
Grilled Turkey Skewers with Kohlrabi, Red Onion, and Pear-Mustard-Sage Marinade
Original grilled turkey skewers marinated in a sweet-savory blend of grated pear, mustard, and fresh sage, threaded with kohlrabi and red onion for a juicy, herbal, lightly caramelized finish on the grill.
Ingredients
- 700 g turkey breast, cut into 1.25-inch cubes (skinless)
- 300 g kohlrabi, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
- 200 g red onion, cut into wedges
- 120 g ripe pear, grated
- 45 ml Dijon mustard
- 60 ml olive oil (divided)
- 30 ml apple cider vinegar
- 8 g fresh sage, chopped
- 12 g garlic, minced
- 8 g kosher salt (divided)
- 3 g ground black pepper (divided)
- 3 g smoked paprika
- 15 ml honey
- 15 ml lemon juice
- 8 pieces metal skewers or soaked wooden skewers
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
1. In a large bowl, combine the grated pear, Dijon mustard, 45 ml (3 tbsp) olive oil, apple cider vinegar, chopped sage, garlic, 6 g (1 tsp) kosher salt, 2 g (3/4 tsp) black pepper, smoked paprika, honey, and lemon juice until a thick marinade forms.
- 2
2. Add the turkey cubes to the bowl and toss well to coat. Let rest for 15 minutes in a cool spot or refrigerated while you prepare the vegetables.
- 3
3. Place the kohlrabi in another bowl and toss with the remaining 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil, 2 g (1/4 tsp) kosher salt, and 1 g (1/4 tsp) black pepper. Add the red onion and toss gently.
- 4
4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, about 450 °F / 230 °C. Clean and lightly oil the grates to prevent the turkey and pear marinade from sticking.
- 5
5. Thread the skewers, alternating marinated turkey, kohlrabi, and red onion wedges until all ingredients are used. Discard any marinade left in the bowl.
- 6
6. Grill the skewers at 450 °F / 230 °C for 12 to 14 minutes, turning every 3 to 4 minutes so they cook evenly and brown nicely. The turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165 °F / 74 °C.
- 7
7. Transfer the skewers to a platter and let them rest for 3 minutes before serving so the juices redistribute and the kohlrabi finishes softening from the residual heat.
- 8
8. Serve the skewers hot, making sure each portion includes turkey, kohlrabi, and onion with the caramelized bits of the pear-mustard-sage marinade.
Chef tips
If using wooden skewers, soak them for at least 20 minutes so they do not burn. Cut the kohlrabi into small, even cubes so it becomes tender in the same time as the turkey.
Substitutions
You can substitute kohlrabi with turnip or jicama for a different texture. Fresh sage can be replaced with fresh thyme, and pear can be swapped for grated apple if you want a less floral profile.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
Illustrative imageVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife
Chopping, slicing and cutting strips
- The knife I use most when cooking
- Chops, slices and cuts into strips
- Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
Illustrative imageTeakhaus Teak Cutting Board
Stable base for chopping
- Stable surface for chopping
- Gentle on your knife edge
- Hand-wash and let it dry
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ratings & reviews
Sign in to rate this recipe
Sign inRelated recipes

Grilled Chicken Skewers with Smoked Pineapple and Mustard-Lime Glaze
45 min

Grilled Chicken Skewers with Green Apple, Red Onion, and Cider Tarragon Mustard Marinade
46 min

Grilled Salmon Skewers with Cucumber, Red Onion, and Honey-Dill Lemon Glaze
35 min

Grilled Short Ribs with Coffee, Cocoa, and Charred Scallions
55 min

Grilled Pork Skewers with Smoked Pears and Thyme-Honey Cider Marinade
48 min

Grilled Beef Skewers with Kabocha Squash, Spring Onions, and Ancho-Mandarin Oregano Marinade
50 min