Cucumber Radish Salad Recipe
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This cucumber radish salad is a must-try for anyone looking to add a pop of color and crunch to their meal! Loaded with crisp radishes, refreshing cucumbers, and fresh parsley, this salad is as nutritious as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving it as a light side dish or packing it for a picnic, this recipe is simple, healthy, and absolutely delightful.
This cucumber radish salad is so colorful and refreshing! Super healthy, crunchy and delicious!
OMG look at this freshness! Hear this crunch! Taste this deliciousness! You need to make this cucumber radish salad right now!
Why You’ll Love Cucumber Radish Salad
- Bursting with Freshness: The combination of crisp cucumbers and crunchy radishes creates a refreshing, vibrant bite that feels like a palate cleanser with every taste.
- Super Quick to Prepare: With just a few simple ingredients and no cooking required, this salad is ready in minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- Versatile and Healthy: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, this salad fits a variety of diets including vegan, gluten-free, and low-carb.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Unlike salads with leafy greens, this one stays fresh and crisp in the fridge for up to two days, making it great for advance prep.
- Customizable to Your Taste: From adding feta cheese for creaminess to tossing in extra herbs like mint or dill, this salad is easily adaptable to your preferences.
If you don’t buy radishes often because you simply don’t know what to make with them, here’s a perfect recipe to get you hooked on fresh radish!
Ingredients For Cucumber Radish Salad
- Red Radishes: Adds a spicy, peppery crunch that’s unique and refreshing.
- Cucumbers: Provides a cool, crisp texture and mild flavor to balance the radishes.
- Parsley: Brightens the salad with a fresh, herby note.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: A rich and healthy base for the simple dressing.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for a tangy zest that ties the flavors together.
- Salt and Pepper: Enhances all the natural flavors in the salad.
For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
Most common salads usually include the most common vegetables, containing different variations of the usual – lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and even avocados. However, radishes are definitely underused! Fresh radishes are super healthy and nutritious, add this salad to your healthy recipes collection to make use of the radish more often!
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Cucumber Radish Salad
- Cutting Board – For chopping the vegetables safely and easily.
- Sharp Knife – Essential for precise chopping of radishes, cucumbers, and parsley.
- Mixing Bowl – Combine the salad ingredients and dressing.
- Measuring Spoons – Ensures accurate measurement of olive oil and lemon juice for the dressing.
- Small Bowl or Cup – Perfect for whisking the olive oil and lemon juice dressing.
- Whisk or Fork – To thoroughly blend the dressing ingredients.
This delicious cucumber radish salad has a double-dose of crunch – the cucumbers are crunchy and the radishes are even crunchier! Plus the parlsey adds such a bright taste of fresh herbs! When you eat this salad, you feel like your palate gets refreshed with every bite!
How To Make Cucumber Radish Salad
- Start by washing the radishes, cucumbers, and parsley thoroughly under cold water.
- Peel the cucumbers for a smoother texture, then chop them into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice the radishes thinly or chop them into smaller chunks, depending on your preference.
- Finely chop the parsley to release its fresh, herby aroma.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice until well blended.
- Add the cucumbers, radishes, and parsley to a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the vegetables.
- Toss gently to ensure the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Radishes are usually sold in bunches with the leaves still attaches. For the salad, you only need the radishes themselves (the roots), but don’t throw out those leaves! Radish greens are edible and also very nutritious! Use up the greens by using my sauteed radish greens recipe.
Making this cucumber radish salad is very easy. The ingredients are very simple – cucumbers, radishes, parsley, extra-virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Just chop all the vegetables, dress them with olive oil and lemon juice dressing and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. That’s it! Now you are ready for the epic crunch!
This salad can be made ahead and kept in a refrigerator for up to 2 days. Since there are no lettuce leaves, there is nothing to wilt :) This cheerful summery salad is perfect to pack for a picnic!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this cucumber radish salad as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled boneless chicken, grouper fish, or pork ribs.
- Add it to your brunch spread for a light and colorful addition.
- Pair it with homemade pita or challah bread for a simple, satisfying snack.
- Use it as a topping for tacos or wraps to add a fresh, crunchy element.
- Pack it in your lunchbox or picnic basket for a no-fuss, healthy meal on the go.
Tips For Success
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select firm cucumbers and radishes for maximum crunch and flavor. Fresh parsley will also give the salad a vibrant, herby kick.
- Uniform Chopping: Chop the cucumbers and radishes into similar-sized pieces for a better presentation and balanced bites.
- Balance the Dressing: Whisk the olive oil and lemon juice thoroughly to create a smooth, emulsified dressing that coats the salad evenly. Adjust the ratio to your taste if you prefer it more tangy or mild.
- Season Just Right: Add salt and pepper in small amounts, tasting as you go. This simple seasoning brings out the best in the fresh ingredients without overpowering them.
- Make Ahead Option: Prepare the salad up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors meld wonderfully over time, making it even tastier!
- Add Extras: Sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese, toasted seeds, or nuts for extra texture and flavor. A handful of chopped fresh herbs like mint or dill can also enhance the taste.
- Serve Chilled: For the most refreshing experience, serve the salad cold. You can pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before serving if needed.
Variations And Substitutions
- Add Protein: Turn this salad into a light meal by adding diced grilled chicken, boiled eggs, or chickpeas. For a plant-based option, try adding tofu or edamame.
- Cheese Options: Add crumbled feta, goat cheese, or Parmesan shavings for an extra layer of flavor. These cheeses pair beautifully with the tangy dressing.
- Herbal Twist: Mix in other fresh herbs like dill, cilantro, mint, or basil to give the salad a unique flair.
- Vegetable Swaps: Try replacing the cucumbers with zucchini or adding cherry tomatoes for extra color and sweetness.
- Dress It Up: Experiment with dressings by using balsamic vinaigrette, Greek yogurt-based dressings, or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a different tang.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Texture Boost: Sprinkle toasted sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or chopped nuts for a satisfying crunch.
- Low-Carb Modifications: Skip the lemon juice and use a low-carb vinegar alternative if you’re closely monitoring carb intake.
- Fruit Additions: Add diced avocado, pomegranate seeds, or thinly sliced apples for a touch of sweetness and creaminess.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store the cucumber radish salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Since there are no leafy greens, it stays crisp and fresh.
- Serving After Storage: If the salad has been refrigerated, give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and freshen up the ingredients.
- Avoid Freezing: This salad is best enjoyed fresh. Freezing can cause the cucumbers and radishes to become mushy due to their high water content.
- Meal Prep Tip: For longer freshness, store the dressing separately and mix it with the salad right before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cucumber for this recipe?
Yes! You can use any type of cucumber, such as English or Persian cucumbers. If the skin is thick or waxy, peel it off for a smoother texture.
What can I substitute for parsley?
If you don’t have parsley, you can use fresh cilantro, dill, or even a mix of your favorite herbs for a unique flavor twist.
Is it okay to make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and toss it again before serving to redistribute the dressing.
How do I make this salad more filling?
To make this a heartier dish, add ingredients like cooked quinoa, diced avocado, or grilled chicken. Chickpeas or tofu are also excellent plant-based options.
Can I add more vegetables to this salad?
Yes! Cherry tomatoes, red onions, or bell peppers would make great additions. You can customize it with your favorite crunchy veggies.
Is there a way to make this salad spicier?
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of chili flakes, sliced jalapeños, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce to the dressing.
What type of lemon juice works best?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch but might not have the same zing.
How do I ensure the salad doesn’t get soggy?
Make sure the cucumbers are patted dry after washing, and avoid overdressing the salad. If you’re prepping ahead, consider storing the dressing separately.
If you like this cucumber radish salad, you will also love these easy healthy recipes:
Creamy Cucumber Salad – despite being creamy, this cucumber salad is actually HEALTHY! Creamy dressing is made with Greek yogurt and tastes amazing!
Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad – so colorful and refreshing, with crunchy cucumbers and onion slices, sweet tomatoes and smooth avocados!
Sesame Cucumber Salad – with spicy Asian dressing, this cucumber salad is super addictive!
Israeli Chopped Salad – fresh colorful vegetables mixed with chopped parsley and homemade olive oil dressing, this salad is always a hit!
Fresh Mexican Salsa – finely chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and jalapenos, this zesty salsa is so healthy and delicious!
Cucumber Radish Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 bunch red radishes chopped
- 2 cucumbers peeled and chopped
- 1/2 bunch parsley chopped
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 lemon squeezed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Small cup or bowl for dressing
- Whisk or fork
Instructions
- Put olive oil and lemon juice in a cup and whisk with a fork until combined.
- Put chopped radishes, cucumbers and parsley in a bowl. Pour olive oil and lemon juice dressing over it. Toss everything until combined. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- This salad is perfect for meal prep since it stays fresh and crunchy without lettuce.
- Try adding a sprinkle of feta cheese or your favorite herbs for extra flavor.
I tried this and tossed in some herbs I had on hand (cilantro, mint, and basil) chopped up. It was so good!! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe.