Crunchy Kohlrabi Carrot Salad (Vegetarian Recipe)

This vegetarian kohlrabi and carrot salad is a light, nutritious dish that’s incredibly easy to make at home. Featuring the natural crispness and sweetness of kohlrabi and carrots combined with a rich, tangy-sweet dressing, this salad is not only perfect for hot summer days but also an ideal choice for vegetarians or those following a specific diet plan.

Finished vegetarian kohlrabi carrot salad in a bowl

Ingredients for Vegetarian Kohlrabi Carrot Salad

To prepare this vegetarian kohlrabi carrot salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Kohlrabi: 1 large, young bulb with smooth skin and a firm feel.
• Carrot: 1 fresh, bright orange carrot, not soft or mushy.
• Onion: ½ bulb (optional), thinly sliced.
• Fresh Herbs: Vietnamese coriander (rau răm), Thai basil (húng quế), culantro (ngò gai) – washed and chopped. (Or use readily available herbs like mint and cilantro).
• Roasted Peanuts: Crushed.
• Fresh Chili: Finely chopped (to taste).

For the Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons vegetarian fish sauce.
• 2 tablespoons sugar.
• 2 tablespoons lime juice.
• 1 clove garlic, minced.
• ½ teaspoon minced chili (optional).

Fresh ingredients for kohlrabi carrot salad including kohlrabi, carrots, herbs, and peanuts

Proper Ingredient Preparation

Thorough preparation ensures the salad achieves maximum crispness and flavor:

• Kohlrabi and Carrots: Peel, wash thoroughly, then julienne or shred thinly and evenly. Soak in ice water for about 15-20 minutes to maintain crispness.
• Onion: Slice thinly and soak in ice water to reduce its pungent flavor.
• Fresh Herbs: Wash well, let drain completely, and chop roughly.
• Roasted Peanuts: Crush moderately to add a nutty texture when eating.

Mastering the Vegetarian Salad Dressing

The dressing plays a crucial role in creating the distinctive flavor of the dish. Follow this recipe:

1. Combine the vegetarian fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, minced garlic, and minced chili in a bowl.
2. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning to balance the sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors.

Pro Tip: For a richer dressing, you can add a little chili sauce or substitute soy sauce for the vegetarian fish sauce, but remember to adjust the sugar and lime accordingly.

Steps to Make Vegetarian Kohlrabi Carrot Salad

1. Place the prepared kohlrabi, carrots, and onion in a large bowl.
2. Pour the dressing mixture over the ingredients.
3. Gently toss using your hands or tongs to ensure the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Let the salad rest for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, add the fresh herbs and crushed peanuts and toss again.
6. Arrange the salad on a plate, garnishing with a few slices of fresh chili for visual appeal.

Mixing the kohlrabi carrot salad with dressing in a large bowl

Creative Twists for Your Salad

Feel free to add other ingredients to customize the salad:

• Fried Tofu: Dice and fry until golden brown and crispy before mixing in.
• Mushrooms: Straw mushrooms or wood ear mushrooms, sautéed briefly with a little olive oil for added flavor.
• Cucumber: Thinly sliced or julienned, adding a refreshing coolness.
• Green Mango: Julienned, providing a pleasant, mild tartness.

Health Benefits of Kohlrabi Carrot Salad

This vegetarian kohlrabi carrot salad is not only delicious but also offers numerous nutritional benefits:

• Rich in Vitamins A, C, K: Beneficial for eyesight, the immune system, and skin health.
• High in Fiber: Supports digestion, helps prevent constipation, and promotes satiety.
• Low in Calories: Suitable for those on a diet or trying to lose weight.
• Body Cooling: Ideal for summer or hot, sunny days.

Conclusion

Vegetarian kohlrabi carrot salad is a simple yet incredibly nutritious and easy-to-make dish. With the detailed recipe and helpful tips shared in this article, we hope you can confidently step into the kitchen and prepare this delicious, appealing salad for your family. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your results!

References

1. Vegetarian Salad Dressing Recipe – Source: Vietnamese Cuisine
2. Nutritional Value of Kohlrabi and Carrots – Source: Vinmec