Kohlrabi salad with carrots

Kohlrabi and Carrot Salad: A Healthy and Delicious Treat

Who doesn't want a fresh salad, packed with vitamins, that is both healthy and delicious? Kohlrabi and carrot salad is an excellent choice for those looking to enrich their meals with nutritious dishes, as well as for those who want to explore new flavors. This simple yet refined recipe is perfect as a side dish or as a light main course.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
- 1 medium kohlrabi
- 1 large carrot
- 1 small red onion
- 1 clove of garlic
- 1 parsley root
- 3-4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt to taste
- Fresh or dried basil, to preference

A Bit of History
Kohlrabi is an ancient vegetable, with cultivation deeply rooted in various cultures. With a crunchy texture and subtle flavor, kohlrabi has been appreciated for centuries as a staple food, being an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. This salad represents a wonderful combination of ingredients that brings a perfect balance of flavor and nutrition.

Step by Step: Preparing the Salad

1. Preparing the Ingredients
- Start by washing the vegetables well. Choose a firm kohlrabi, free from spots or damage. The carrot should be fresh, and the red onion should be medium-sized with smooth skin.
- Peel the kohlrabi, carrot, and parsley root, then cut them into thin strips (Julienne). If you don't have a mandoline, a grater can be successfully used to achieve uniform strips.

2. Crushing the Garlic
- Use a knife to crush the clove of garlic. This step will release the intense flavors of the garlic and add an extra kick to the salad.

3. Mixing the Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the kohlrabi, carrots, red onion, crushed garlic, and parsley. Add salt to taste.
- Drizzle the vegetables with lemon juice and olive oil. Mix everything with a wooden spoon, ensuring that all ingredients are well coated with the fresh dressing.

4. Final Seasoning
- Finally, add the fresh or dried basil, gently mixing to avoid damaging the texture of the vegetables. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Practical Tips
- Variety of Flavors: You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or radishes for a splash of color and a different taste.
- Perfect Texture: If you want a crunchier salad, you can let the kohlrabi and carrot sit in cold water for 10 minutes before mixing.
- Keeping Freshness: The salad is best consumed immediately after preparation, but it can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1-2 days.

Nutritional Benefits
This salad is an excellent source of vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, contributing to a healthy diet. Kohlrabi is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while carrots are rich in beta-carotene, essential for eye health.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I add other ingredients?
- Of course! Try adding nuts for extra crunch or feta cheese for a creamy touch.

2. How can I serve this salad?
- Kohlrabi and carrot salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or fish. It is also an excellent choice for a light lunch, served with whole grain bread.

3. Can I use other types of dressing?
- If you want to change up the recipe a bit, you can use a yogurt-based dressing or a mustard vinaigrette for a different flavor.

Variations and Alternatives
- Quinoa Salad: Add cooked quinoa to turn this salad into a more substantial and filling dish.
- Spicy Salad: If you like spicy flavors, add a bit of finely chopped chili for an extra kick.

Conclusion
Kohlrabi and carrot salad is not just a simple dish, but also an opportunity to explore new and healthy flavors. With fresh ingredients and a vibrant dressing, each bite will bring a smile to your face. So let’s enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal! Don't forget to share your impressions after trying the recipe!