Let me introduce you to a refreshing, crunchy delight that’s become my go-to side dish — the Crispy Apple and Kohlrabi Salad Recipe. It’s a wonderfully vibrant salad that combines the natural sweetness of Honeycrisp apples and the pleasantly crisp bite of kohlrabi, all brought together with fresh tarragon and a zesty lemon dressing. This salad is incredibly quick to make and instantly loved by anyone who tries it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Freshness: The crisp kohlrabi and juicy apple create a lively texture combination that wakes up your palate.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Every component adds a layer — from the tang of lemon to the earthiness of toasted sunflower seeds.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s perfect for busy days or last-minute guests.
- Versatility: Enjoy it as a snack, a side salad, or even as a light lunch with your favorite protein.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crispy Apple and Kohlrabi Salad Recipe shines because of its straightforward, fresh ingredients. Each one brings a unique texture and flavor, creating an effortless yet impressive dish that’s super satisfying.
- Kohlrabi: Opt for firm, small green or purple ones, peeled and cut into thin matchsticks to provide that signature crisp base.
- Honeycrisp apple: The star of sweetness and crunch here; its juiciness balances the kohlrabi’s earthiness beautifully.
- Grated gouda cheese: Optional, but adds a mild, creamy note that melts slightly against the crunchy veggies.
- Fresh tarragon leaves: Their anise-like flavor brightens the salad, adding herbal complexity.
- Toasted sunflower seeds: Toast them until golden to add warmth and a satisfying nutty crunch.
- Lemon zest and juice: These fresh citrus flavors inject lively brightness and a tangy punch.
- Olive oil: Adds smooth richness and helps everything marry together.
- Flaky sea salt and cracked black pepper: To season perfectly and enhance all the flavors.
Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Variations
One of the things I adore about this salad is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to adjust flavors or meet dietary needs, this recipe offers a canvas for creativity without complicating the process.
- Swap the cheese: Try shaved Parmesan or creamy feta instead of gouda for a different tang and texture.
- Use nuts instead of seeds: If you prefer, substitute toasted walnuts or pecans to lend a deeper, buttery crunch.
- Add fresh herbs: Mix in mint or dill for a fresh twist that complements the lemony dressing.
- Make it vegan: Simply leave out the cheese and perhaps boost umami with a splash of apple cider vinegar.
How to Make Crispy Apple and Kohlrabi Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies and Fruit
Start by peeling your kohlrabi and cutting it into thin matchsticks around ¼ inch wide — this ensures every bite has the perfect crunch. Then, core and slice your Honeycrisp apple into similarly sized matchsticks so that textures align beautifully. Don’t overthink it; uniform pieces look and taste best!
Step 2: Combine the Salad Components
In a large bowl, toss together the prepared kohlrabi and apple with grated gouda, if you’re using it, fresh tarragon leaves, and toasted sunflower seeds. This layering creates a harmony of flavors and textures right from the start.
Step 3: Add Bright Lemon Zest and Dressing
Generously shave lemon zest over the salad—this will release fragrant oils that brighten every bite. Drizzle 1 tablespoon each of olive oil and lemon juice, then lightly sprinkle flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Gently toss with your hands to evenly coat the ingredients without bruising the fruit.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
If it seems a bit dry or you want a more pronounced zing, add another drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice. Finish with a final sprinkle of salt and pepper and serve immediately to enjoy that irresistible crispness at its peak.
Pro Tips for Making Crispy Apple and Kohlrabi Salad Recipe
- Keep Matchsticks Consistent: Cutting the apple and kohlrabi into similar-sized pieces ensures an even texture and makes the salad easier to toss and eat.
- Toast Seeds Gently: Lightly toasting sunflower seeds brings out rich flavor, but watch them carefully—they burn fast!
- Toss by Hand: Using your hands to combine helps avoid crushing the delicate apple slices and preserves the crisp crunch.
- Serve Immediately: This salad is best enjoyed fresh to keep its signature crispness and vibrant flavors intact.
