your salad.
BOTTOM LINE: celery root is a distinctive component in recipes, although there are various celery root substitutes. Parsnips, jicama, turnips, and kohlrabi among many other options can substitute for celeriac flavor in many recipes. Therefore don’t allow the lack of celery root to stop you from cooking great meals!
Did you like all these celeriac substitute ideas? Share your favorite root vegetables in the comment!
Looking for some stronger peppery flavors? Check out these Korean radish substitutes and alternatives to horseradish, avocado oil alternatives!