Raw Kohlrabi & Grapefruit Salad

by Kiran on January 17, 2012 · 82 comments

in Salads, Sides, Vegetarian

There’s shivers everywhere.

Cold front has finally struck and there I am posting a “chilled” recipe.

Don’t hate me for the fact that this recipe was created when the sun was shining oh so brightly here in Florida — but the nightfalls are as nightmarish-ly cold as one can imagine.

So, it’s a lose-lose for everyone. Well, not until you’ve tried this recipe. It would knock you off your socks!

Anyhoo…

I couldn’t believe my lucky stars when I saw kohlrabi in my local grocery store. This is one those vegetables that was making too many rounds on the blogosphere. And I had to try. Curiosity always takes the best out of me, can’t you tell?

The name comes from the German Kohl (“cabbage”) plus Rübe ~ Rabi (Swiss German variant) (“turnip”) – Wikipedia

Upon researching some facts on kohlrabi, I decided on a raw salad recipe just so I can taste my way towards this unfamiliar ingredients. Cooking would just alter it’s natural taste.

After taking ill for so many days, just looking at a bagful of fresh and ripened grapefruit makes me cringe. I can’t promise what all I would have to do to use up those delicious grapefruits before it expires. Any tips or recipes would be appreciated.

Thanking the lucky stars we had only 1 sad looking pomegranate in the refrigerator.

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Ingredients:

  • 2 medium kohlrabi, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 big ripe and juicy grapefruit (segments & juice)
  • 1/3 cup pomegranate arils
  • 1/2 tsp honey
  • a pinch of salt & black pepper
  • a pinch of fresh herb (thyme/basil/mint)

Directions:

  1. In a bowl, add all ingredients. Mix and refrigerate to develop flavors. Serve chilled or room temperature.

 

Off to cook some shrimp coconut curry – been craving it all morning.

Have you tried kohlrabi before? What’s your favorite recipe?

Food thought of the day

 The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook. — Julia Child

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1 Tricia January 17, 2012 at 1:05 PM

Simple and raw! Just what I look for these days! Looks beautiful and delicious! Now, it’s my turn to hunt down some kohlrabi! lol

Thanks for sharing this one Kiran!

2 Kiran January 23, 2012 at 2:14 AM

Tricia,
You are welcome sweetie — go and hunt a kohlrabi, now! Nothing could ever beat a good raw salad 🙂

3 Angie@Angie's Recipes January 17, 2012 at 3:02 PM

A fresh and delicious salad. Nice combination of colour and flavours.
Angie@Angie’s Recipes recently posted..Fennel Potato Soup with Saffron

4 Kiran January 23, 2012 at 2:14 AM

Angie,
Thanks sweetie 🙂

5 Glamorous Glutton January 17, 2012 at 5:27 PM

I haven’t eaten kohl rabi before, not sure why as it’s in all the supermarkets here. Your salad looks delicious and fresh so perhaps this should be my kohl rabi introduction. GG
Glamorous Glutton recently posted..Random Recipe

6 Kiran January 23, 2012 at 2:16 AM

GG,
Go and get your kohlrabi fix! It’s so refreshing 🙂

7 linda @spiceboxtravels January 17, 2012 at 7:04 PM

Just beautiful and so refreshing. Glad you’re feeling better, Kiran.
linda @spiceboxtravels recently posted..A Visit to the Marché in St Pierre, Ile de la Réunion

8 Kiran January 23, 2012 at 2:17 AM

Linda,
Thanks a lot sweetie 🙂

9 Yummy Morsel January 17, 2012 at 7:23 PM

I have a grapefruit sitting in my fridge! Was wondering what to do with it. Will try this out.
Yummy Morsel recently posted..Chocolate Brownies (a foolproof recipe)!

10 Kiran January 23, 2012 at 2:19 AM

Yummy Morsel,
Thanks dear — do try this recipe and let me know how it tastes 🙂

11 Kelly @ Inspired Edibles January 17, 2012 at 8:21 PM

Sun shining bright? Florida? You’re right, I am feeling rather envious… 😉 What a wonderful idea for a salad Kiran – I just love that you incorporated kohlrabi – gorgeous! (have just pinned it on my salad board over at pinterest :)).
Kelly @ Inspired Edibles recently posted..Blueberry Chai Pudding

12 Kiran January 23, 2012 at 2:23 AM

Kelly,
Hahaha! Believe it. One day, it’s chilly cold (sometimes minus), and someday its so hot! Whassup with the weather?!?