How to Serve Crispy Apple and Kohlrabi Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of additional toasted sunflower seeds or a few extra fresh tarragon leaves on top isn’t just pretty—it adds fresh aroma and crunch right before serving. A few shreds of lemon zest can also elevate the citrus zing and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a light, balanced meal. It also works well alongside roasted vegetables or creamy grain bowls, bringing a refreshing crunch to the table that brightens heavier dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a modern twist, serve the Crispy Apple and Kohlrabi Salad Recipe in mason jars layered with proteins or grains for lunches on the go. Or pile it artistically on a large platter finished with microgreens for an elegant family-style presentation that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which might be rare!), keep them fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Keep in mind the salad will soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed freshly tossed.
Freezing
This salad isn’t suitable for freezing due to the fresh apples and crunchy kohlrabi, which would lose their texture upon thawing.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad best served chilled or at room temperature, reheating isn’t recommended. Just toss gently and enjoy it as is!
FAQs
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Can I use other apples besides Honeycrisp?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness with great crunch, you can substitute with Fuji, Pink Lady, or Gala apples for similar results. Just pick a crisp, firm apple to keep the texture contrast alive in the salad.
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What if I can’t find kohlrabi?
If kohlrabi isn’t readily available, you can use jicama or peeled cucumber as a substitute for crunch and freshness, though the flavor will be milder. Kohlrabi’s slight peppery note is unique, so if you can, hunt down some from farmer’s markets or specialty grocers.
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Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Because the salad is best enjoyed fresh, prepare and dress it just before serving to maintain its crispness. You can prep and cut the veggies and apple a few hours ahead, storing them separately in water or lemon juice to prevent browning.
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Is this salad suitable for vegans?
Yes! Simply omit the gouda cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly, making it an easy dish that everyone can enjoy.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Crispy Apple and Kohlrabi Salad Recipe a try—it’s one of those little kitchen treasures that never fails to brighten a meal and conversations alike. Its fresh flavors, satisfying textures, and quick assembly make it an instant favorite in my book. Enjoy every crisp, zesty bite!
PrintCrispy Apple and Kohlrabi Salad Recipe
This Crispy Apple and Kohlrabi Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish featuring crunchy kohlrabi and sweet Honeycrisp apples, enhanced with creamy gouda cheese, aromatic tarragon, and toasted sunflower seeds. Lightly dressed with lemon juice and olive oil, this salad offers a perfect balance of textures and tangy flavors, making it a refreshing side or light meal for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Vegetables & Fruits
- 2 small kohlrabi (about 1 pound, green variety preferred), cut into 1/4″ wide matchsticks
- 1 large Honeycrisp apple (about 1/2 pound), cored and cut into 1/4″ wide matchsticks
- Lemon zest, to taste
Dairy
- 1/3 cup grated gouda cheese (optional)
Herbs & Seeds
- 1/4 cup fresh tarragon leaves
- 3 tablespoons toasted sunflower seeds
Dressing
- 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil, to taste
- 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice, to taste
- Flaky sea salt (such as Maldon), to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Cut the kohlrabi and Honeycrisp apple into matchsticks roughly ¼ inch wide. Grate the gouda cheese if using. Pick fresh tarragon leaves and toast sunflower seeds if not already toasted.
- Combine in serving bowl: In a large bowl, add the kohlrabi and apple matchsticks. Add the grated gouda cheese, fresh tarragon leaves, and toasted sunflower seeds on top.
- Add lemon zest: Liberally shave lemon zest over the bowl, using approximately half of a small lemon’s worth or more to infuse a citrus aroma.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice over the salad. Sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Toss gently: Use your hands to gently toss the salad ingredients together, ensuring even distribution of dressing and flavors.
- Adjust seasoning: If the salad seems dry, add additional olive oil and lemon juice, about another tablespoon each. Finish with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy the salad fresh for optimal crispness and flavor balance.
Notes
- For a more colorful presentation, use purple kohlrabi instead of green.
- To toast sunflower seeds, dry roast them in a skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Gouda cheese is optional and adds a creamy, slightly nutty flavor; omit for a dairy-free version.
- Adjust lemon juice and olive oil quantities based on your preference for acidity and moisture.
- The salad is best served immediately to maintain crisp texture; the kohlrabi and apple can soften if dressed too far in advance.
