Radish Cucumber Salad (simple & classic)
Looking for a refreshing side salad that’s super quick? This radish and cucumber salad is simple, fresh and ready in less than 5 minutes. I make it with a simple vinaigrette and some chives. It simply goes with everything!
In This Article
I make this radish salad super often – just as a quick side dish for lunch when I’m craving something fresh and some extra veggies!
You can make it purely from radishes or, like me, with a little cucumber. I find that the cucumber softens the sharp taste of the radishes a little. Either way, it’s ready in 5 minutes and tastes great with everything!
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Radish Cucumber Salad (simple & classic)
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Ingredients
Salad
- 1 lb radishes about 2 bunches
- 1/2 cucumber
- 3 tbsp chives finely chopped
- 2 tbsp flat-leaf parsley chopped
Dressing
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar or lemon juice
- 5 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt & pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar with salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard (if using) until the salt has dissolved. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while vigorously whisking with a fork or small whisk until a smooth emulsion forms.
- Wash the radishes and cucumber. Using a mandoline (or a sharp knife), slice both into paper-thin rounds. Place the vegetables in a large salad bowl.
- Sprinkle the chopped chives and parsley over the vegetables.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to combine. Serve immediately to keep the vegetables at their maximum crunch.
Nutrition
Which Dressing For This Radish Salad?
I usually prepare a classic vinaigrette for this salad. As in France, I like to use a dollop of Dijon mustard together with oil and vinegar to create an emulsion that holds the dressing together nicely. Of course, you can also make it very simple: vinegar, oil and salt.
For a creamy version, I sometimes stir in a little yoghurt or vary with different types of vinegar and oil that I have at home. Take a look at my article on vinaigrettes – you’ll find all the possible combinations there so you can get creative yourself!
3 Tips To Keep Your Radish Salad Crunchy & Elegant
Here are my 3 tips keep your radish salad crunchy, fresh and elegant in taste:
- Ice water bath: If your radishes have gone a bit soft, plunge them into a bowl of ice water (or just cold water) for 15 to 30 minutes before preparing them. You’ll see, they will plump up again and become crunchy once more.
- Slice thinly: I always slice my radishes with a mandolin – or finely with a knife if you don’t have one. As radishes are naturally sharp, I think they taste better when they are very thin. They absorb the vinaigrette much better that way.
- The dressing at the end: the dressing practically ‘cooks’ the radishes and they quickly become mushy. So, you can prepare everything in advance, but always pour the dressing over them at the end. Leave to soak for 5 minutes if you like, but not too long!
What goes well with this radish salad?
This salad is a great side to:
- Everything grilled: The acidity of the vinaigrette goes well with anything grilled: meat, fish such as my roasted salmon or even halloumi cheese.
- Egg-Based Dishes: A great, crunchy contrast to a warm quiche or a fluffy omelette.
- Other ideas: Great with my cod fish cakes, a delicious croque monsieur or with rice and sardines!
FAQ about Radish Salad
I recommend preparing the vegetables in advance and storing the vinaigrette separately. Only mix the two together just before eating, otherwise the salad will lose its texture.
A good white wine vinegar is ideal. If you like it fruitier, try a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
If the radishes are too spicy for you, you can simply add a teaspoon of honey to the vinaigrette or stir in a dollop of yogurt. The sweetness and fat always help to buffer the natural sharpness of the radishes and make the salad milder overall.
More Easy Salad recipes
If you like this classic radish salad, you can find other nice salad recipes on my blog:
- Pea salad with mint and feta: A wonderfully green summer salad that is wonderfully refreshing thanks to the mint.
- 20 ideas for mixed salads: My collection if you’re looking for inspiration for a complete meal.
- Cucumber salad with crème fraîche: The classic as you know it – creamy, mild and absolutely sure to succeed.
- Carrot salad with lemon and raisins: A crunchy carrot salad with a slightly oriental touch.
