Quick & Fresh Cucumber Radish Salad Recipe for Summer Joy

Cool cucumber radish salad converts ordinary vegetables into a crisp, refreshing culinary experience that dances across your palate.

Summer’s vibrant colors and textures burst through this simple yet elegant dish.

Crunchy vegetables interplay with zesty seasonings, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that awakens taste buds.

Raw ingredients shine without complicated preparation, making this salad an effortless addition to any meal.

Light and bright, the combination offers a perfect balance between peppery radish notes and smooth cucumber undertones.

Fresh herbs and a tangy dressing elevate the natural qualities of each ingredient.

Your plate will come alive with a symphony of colors, textures, and tastes that celebrate seasonal produce.

Cucumber Radish Salad That’s Cool and Crisp

• Crisp and Refreshing Flavor Explosion: This cucumber radish salad bursts with garden-fresh ingredients that deliver a zesty, cool crunch perfect for hot summer days.
• Lightning-Fast Preparation: With simple slicing techniques and a quick whisking of dressing, you can create this vibrant salad in under 15 minutes, making it ideal for spontaneous meal planning.
• Versatile Serving Flexibility: Enjoy this salad chilled or at room temperature, making it a fantastic side dish for picnics, barbecues, or as a light standalone lunch companion.
• Healthy Nutrient-Packed Goodness: Packed with hydrating cucumbers, peppery radishes, and fresh herbs, this salad offers a low-calorie, high-flavor option that supports your wellness goals without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients to Toss Together Cucumber Radish Salad

• Cucumber: Crisp base of the salad with a cool, refreshing texture.
• Radishes: Peppery root vegetable adding a sharp, spicy crunch to the salad.
• Shallot: Mild onion-like flavor providing subtle aromatic depth.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent, sharp taste that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Dill: Fresh herb bringing a bright, tangy herbal note to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Smooth, rich base that helps blend and carry the dressing flavors.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, acidic component that adds zesty freshness.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the salad's taste.

• Lemon Zest: Adds intense citrusy aroma and vibrant flavor to the salad.
• Cracked Black Pepper: Provides additional warmth and subtle heat to the dish.

Directions for Making Cucumber Radish Salad in Minutes

Step 1: Wash and Slice Vegetables

• Thoroughly rinse cucumbers and radishes under cool water
• Pat dry with clean kitchen towel
• Use mandolin or sharp knife to create thin, uniform slices
• Finely chop shallot
• Mince garlic

Step 2: Prepare Salad Base

Transfer sliced vegetables and chopped herbs into a medium-large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Create Zesty Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk dressing ingredients until smooth and fully integrated.

Step 4: Combine and Elevate

• Pour dressing over vegetable mixture
• Gently toss to ensure even coating
• Sprinkle with lemon zest
• Add extra dill for garnish
• Finish with freshly cracked black pepper

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the salad immediately, serving chilled or at room temperature for maximum flavor and crispness.

Tips to Balance Flavors in Cucumber Radish Salad

• Slice Precisely: Use a mandolin or very sharp knife to create uniform, paper-thin vegetable slices for the most elegant and consistent texture.
• Chill for Crunch: Refrigerate the sliced radishes and cucumbers for 15-20 minutes before mixing to enhance their crisp, refreshing quality.
• Balance Dressing Carefully: Drizzle dressing gradually and toss gently to prevent overwhelming the delicate vegetables' natural flavors.
• Season Strategically: Add salt just before serving to keep vegetables crisp and prevent water loss that could make the salad watery.
• Herb Freshness Matters: Chop dill right before mixing to preserve its bright, aromatic flavor and prevent wilting.

How to Store and Reuse Cucumber Radish Salad

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Place the salad in the coldest part of your refrigerator to maintain freshness and crispness.
• Draining: Before storing, drain any excess liquid to prevent soggy vegetables. Use a slotted spoon or colander to separate the salad from accumulated dressing.
• Reviving: When ready to enjoy again, give the salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing. Add a sprinkle of fresh dill or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors and restore the salad's original zesty character.

Dishes That Pair Nicely with Cucumber Radish Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enjoy a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the salad's refreshing cucumber and radish flavors, cutting through the tangy dressing with its bright acidity.
• Match with Grilled Fish: Serve alongside a light, flaky white fish like cod or halibut to create a perfect summer meal balance, where the salad's crispness enhances the delicate protein.
• Complement with Herb-Infused Water: Create a light, hydrating drink by adding fresh dill or mint to sparkling water, mirroring the salad's herbal notes and providing a clean, palate-cleansing accompaniment.
• Pair with Goat Cheese Crostini: Prepare simple toasted bread topped with creamy goat cheese to add a rich, smooth texture that contrasts beautifully with the salad's crunchy vegetables and zesty dressing.

Fresh Variations on Cucumber Radish Salad

• Fresh Herb Fusion: Replace dill with a mix of fresh basil, mint, and parsley for a vibrant, aromatic salad that bursts with Mediterranean flavors.
• Spicy Asian Kick: Add sriracha sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to the dressing, then sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro for an exciting East Asian-inspired version.
• Creamy Yogurt Blend: Swap the original dressing with a Greek yogurt base, incorporate diced cucumber, and mix in some grated garlic for a tangy, protein-rich alternative that feels lighter and refreshing.
• Pickled Crunch: Quick-pickle the radishes and cucumbers in apple cider vinegar with a pinch of sugar and red pepper flakes before assembling the salad, creating a zesty and crunchy texture that elevates the entire dish.

Cucumber Radish Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crisp cucumber radish salad brings Mediterranean freshness to your summer table. Cool cucumber slices and peppery radish rounds dance with zesty herbs, creating a light and refreshing side that will elevate any meal.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cucumbers, sliced
• 5 radishes, thinly sliced

Dressing Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (60 ml) citrus vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dijon mustard

Seasoning Ingredients:

• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly wash and pat dry radishes, cucumbers, and herbs under cool running water, ensuring all dirt and debris are removed.
2. Using a mandolin slicer or a razor-sharp knife, create delicate, translucent slices of radishes and cucumbers, aiming for uniform thickness around 1/8 inch (3 millimeters).
3. Carefully mince the shallot into fine, consistent pieces, and finely chop the garlic to release its aromatic oils.
4. Transfer the thinly sliced radishes, cucumbers, minced shallot, and chopped garlic into a medium-sized mixing bowl.
5. Gently fold in freshly chopped dill, distributing the herbs evenly throughout the vegetable mixture.
6. In a separate small bowl, combine all dressing ingredients, whisking vigorously to create a smooth, well-integrated emulsion.
7. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture, using a gentle folding motion to coat each ingredient without bruising the delicate slices.
8. Enhance the salad’s visual appeal and flavor profile by sprinkling freshly grated lemon zest, additional dill sprigs, and a generous grind of cracked black pepper.
9. Serve immediately or chill for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld, presenting the salad at either cool room temperature or straight from the refrigerator.

Notes

• Slice vegetables paper-thin for the best texture and visual appeal in this crisp, refreshing salad.
• Whisking the dressing thoroughly helps create a smooth, well-blended flavor that coats every vegetable piece.
• Fresh dill adds a bright, herbaceous note that perfectly complements the peppery radishes and cool cucumber.
• Mandolin slicers ensure uniform, delicate vegetable cuts, but a sharp knife works just as well with careful technique.
• Chilling the salad before serving enhances the flavors and provides a cool, invigorating taste experience.
• Leftover salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, though best enjoyed fresh on the day of preparation.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 171 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 55 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg