These Mediterranean Stuffed Celery Sticks are a fresh, crunchy snack bursting with flavor and nutrition.
Packed with plant-based protein from hummus, fiber from celery, and healthy fats from olives and feta, they’re a guilt-free treat that satisfies cravings.
Quick to prepare and perfect for meal prep, this colorful snack is ideal for everyday healthy eating or entertaining guests.
Mediterranean Stuffed Celery Sticks
Equipment
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Ziplock bag (for piping hummus)
- Platter or serving tray
Ingredients
- 12 pre-cut celery sticks
- ½ cup hummus
- 1 plum tomato diced
- ¼ cup cucumber diced
- ⅓ cup kalamata olives chopped
- 3 tablespoons feta cheese crumbled
Instructions
- Prepare Your Workstation: Start by setting up a clean, organized workspace.Place a cutting board on a flat surface and gather all your ingredients pre-cut celery sticks, hummus, tomato, cucumber, kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Have a sharp knife and a ziplock bag ready for piping the hummus. This ensures a smooth and efficient prep process.
- Arrange the Celery Base: Take your 12 pre-cut celery sticks and lay them out on a serving platter or tray. Position them with the curved side facing up, as this will create a natural “boat” for holding the toppings. Make sure the celery sticks are evenly spaced to allow room for decorating each one beautifully.
- Prepare the Hummus for Piping: Scoop ½ cup of your favorite hummus into a small ziplock bag. Press the hummus toward one corner of the bag, removing any air pockets. Then, snip off a tiny corner of the bag with scissors to create a small opening—this will act as your piping nozzle, giving you control to apply the hummus neatly.
- Pipe the Hummus onto Celery Sticks: Hold the ziplock bag like a piping bag and gently squeeze the hummus into the center of each celery stick, filling the groove. Aim for a consistent layer that covers the length of the celery, but don’t overfill to avoid spillage. This creamy layer acts as the flavor base and helps the toppings stick.
- Dice the Tomato and Cucumber: While piping, carefully dice the plum tomato and cucumber into small, uniform pieces. The size should be bite-friendly, roughly ¼-inch cubes, so they sit nicely on top of the hummus without falling off. Evenly diced vegetables create a polished, appealing presentation.
- Chop the Kalamata Olives: Pit the kalamata olives if needed and chop them into small pieces. Their rich, tangy flavor complements the creamy hummus and crisp vegetables.Make sure the pieces are small enough to sprinkle evenly across the celery sticks for balanced flavor in every bite.
- Sprinkle the Fresh Vegetables and Olives: Take a pinch of the diced tomato and cucumber and sprinkle them evenly over the hummus on each celery stick. Follow by adding the chopped kalamata olives. Spread the toppings evenly to ensure that every bite delivers a combination of flavors and textures: creamy, crisp, and slightly briny.
- Add the Feta Cheese Finishing Touch: Crumble 3 tablespoons of feta cheese over the top of the stuffed celery sticks. The feta adds a slightly tangy, salty note that enhances the Mediterranean flavors.Sprinkle carefully to cover each stick without overwhelming the other ingredients, maintaining balance in flavor and texture.
- Chill or Serve Immediately: These Mediterranean stuffed celery sticks can be served right away for a fresh, crunchy snack, or you can refrigerate them for up to a few hours before guests arrive. If chilling, cover the platter with plastic wrap to keep the vegetables crisp and the flavors fresh.
- Presentation and Enjoyment: Finally, arrange the sticks neatly on the platter for serving. Optionally, garnish with a few small olive slices or a light drizzle of olive oil for added visual appeal. Serve as a snack, side dish, or healthy appetizer. Enjoy the vibrant Mediterranean flavors and the satisfying crunch in every bite!
Notes
- Celery Selection: Pre-cut celery sticks save time, but fresh, whole celery can also be used. Simply trim the ends and cut into uniform sticks.
- Vegetable Prep: Dice tomatoes and cucumber in small, consistent pieces for easy topping placement and a balanced bite.
- Hummus Piping: Using a ziplock bag to pipe hummus ensures neat, controlled application. A spoon can be used in a pinch.
- Cheese Option: Feta adds creaminess and tang; for a dairy-free version, substitute with vegan feta or skip entirely.
- Make-Ahead Tips: You can prep vegetables and hummus up to a day in advance, but assemble just before serving to maintain celery crunch.
Chef’s Secrets For Perfect Flavor
To make Mediterranean Stuffed Celery Sticks truly exceptional, balance is key.
Start with a creamy, flavorful hummus—roasted garlic or red pepper hummus adds depth.
Cut the vegetables uniformly so every bite offers a mix of crunch and freshness.
Layer ingredients gently; overcrowding the celery can cause toppings to fall off.
For a finishing touch, lightly drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the sticks just before serving.
This not only enhances flavor but also gives the dish a glossy, appetizing appearance.
Serving Suggestions And Pairing Ideas
These celery sticks are versatile and work well as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.
Serve them alongside grilled chicken, falafel, or pita bread for a complete Mediterranean-inspired spread.
They are also perfect for parties—arrange on a colorful platter with additional vegetables like carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes, or bell pepper slices for visual appeal.
Pair with a light, crisp white wine, sparkling water with lemon, or iced herbal tea to enhance the fresh, vibrant flavors.
Storage Tips To Keep Fresh
For optimal freshness, store the celery sticks and toppings separately in airtight containers.
Celery retains its crunch when kept in the fridge wrapped in a damp paper towel or submerged in cold water in a container.
Hummus and chopped vegetables can be prepped up to 24 hours in advance.
Once assembled, store the stuffed celery in the refrigerator and consume within 1–2 hours for the best texture.
Avoid assembling too far in advance, as the celery may become soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply replace feta cheese with a plant-based alternative or omit it entirely. The hummus already provides protein and creaminess, keeping the snack satisfying and nutritious.
2. Can I use whole celery instead of pre-cut?
Absolutely. Wash and trim the celery, then cut into uniform sticks. The dish will taste the same, though pre-cut celery is convenient and reduces prep time.
3. How long can I store leftovers?
Store unassembled vegetables and hummus separately for up to 24 hours. Once assembled, celery sticks are best eaten immediately or within 1–2 hours to maintain their crisp texture.
4. Can I add other toppings?
Yes! You can experiment with roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, or fresh herbs like parsley or dill to add flavor and color. Just avoid overly watery toppings that could make celery soggy.
5. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely. The creamy hummus and colorful vegetables are appealing to children. Dice the toppings finely to make them easier for small hands to handle and consider mild-flavored hummus varieties for picky eaters.
