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Mixed Lettuces and Kohlrabi With Creamy Sumac Dressing

This vibrant vegetable salad pairs the crisp, apple-like crunch of kohlrabi with a medley of tender leaves and zesty grapefruit. It is a sophisticated vegetarian dish that balances textures beautifully, contrasting the juicy segments of citrus with the earthy snap of toasted hazelnuts. The creamy soured cream dressing, spiked with the tangy, floral notes of sumac, provides a silky finish that ties these fresh elements together into a cohesive and refreshing plate.

Ideal for a light lunch or as an elegant accompaniment to grilled mains, this kohlrabi and mixed leaf salad is as nutritious as it is visually striking. The addition of fresh mint and parsley adds a layer of cooling fragrance, making it a wonderful choice for seasonal entertaining. Using a mandoline for the kohlrabi ensures paper-thin slices that catch the dressing perfectly while maintaining their signature addictive bite.

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Ingredients for Mixed Lettuces and Kohlrabi With Creamy Sumac Dressing

  • 80g blanched hazelnuts

  • 1 white or pink grapefruit

  • 120ml soured cream

  • 60ml fresh Meyer lemon juice or regular lemon juice

  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped shallot

  • 1 teaspoon sumac, plus more

  • Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

  • 12 cups torn mixed lettuces (such as red cos, red-leaf, Little Gem, and/or butter lettuce)

  • 2 medium kohlrabi, peeled, thinly sliced on a mandoline

  • 1/2 cup mixed mint leaves and parsley leaves with tender stems

  • Sumac can be found at Middle Eastern markets, specialty foods stores, and online.

Preheat oven to 177°C. Toast hazelnuts on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing once, until golden brown, 10–12 minutes. Let cool; crush with the flat side of a knife.

Remove peel and white pith from grapefruit; discard. Cut along sides of membranes to release segments into a small bowl; discard membranes.

Whisk soured cream, Meyer lemon juice, shallot, and 1 teaspoon sumac in a large bowl; season dressing with salt and pepper. Add lettuce and toss to coat; season with salt and pepper. Tuck kohlrabi and grapefruit under and between lettuce. Top with herbs, hazelnuts, and more sumac.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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