Kohlrabi And Apple Slaw: A Heartwarming Crunch
Hello, fellow food lovers! Today, I’m thrilled to share a fantastic recipe that’s not only vibrant and crisp but also holds a special place in my culinary heart. Join me as we dive into the delicious world of Kohlrabi and Apple Slaw ā a dish that brings freshness and crunch to the table while telling a story of community and warmth.
A Feast for the Senses: The Story Behind the Slaw
Growing up, my kitchen was where flavors danced and ingredients sang. My grandmother had this magical way of turning humble vegetables into mouthwatering delights, and among her many creations, she introduced me to a variety of slaws. The simplest of ingredients, paired together with a splash of creativity, brought her recipes to life.
It was during one sunny afternoon that I discovered the wonders of kohlrabi. Her gentle hands showed me how to peel and slice this peculiar vegetable ā a cross between a turnip and cabbage! We tossed it with crisp apples, vibrant carrots, and a zingy dressing. As we mixed and tasted, I could smell the fresh lemon brightening the whole dish, and I remember the way my family’s laughter filled the air as we enjoyed it together.
This Kohlrabi and Apple Slaw is a remake of that cherished memory ā the perfect tribute to the flavors, comfort, and love that surround a well-prepared meal. So let’s gather our ingredients and get ready to recreate this delightful dish that will brighten any table!
Ingredients
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2 tablespoons slivered almonds (toasted): These will add a delightful crunch. If you’re nut-free, feel free to substitute with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for that satisfying bite!
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1 large kohlrabi (approx. 10 oz / 280 grams, peeled and cut into thin matchsticks): This unique vegetable has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. If kohlrabi isn’t available, you can swap it with a mix of cabbage and broccoli stems for a similar texture.
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1 medium carrot (approx. 3.5 oz / 100 grams, peeled and cut into thin matchsticks): Carrots bring sweetness and color to our slaw. If you want an extra twist, parsnips or radishes are great alternatives for a peppery bite!
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½ large apple (approx. 3.5 oz / 100 grams, tart and crisp like Pink Lady or Granny Smith): The apple adds a juicy briskness that complements the kohlrabi perfectly. Any crisp apple variety will do here; just avoid mealy ones.
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1 tablespoon dried cranberries (finely chopped): For a hint of tartness and a pop of color. Raisins or chopped apricots can serve as great substitutes!
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¼ red onion (approx. 1 oz / 30 grams, thinly sliced): This brings a slight bite to our slaw. If red onion feels too strong, use green onions or shallots for a milder, sweeter flavor.
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Zest of ¼ lemon: The zest elevates the entire dish, adding a bright and aromatic essence. You can use lime zest as a flavor swap for a different citrus profile.
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Juice of ½ lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a tangy punch to balance the sweetness of the apple and carrot. Feel free to adjust the amount to your taste!
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2 teaspoons honey: This element helps tie the flavors together. Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used for a vegan option.
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2 ½ tablespoons olive oil: A healthy fat that enhances flavor and texture. Avocado oil can be a wonderful alternative!
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ā teaspoon salt: This is essential for enhancing flavor. You can always adjust it to suit your preference.
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¼ teaspoon pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper gives a simple yet fiery finish!
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: This creamy element brings a delightful tang. Whole grain mustard can provide a fun texture and differing flavor.
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Fresh basil or parsley (optional): Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs brightens the dish and adds a feast for the eyes!
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prepare Your Ingredients:
Start by prepping all your veggies and apples. With your trusty peeler in one hand, give that kohlrabi a good peel until nothing but the fresh white interior is showing. Cut it into matchsticks, ensuring theyāre almost as thin as your patience allows! Nothing makes a slaw more delightful than consistent pieces. -
Slice the Carrot:
Using the same technique, peel and slice your carrot into thin matchsticks. You might find the crunch of that carrot in your slaw irresistible once it’s been coated in the dressing! -
Chop the Apple:
Core and slice your apple just like the kohlrabi and carrot. Emphasize evenness for a lovely texture throughout. If you’re worried about browning, give the slices a quick toss with some lemon juice right away. -
Mix in Other Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the kohlrabi, carrots, apple, dried cranberries, and red onion. Take a moment to admire those colors! Itās beautiful, isnāt it? -
Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, honey, olive oil, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard until well combined. This dressing is everything! The honey will help balance the acidity nicely. -
Toss Everything Together:
Pour the dressing over your slaw mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated. Make sure every crunchy piece gets a taste of that gorgeous dressing! -
Chill and Marry Those Flavors:
Cover your slaw with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to a couple of hours. This resting stage is where the magic happens – flavors meld, and the ingredients soften just the right amount. -
Finish with Fresh Herbs:
Just before serving, give the slaw another gentle toss and, if you’re using herbs, throw in your fresh parsley or basil so it stays bright and vibrant!
