Place the celery stalks under cold running water and rinse them thoroughly, especially near the base where dirt can sometimes collect. Use your hands to gently rub away any debris, then pat the celery completely dry with paper towels. Dry celery helps the creamy filling stick better and keeps the snack crisp instead of watery.

Using a sharp knife, trim off the very ends of each celery stalk and remove any damaged or stringy outer pieces if needed. Cut the celery into evenly sized snack portions, usually about 3–4 inches long, so they’re easy to fill and comfortable to eat.

In a medium mixing bowl, add the cottage cheese or Greek yogurt along with the chopped parsley or dill, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together slowly at first so the herbs and seasonings distribute evenly throughout the creamy base.

Continue mixing the filling until it becomes smooth, creamy, and well combined. If you prefer a softer spread-like texture, you can lightly mash the cottage cheese with the back of a spoon or briefly blend the mixture in a food processor for an extra creamy consistency.

If you’d like additional texture and anti-inflammatory ingredients, stir in crushed walnuts, a small pinch of turmeric, chia seeds, hemp hearts, or any other optional add-ins. Mix gently so the filling stays creamy while evenly incorporating the extra ingredients.

Taste the filling before assembling the celery sticks and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add a little more lemon juice for brightness, extra herbs for freshness, or a pinch of salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor balance.

Using a spoon or small spatula, carefully fill the center groove of each celery piece with the creamy herb mixture. Spread the filling evenly from end to end so every bite has a good balance of crunch and creaminess without overflowing.

Arrange the filled celery sticks neatly on a serving plate, snack tray, or meal prep container. For a more polished presentation, sprinkle a few extra herbs, cracked black pepper, or crushed walnuts over the top.

Place the prepared celery snacks in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes before serving. Chilling helps the flavors meld together while keeping the celery extra crisp, cool, and refreshing.

Serve the celery snacks chilled as a healthy afternoon snack, light lunch, appetizer, or clean-eating side dish. They pair beautifully with herbal tea, fresh berries, grilled chicken, or other anti-inflammatory meals.