This colorful and refreshing cucumber radish salad is a perfect blend of crunchy textures and zesty flavors. With simple ingredients and a quick prep time, you can whip up this vibrant dish in less than 10 minutes. It’s an ideal side salad for summer barbecues, picnics, or even as a light starter before dinner. The combination of crisp cucumber and peppery radishes, dressed in a light vinaigrette, is sure to awaken your taste buds and add a burst of freshness to any meal.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 60
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
Why Make This Cucumber Radish Salad
Cucumber radish salad offers more than just flavor. It’s a healthy, low-calorie dish that’s rich in vitamins and minerals. The fresh ingredients provide a delightful crunch, making it a satisfying side that complements grilled meats and heavier main courses beautifully. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite herbs and spices. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch option or a creative side dish for a dinner party, this salad is versatile enough to fit any occasion.
How to Make Cucumber Radish Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 cup radishes, thinly sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill or parsley for garnish
Directions:
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Step 1: Preparation
In a bowl, combine the sliced cucumber, radishes, and red onion. Make sure everything is thinly sliced for the best texture and flavor distribution.
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Step 2: Mixing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. This dressing brings all the flavors together, so you want to mix it well until it’s combined.
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Step 3: Dressing
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Ensure every slice is coated in the dressing for maximum flavor.
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Step 4: Finishing
Garnish with fresh dill or parsley before serving. This adds a beautiful touch and a hint of freshness to the salad.
How to Serve Cucumber Radish Salad
Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor experience. It pairs wonderfully with grilled fish, chicken, or as part of a veggie platter. You could also enjoy it as a light lunch on its own, perhaps with some crusty bread or crackers on the side.
How to Store Cucumber Radish Salad
If you happen to have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 1-2 days, as the vegetables may start to lose their crunch over time. To keep the salad fresh longer, store the dressing separately and combine them just before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cucumber Radish Salad
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best taste.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference: feel free to add more vinegar or oil based on your tastes.
- Experiment with different herbs, like mint or cilantro, for a unique twist on flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- For added texture, consider incorporating sunflower seeds or chopped nuts.
Delicious Variations
- Asian-Inspired Twist: Add some sesame oil and toss in chopped scallions and sesame seeds.
- Creamy Version: Mix in a splash of yogurt or sour cream for a creamy dressing.
- Fruit Additions: Try tossing in sliced apples or oranges for a sweet contrast to the radishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours ahead of time, but it’s best to dress it just before serving to maintain the crispness of the vegetables. - What can I substitute for radishes?
If you’re not a fan of radishes, try using bell peppers or jicama for a crunchy texture. - Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Absolutely! All the ingredients are plant-based, making it a great vegan option. - How can I make this salad more filling?
Consider adding some cooked quinoa or chickpeas to turn this salad into a more substantial meal. - What type of cucumber should I use?
English cucumbers are a great option because they have fewer seeds and a thin skin. However, any variety will work well.
Conclusion
This cucumber radish salad is a delightful combination of crunch, freshness, and zesty flavors. It’s quick to prepare and highly versatile, making it a fantastic addition to any meal. Whether you’re hosting a picnic, looking for a side dish, or wanting a refreshing lunch, this salad checks all the boxes. Try it out and impress your family and friends with this simple yet delicious recipe!
Print
Cucumber Radish Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A colorful and refreshing cucumber radish salad, perfect for summer barbecues and picnics. This quick dish combines crunchy textures and zesty flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 cup radishes, thinly sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the sliced cucumber, radishes, and red onion, ensuring everything is thinly sliced for the best texture.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to ensure every slice is coated.
- Garnish with fresh dill or parsley before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Best consumed within 1-2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