Serving Suggestions
Serving this slaw is about showcasing its vivid colors and textures. Transfer it to a beautiful serving bowl, and let those vibrant colors shine! You can garnish with a few extra slivered almonds on top for an inviting crunch thatāll have everyone reaching for seconds. This slaw is perfect as a side dish for grilled meats, fish, or even as a refreshing topping for tacos!
Recipe Variations
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Spicy Crunch: Add a touch of heat by tossing in some thinly sliced jalepeƱos or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing!
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Creamy Twist: For those who love a creamier slaw, mix in a few tablespoons of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise with the dressing ingredients. This makes for a richer, more decadent slaw!
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Tropical Slaw: Swap out the apple and cranberries for mango and pineapple. Add a tablespoon of coconut flakes for an island twist!
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Herb-Forward: Increase the quantity of fresh herbs or mix it up with cilantro and mint for a fresh summer flair!
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Nut-Free Option: Simply omit the almonds if you have nut allergies, adding sunflower seeds for crunch instead.
Chefās Notes
As I reflect on this slaw, I am reminded of how recipes can evolve over time. This Kohlrabi and Apple Slaw has traveled with me through each season and every family gathering. One thing thatās always stayed the same is how it brings smiles around the table. Itās also an adaptable recipe; I love seeing what variations my friends come up with based on what they have available!
And let me tell you, one time I swapped in some leftover grilled chicken, and it turned into a whole new meal! Who doesn’t love those serendipitous kitchen moments?
FAQs and Troubleshooting
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Can I make this slaw ahead of time?
Absolutely! This slaw can be made a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge, and youāll find that the flavors become more pronounced! -
Why does my slaw look brown?
If you’re using apple varieties that brown quickly, toss them in lemon juice immediately after slicing to maintain that fresh look. -
Iām not a fan of kohlrabi, what can I use instead?
Think of substituting with cabbage, broccoli stems, or even jicama! Just remember to give them a good crunch. -
Is this slaw healthy?
Yes! Packed with vitamins and fiber, it’s a great addition to a balanced diet. The healthiness can be tweaked depending on your dressing mix anyway you like!
Nutritional Info
This slaw offers a fantastic balance of nutrients. While I wonāt give specific numbers (as it depends on how generous your portions are), kohlrabi and apples are both low in calories and rich in vitamins C and K. A delightful balance of healthy fats from the olive oil keeps it heart-friendly.
So there you have it! A beautiful, comforting recipe that not only tastes amazing but also tells a story of love and togetherness in every bite. I hope you enjoy making this Kohlrabi and Apple Slaw as much as I do. Gather your loved ones, fill your home with the warmth of good cooking, and enjoy!
Happy Cooking! ā Nina 🍲✨
PrintKohlrabi and Apple Slaw
A vibrant and crisp slaw made with kohlrabi, apples, and a zingy dressing, perfect for bringing freshness to your table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons slivered almonds (toasted) or pumpkin seeds/sunflower seeds
- 1 large kohlrabi (approx. 10 oz / 280 grams, peeled and cut into thin matchsticks)
- 1 medium carrot (approx. 3.5 oz / 100 grams, peeled and cut into thin matchsticks)
- ½ large apple (approx. 3.5 oz / 100 grams, tart and crisp like Pink Lady or Granny Smith)
- 1 tablespoon dried cranberries (finely chopped)
- ¼ red onion (approx. 1 oz / 30 grams, thinly sliced)
- Zest of ¼ lemon
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup/agave nectar
- 2 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- ā teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by peeling and cutting the kohlrabi, carrot, and apple into matchsticks.
- Slice the carrot using the same technique for consistency.
- Chop the apple and toss it with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Mix in the kohlrabi, carrots, apple, dried cranberries, and red onion in a large bowl.
- Prepare the dressing by whisking together lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, olive oil, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard.
- Toss the dressing with the slaw until well coated.
- Chill the slaw in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors.
- Finish with fresh herbs just before serving.
Notes
This slaw is best served chilled and can be made a day in advance. Garnish with extra almonds for added crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: slaw, kohlrabi, salad, healthy, vegetarian