Thanks for pinning it on Pinterest 🙂

13 anh@anhsfoodblog.com January 17, 2012 at 9:22 PM

i love kohlrabi. In Vietnamese cooking, we often use it for salad, slaw or simply stir-fry it!
anh@anhsfoodblog.com recently posted..Watermelon and rose granita – [summer]

14 Kiran January 23, 2012 at 2:24 AM

Anh,
I’ve never had kohlrabi before this, and love how much similar taste it has with regular turnips 🙂

15 Richa@HobbyandMore January 18, 2012 at 12:30 AM

the salad looks refreshing and so pretty! .. and yes it is too cold for a cold salad right now.. We are going to get pounded by snow tonite!
Richa@HobbyandMore recently posted..Whole Red lentil and Mung bean Daal soup with shallots and tomatoes.(Sabut Masoor aur Mung ki daal). vegan glutenfree

16 Kiran January 23, 2012 at 2:27 AM

Richa,
Thanks sweetie — there’s weather unpredictability here in Florida. Some days, I just want soups. Other days, I just scream for ice cream 😀

17 Kiran January 23, 2012 at 2:35 AM

Richa,
Just to inform you — I am unable to comment on your blog. There’s some technical issue with blogspot word verification.

18 Deeps @ Naughty Curry January 18, 2012 at 1:39 AM

this is a new one to me, never seen or heard of kohlrabi. looks interesting wonder if its available in india..
Deeps @ Naughty Curry recently posted..Baby Corn 65- Crispy, tangy deleciousness

19 Kiran January 23, 2012 at 2:29 AM

Deeps,
Thanks sweetie — I think it’s available in India 🙂 Here’s what Google gave me:

“In India, Kohlrabi is more commonly called Knolknol (English) or Nookal (Hindi). It is also used extensively in Southern part of India.”

20 Charles January 18, 2012 at 4:00 AM

Heh, I’ve never tried Kohlrabi either – I’m very curious to give it a try now! This looks like a wonderful light salad. I love grapefruit so I bet this is delicious 🙂

21 Kiran January 23, 2012 at 2:40 AM

Charles,
Thanks dear — kohlrabi has similar texture of that turnips/parsnips 🙂

22 chinmayie @ love food eat January 18, 2012 at 4:21 AM

Interesting salad recipe! I love kohlrabi in raw salads!
chinmayie @ love food eat recently posted..Pineapple Mint Punch

23 Kiran January 23, 2012 at 2:41 AM

Chinmayie,
Thanks sweetie 🙂

24 jess white @athriftyfoodie January 18, 2012 at 5:31 AM

Looks so fresh and pretty! beautiful photography!

25 Kiran January 23, 2012 at 2:45 AM

Jess,
Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for the lovely compliments 🙂

26 Helene Dsouza I Masala Herb January 18, 2012 at 8:25 AM

hm I am not a kohlrabi fan. but then I havent had it in a while, last was surely 7 years ago and my taste buds have changed with time. Sounds interessting the combi with grapefruit and I am a full on fan of this cirtus fruit!

27 Kiran January 23, 2012 at 2:46 AM

Helene,
Thanks a lot sweetie — bet you would love this kohlrabi recipe with a citrusy twist 🙂

28 Magic of Spice January 18, 2012 at 10:54 AM

Kohlrabi is one I have not tried so I will have to keep an eye out 🙂 This salad is lovely, and I really enjoy this type of texture combination! And the photos are wonderful, as always!
Glad you are feeling better, hugs
Magic of Spice recently posted..What’s on the side? Roasted Root Vegetables with Red Current and Herb Dip

29 Kiran January 24, 2012 at 11:52 PM

Magic of Spice,
Thanks sweetie — I am feeling much better 🙂

I’ve never tried kohlrabi before this — it’s very yummy in salads!

30 Asmita January 18, 2012 at 1:04 PM

Wow, this salad looks great!!!
Asmita recently posted..Lemon Yogurt Cake

31 Kiran January 24, 2012 at 11:59 PM

Asmita,
Thanks sweetie 🙂

32 Katherine Martinelli January 18, 2012 at 2:06 PM

This looks so fresh and delicious! I often need a break in winter from all the heavy comfort foods and dishes like this are just perfect. I’m a huge fan of kohlrabi too. Luckily it’s readily available in Israel. I really enjoy it raw in salads just like this! Gorgeous photos

33 Kiran January 25, 2012 at 9:39 AM

Katherine,
Thanks dear — I never knew you are in Israel 🙂

34 kankana January 18, 2012 at 2:41 PM

Well, I am very familiar with this dish. My Mom used to cook this turnip all like a ‘sukhi subji’ you know! Your idea of making salad with this is very interesting 🙂
kankana recently posted..My Love for Street Food

35 Kiran January 25, 2012 at 9:41 AM

Kankana,
Wow, I’ve never heard of kohlrabi before this — guess there’s many vegetables out there to be discovered. I am intrigued by the “sukhi subji”. Ask your mom for the recipe and blog about it 😉

36 Sarah M January 18, 2012 at 2:44 PM

I grew up eating kohlrabi, my uncle always grew it in his garden. We would always peel it, slice it, sprinkle it with a bit of salt. Yum, Yum, Yum.

37 Kiran January 25, 2012 at 9:43 AM

Sarah,
Thank you for your comment 🙂
I had kohlrabi sliced with a little olive oil and salt — delish!!

38 Juliana January 18, 2012 at 3:29 PM

Beautiful salad Kiran, great combination of colors and flavors. Beautiful pictures as well.
Hope you are having a wonderful week 🙂
Juliana recently posted..PANKO CRUSTED PANELA CHEESE

39 Kiran January 25, 2012 at 9:44 AM

Juliana,
Thanks honey — I am having a great week, and hoping the same for you as well 🙂

40 Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen January 18, 2012 at 10:53 PM

How nice and refreshing, a real palate cleanser.
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen recently posted..Mobile Photography/iPhoneography | A New Pair of Eyes

41 Kiran January 25, 2012 at 9:44 AM

Sylvie,
Thanks dear 🙂

42 Khushboo January 19, 2012 at 1:10 AM

Sounds cheesy but blogs really teach me so much- up until this post I had no idea what kohlrabi existed! Thanks to your post, I do now and I even have a go-to recipe! Hope it’s available in Mumbai!
Khushboo recently posted..My new workout schedule

43 Kiran January 25, 2012 at 11:14 AM

Khushboo,
Nope, not at all cheesy. I have the same admiration for blogs — we learn so much from each other 🙂

You are welcome, sweetie — I hope you would discover kohlrabi and it’s many use in Mumbai!

44 Nava Krishnan January 19, 2012 at 4:03 AM

That turnip called kohlrabi is new to me Kiran and wonder if I find it over at my place? That does not mean I don’t drool over this salad because the ingredients and the colors are so blooming, very nice.
Nava Krishnan recently posted..Lake Como – Milan (Italy)

45 Kiran January 25, 2012 at 11:19 AM

Nava,
Kohlrabi is new to me too — thanks for the compliments, and I hope you would be able to find it too. If not, the next best substitute would be turnips 🙂

46 Tes January 19, 2012 at 4:14 AM

Wow what a beautiful salad. I love grapefruit but I have never tried kohrabi before. I have no idea it can be eaten raw. It’s sound delicious 🙂
Tes recently posted..Little Owl Beanie

47 Kiran January 25, 2012 at 11:42 AM

Tes,
Thanks sweetie — if you can find kohlrabi, try it 🙂

48 Nami | Just One Cookbook January 19, 2012 at 4:24 AM

It’s my first time hearing kohlrabi (um, how do you pronounce it? haha). This salad is refreshing! I have a lot of grapefruit at home already. I need to check this new ingredient in supermarket. I’ll be happy when I find it!
Nami | Just One Cookbook recently posted..Oden

49 Kiran January 25, 2012 at 11:45 AM

Nami,
You are too cute! It’s pronounced, “kol-rabi”, and I hope you get to try it!

50 Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella January 19, 2012 at 4:53 AM

Luckily for me, it’s beautiful and warm here so these cold salad recipes are most welcome! 😀

51 Kiran January 25, 2012 at 11:57 AM

Lorraine,
So jealous 😉 Enjoy!

52 Rebecca January 19, 2012 at 8:01 AM

beautiful salad i must try it too
Rebecca recently posted..Introducing Go Social

53 Kiran January 25, 2012 at 11:58 AM

Rebecca,
Thanks honey — do try and let me know how it tastes 🙂

54 Julie M. January 19, 2012 at 8:11 AM

Such beautiful colors in that salad! I have to say that I’ve never had kolrabi before. You’ve definitely got me curious; I may have to go track some down.
Julie M. recently posted..Chicken, Sausage & Seafood Loaded Jambalaya

55 Kiran January 25, 2012 at 12:05 PM

Julie,
Thanks sweetie — track some kohlrabi down!!

56 Kristi Rimkus January 19, 2012 at 9:42 AM

What a beautiful salad for winter. As much as I love the soups and stews, I need something refreshing too.
Kristi Rimkus recently posted..Need Some Heat? Coconut Curry Soup

57 Kiran January 25, 2012 at 12:09 PM

Kristi,
Thanks dear — I had it with soups! It’s salad kinda days now 🙂

58 Ina gawne January 19, 2012 at 10:04 AM

Your salad looks refreshing and gorgeous! I have never tried Kohlrabi before – I must try. I have been giving thought to making Grapefruit Pomegranate marmalade – the grapefruit is so delicious and juicy right now. Or what about used in a cake?
Ina gawne recently posted..SNOW DAY

59 Kiran January 25, 2012 at 12:13 PM

Ina,
Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for the compliments!
Do try this recipe for intro to kohlrabi and let me know how it tastes! Grapefruits are great in everything, including cake! Or sangria 😉

60 Gretchen O'Donnell January 19, 2012 at 11:45 AM

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog! I just ate a grapefruit and I love them! Luckily my kids do too, so the 18 pound bag I bought shouldn’t go to waste. I’m not good at knowing anything to do with them other than just eating them straight, though. My four year old loves squeezing them after she’s “finished” with the spoon…

61 Kiran January 25, 2012 at 12:16 PM

Gretchen,
Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for commenting 🙂 There’s so many ways to use grapefruits and with 18 pounds bag — you have a lot of work ahead 🙂

62 sonia January 19, 2012 at 1:03 PM

Hey Kiran, This salad is looking rocking – in flavor, nutrition and presentation. I never tried this version of turnip but now wud love to have it. Lovely… !
sonia recently posted..The Ultimate PBJ Sandwich – Can you resist this one ?

63 Kiran January 25, 2012 at 12:18 PM

Sonia,
Thanks dear — do try kohlrabi and let me know how it tastes 🙂

64 mycookinghut January 19, 2012 at 2:31 PM

Looks really refreshing!
mycookinghut recently posted..pineapple tarts for chinese new year

65 Kiran January 25, 2012 at 12:19 PM

Leemei,
Thanks sweetie 🙂

66 Miri Leigh January 19, 2012 at 6:03 PM

This looks light and delicious. And perfect for summer- only 6 months away!
Miri Leigh recently posted..Happy Holidays, and Away We Go!

67 Kiran January 25, 2012 at 12:19 PM

Miri,
Thanks dear — surprisingly, it’s very summery feel in Florida right now.

68 Carolyn Jung January 19, 2012 at 8:16 PM

Hey, we still eat ice cream in the winter. So, nothing wrong with a chilled salad in the winter. Just eat it wrapped in a cashmere scarf and you’ll be fine. 😉
Carolyn Jung recently posted..Not Diet Food

69 Kiran January 25, 2012 at 12:21 PM

Carolyn,
I love your idea with scarf — just not too lucky with “cashmere” 😉

70 Ann January 19, 2012 at 11:01 PM

This looks delicious! I’ve not tried kohlrabi, but it is on my list of things to try! I had no idea you lived in Florida! I live in NE Florida near Jacksonville….are we close?
Ann recently posted..Orzo with Chicken and Lemon

71 Kiran January 25, 2012 at 12:22 PM

Ann,
Thanks sweetie — I live in Orlando!! Not close but definitely not too far 😀 Hopeful to cross paths some day!

72 Jennifer (Delicieux) January 20, 2012 at 4:19 AM

Gorgeous salad!!!! I love the grapefruit but have never tried kohlrabi. Another vegetable to add to my must try list!
Jennifer (Delicieux) recently posted..Sesame & Cumin Lavosh

73 Kiran January 25, 2012 at 12:26 PM

Jennifer,
Thanks sweetie — do try this recipe and let me know how it tastes 🙂

74 Norma Chang January 20, 2012 at 7:46 AM

Kohlrabi and grapefruit, what a lovely combination and healthy too. I usually cook my kohlrabi. Stir-fry briefly, it brings out the sweetness and retains the crunch.

75 Kiran January 25, 2012 at 12:33 PM

Norma,
Thanks for sharing your tips on cooking kohlrabi — i must try it soon 🙂

76 Sophie January 20, 2012 at 1:20 PM

Hello my friend!

I love kohlrabi a lot & your dish is really inovating & apart too! 😉

I like to serve it in little pieces cooked & than served with a bechamel sauce & some bought seitan sausages. Lovely! It is also great in gratin dishes with Gruyère!
Have a great weekend, my friend! 😉 Cyberhugs too!
Sophie recently posted..Mom’s brown baked rice & vegetables dish

77 Kiran January 25, 2012 at 12:35 PM

Sophie,
Hello my dear friend 🙂
Thanks for the compliments and the cooking tips! I must make a gratin soon…

Cyberhugs xoxo

78 Catcat November 5, 2013 at 4:16 AM

I just made this with my CSA veggies and mint from my garden and it was super delicious! Thanks for the inspiration. I also grated one little carrot in there, because he was looking so lonely in the fridge.

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