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5.00 (1 review)

Radish Cucumber Salad (Simple & Classic)

Géraldine Leverd
By Géraldine Leverd
•
April 7, 2026
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!

Three bowls of classic radish salad with radish and cucumber slices, garnished with herbs and black pepper, rest on a bright pink surface next to whole radishes and napkins - a refreshing touch for any table.

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!

Recipe Card

Radish Cucumber Salad (simple & classic)

5.00 (1 review)
This classic radish salad is the perfect quick side dish. It’s ready in just 5 minutes, healthy, and brings a wonderful freshness to the table thanks to the combination of radishes, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette.
Eine Schüssel klassischer Radieschensalat mit dünn geschnittenen Radieschen und Gurken, garniert mit gehackten Kräutern und schwarzem Pfeffer für eine erfrischende Note.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Servings 4

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 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
    Ganze und dünn geschnittene Radieschen auf einem hölzernen Schneidebrett, perfekt für einen klassischen Radieschensalat, mit einem schwarzen Küchengerät im Hintergrund für einen erfrischenden Touch.
  3. Sprinkle the chopped chives and parsley over the vegetables.
    Dünn geschnittene Radieschen und Gurken, garniert mit Schnittlauch in einer weißen Schale mit blauen Streifen, ergeben einen klassischen Radieschensalat, der leicht und erfrischend ist.
  4. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to combine. Serve immediately to keep the vegetables at their maximum crunch.
    Ein Schälchen klassischer Radieschensalat mit dünn geschnittenen Radieschen und Gurken, gehackten Kräutern und einer Prise Pfeffer - eine erfrischende Mischung, die auf einer Serviette mit einer Gabel daneben angerichtet wird.

Nutrition facts

Calories: 181kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Sodium: 65mg | Potassium: 340mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 290IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1mg

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

Can I prepare the 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.

Which vinegar should I use?

A good white wine vinegar is ideal. If you like it fruitier, try a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Help, my radishes are too spicy!

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:

author
About me

Hi, I’m Géraldine!

I’m the face and the recipe developper behind La Cuisine de Géraldine. Cooking has been my biggest passion since childhood, and now that I’m living abroad, I’ve made it my mission to prove to you that French cuisine can be simple, healthy, quick, and modern all at once!

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