What Is Celery Salt? How to Make and Use Celery Salt

Celery salt is a spice mixture that contains ground celery seeds and salt. You will commonly find the spice blend in savory dishes, where it adds a hint of celery flavor. It’s also a main flavor component in a Bloody Mary, a popular brunch cocktail.

Make your own celery salt by combining ground celery seeds and salt to produce a flavor similar to the name brand blends you might find in grocery stores. Alternatively, you can make a variation of homemade celery salt by grinding fresh, dried celery leaves (from the celery stalk) and mixing the grounds with salt. Use a ratio of one part ground celery leaves to two parts fine sea salt or table salt.

Celery salt is a versatile pantry staple you can add to dishes for extra flavor without overpowering the taste of the dish. You can also use it with other seasoning blends. If you’re cooking with several spice blends, take caution of using multiple mixes that contain salt or your finished dish could end up too salty.

1. 1. Add flavor to a Bloody Mary. Dust celery salt along the rim of the glass when making this classic cocktail, consisting of tomato juice, vodka, and hot sauce. Finish the cocktail with a celery stalk garnish.
2. 2. Enhance cold salads. Use celery salt instead of plain salt in cold salads, such as potato salad, egg salad, tuna salad, or coleslaw. The seasoning adds a unique flavor beyond the usual salt and black pepper.
3. 3. Season a Chicago-style hot dog. Celery salt is a key flavor in this famous style of hot dog. Traditionally, a Chicago dog features a steamed bun with a hot dog topped with mustard, sweet relish, chopped onion, diced tomato, a pickle spear, and celery salt.