If you’ve been curious about exploring new and exciting vegetables in your vegan kitchen, kohlrabi is a fantastic choice. This underappreciated cruciferous vegetable boasts a crisp texture and a mildly sweet, peppery flavor that’s perfect for a variety of dishes.
Whether you peel and slice it raw for salads, roast it to bring out its natural sweetness, or incorporate it into hearty stews, kohlrabi offers incredible versatility and nutrition.
In this blog post, I’ll share some delightful vegan kohlrabi recipes that are simple, nourishing, and bursting with flavor. From quick snacks to satisfying main courses, these recipes will inspire you to add this unique vegetable to your regular meal rotation.
Plus, I’ll provide handy tips on preparation, variations to customize each dish, and nutritional insights so you can enjoy kohlrabi with confidence and creativity.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Kohlrabi is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients like vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. These vegan recipes highlight the vegetable’s ability to absorb flavors while maintaining a satisfying crunch or tender bite, depending on the preparation method.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, kohlrabi’s subtle sweetness and versatility will make meal times exciting.
Each recipe is designed to be approachable, using simple ingredients that you can find at most grocery stores. You’ll appreciate how quickly these dishes come together, making them perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Plus, these recipes are allergen-friendly and can often be modified to suit your dietary needs.
Ingredients
- 2 medium kohlrabi bulbs, peeled and sliced or cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas (optional for added protein)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Fresh herbs such as parsley or dill for garnish
- 1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise or tahini (for dipping sauces)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot (optional for salad recipes)
- 1/4 cup diced red onion (optional)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional for dressings)
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional for sweet variations)
Equipment
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet (if roasting)
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Peeler (optional, but helpful for kohlrabi skin)
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Blender or food processor (for sauces and dressings)
Instructions
- Prepare the kohlrabi: Begin by peeling the tough outer skin of the kohlrabi bulbs using a peeler or sharp knife. Then, slice or cube the kohlrabi according to the recipe you plan to follow (roasting, raw salad, or sauté).
- Roasted kohlrabi: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the kohlrabi cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and tender.
- Sautéed kohlrabi: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced kohlrabi and cook for 8-10 minutes until slightly caramelized and tender. Season with salt and pepper. Add chickpeas for extra protein and cook another 2 minutes.
- Raw kohlrabi salad: Thinly slice or julienne peeled kohlrabi. In a bowl, combine with shredded carrot, diced red onion, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Toss well and garnish with fresh herbs.
- Prepare dipping sauce: Blend vegan mayonnaise or tahini with lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and a little water to desired consistency. Serve alongside roasted or sautéed kohlrabi for dipping.
- Serve: Arrange the cooked or raw kohlrabi on plates, drizzle with sauce or dressing, and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Enjoy warm or chilled depending on the dish.
Tips & Variations
“Peeling kohlrabi can be tricky, but using a sharp vegetable peeler makes it much easier to remove the tough skin without wasting the tender flesh inside.”
- Make it spicy: Add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix before roasting or sautéing for a kick of heat.
- Sweet and tangy: For a sweeter salad, increase the maple syrup and add fresh apple slices or dried cranberries.
- Herb swap: Try cilantro or basil instead of parsley or dill for a fresh flavor twist.
- Use kohlrabi greens: Don’t throw away the leafy tops! Sauté them with garlic and olive oil as a nutritious side dish.
- Vegan gratin: Thinly slice kohlrabi and layer it in a baking dish with vegan béchamel sauce (check out this Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe) and breadcrumbs, then bake until golden.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per 1 cup (135g) raw kohlrabi | % Daily Value* |
---|---|---|
Calories | 36 | 2% |
Carbohydrates | 8 g | 3% |
Dietary Fiber | 3 g | 12% |
Protein | 2 g | 4% |
Vitamin C | 62 mg | 69% |
Potassium | 350 mg | 10% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Serving Suggestions
These vegan kohlrabi dishes pair wonderfully with grains like quinoa, brown rice, or couscous. Serve roasted kohlrabi as a side to your favorite grain bowl, or toss the sautéed version into a wrap with fresh greens and hummus.
For a light lunch, enjoy the raw kohlrabi salad with a slice of crusty vegan bread. You might also love combining these recipes with other vibrant plant-based dishes—check out these favorites: Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals and Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals.
To round out a hearty dinner, consider serving kohlrabi alongside Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves, which provides the perfect carbohydrate balance and texture contrast.
Conclusion
Kohlrabi is a wonderfully versatile vegetable that deserves a spot in your vegan cooking repertoire. Its crisp texture and subtle sweetness adapt beautifully to roasting, sautéing, or eating raw, making it a fantastic ingredient for a variety of meals.
Beyond its delightful taste and texture, kohlrabi’s impressive nutrient profile supports a healthy lifestyle, offering plenty of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
By incorporating these vegan kohlrabi recipes into your meal planning, you’ll enjoy fresh, flavorful dishes that are both satisfying and nourishing. Don’t hesitate to experiment with seasonings and pairings to make each recipe your own.
For more plant-powered inspiration, explore Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners or dive into Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating for comforting options.
Happy cooking, and enjoy this delightful vegetable in your vegan kitchen!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Roasted Kohlrabi Salad
Description: A simple and delicious vegan salad featuring roasted kohlrabi with fresh herbs and lemon. Perfect as a light meal or side dish.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 3 medium kohlrabi bulbs, peeled and cubed (about 4 cups)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss kohlrabi cubes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread kohlrabi on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and golden.
- In a bowl, whisk lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup to make dressing.
- Combine roasted kohlrabi, cherry tomatoes, and parsley in a large bowl.
- Drizzle dressing over salad and toss gently to combine.
- Top with toasted sliced almonds before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 15 g
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