Pineapple-Cheese Stuffed Celery
A flavorful and refreshing appetizer featuring pineapple, cheese, and herbs stuffed into celery stalks, perfect for parties or light snacking with a tropical twist.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained ⓘ
- 2 packages Philadelphia cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 2 stalks celery, cleaned and cut into thirds ⓘ
- 1 large eggplant, baked ⓘ
- 1 large tomato, chopped fine
- 1 green onion, chopped fine ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic
- 4 tablespoons fresh parsley ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons wine vinegar ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients together in a mixing bowl.
- Chill the mixture for 2 or more hours.
- Serve the stuffed celery stalks chilled.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or a touch of curry powder to the mixture. If you don’t have cream cheese, ricotta or a dairy-free alternative can work. Make sure to fully drain the crushed pineapple to avoid excess moisture. Adjust the garlic amount to your taste, as it can be quite strong. For a twist, try using fresh herbs like dill or basil.
Serving Suggestions
These Pineapple-Cheese Stuffed Celery stalks make a refreshing appetizer for parties or picnics. They pair beautifully with 'One Of A Kind' Potato Salad for a delightful summer meal. Consider serving alongside a light salad or fresh fruit for a balanced spread. Garnish with extra parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The stuffed celery can be kept chilled and served directly from the fridge. Avoid freezing, as the texture will change. If you prefer warm servings, briefly microwave the stuffed celery, but be cautious not to overheat the cream cheese mixture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pineapple-Cheese Stuffed Celery contains roughly 393 calories, with 17g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (181% of the Daily Value), and calcium (149% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. At about 393 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the stuffed celery a day in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day ahead and chill it. Just stuff the celery right before serving to keep it crisp. This also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just ensure that it’s well covered to maintain freshness.
What can I substitute for celery if I don't like it?
If celery isn't your favorite, consider using cucumber sticks or bell pepper strips as a base. Both options provide a crunchy texture and will hold the creamy filling well. This can also make for a fun presentation and different flavor combinations.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Absolutely! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly, as it contains no meat products. The cream cheese and vegetables create a satisfying appetizer. It’s perfect for gatherings and can be enjoyed by those following vegetarian recipes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).