Refreshing, vibrant, and incredibly straightforward, this Easy Cucumber Radish Salad Recipe is one of those simple dishes that instantly brightens any meal. Crisp cucumber meets the peppery crunch of radishes, enhanced by a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing and the fresh aroma of herbs. It’s the perfect quick salad to whip up when you want something light, colorful, and packed with fresh flavor. Plus, it’s so easy to make that it quickly becomes a go-to for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this salad is a breeze, and each one plays a key role in building the dish’s perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. You’ll love how these simple, fresh components come together in harmony.
- Cucumbers (2 medium, peeled and thinly sliced): Crisp and hydrating, they provide a cool base that refreshes your palate.
- Radishes (1 cup, trimmed and thinly sliced): Their spicy crunch adds exciting texture and a splash of color.
- Red onion (0.25 medium, thinly sliced): Just a touch of pungency to give the salad a subtle bite.
- Fresh dill or parsley (2 tablespoons, finely chopped): Herbaceous notes that brighten up the salad with freshness.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed): Adds zing and acidity that wakes up all the flavors.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons, extra virgin): Brings smooth richness that gently coats every ingredient.
- Salt (a pinch, to taste): Essential for enhancing and balancing the natural flavors.
- Black pepper (a pinch, freshly ground, to taste): Adds subtle warmth and depth.
How to Make Easy Cucumber Radish Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
Start by washing the cucumbers thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Peel them if you prefer a softer skin or leave it on for extra crunch and nutrients. Then, slice the cucumbers into thin, even rounds to ensure each bite is crisp and refreshing.
Step 2: Slice the Radishes
Trim off the radish tops and bottoms, then thinly slice them. Their peppery crunch is vital for the salad’s texture, so aim for consistent pieces to mix beautifully with the cucumbers.
Step 3: Add the Red Onion
Peel and thinly slice the red onion. This step introduces a gentle sharpness to the salad that complements the cool veggies perfectly. Add the sliced onion to your bowl with the cucumber and radishes.
Step 4: Chop the Fresh Herbs
Finely chop your choice of fresh dill or parsley to sprinkle in. These herbs lift the flavor and add a lovely green pop to your salad bowl. Add them directly to the vegetable mix.
Step 5: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This simple dressing ties all the ingredients together with a perfect balance of tangy and silky notes.
Step 6: Combine and Toss
Drizzle the dressing over your cucumber, radish, onion, and herb mixture. Gently toss everything together, being careful not to bruise the delicate slices. This ensures every bite is evenly coated and flavorful.
Step 7: Let Flavors Meld
Allow the salad to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This short wait lets the flavors mingle and the vegetables soften just enough without losing their crispness.
Step 8: Serve
Your Easy Cucumber Radish Salad Recipe is ready to enjoy! Serve it chilled for a refreshing treat or at room temperature to savor all the nuanced flavors.
How to Serve Easy Cucumber Radish Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle additional fresh dill or parsley on top just before serving for an extra burst of color and aroma. You could also add a few toasted sesame seeds or a handful of chopped nuts to bring a subtle crunch and nutty dimension to the salad.
Side Dishes
This salad is a fantastic side that pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted fish, or even a hearty grain bowl. The cool brightness of the Easy Cucumber Radish Salad Recipe complements warm, savory dishes perfectly, making your meal feel balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
To make an eye-catching presentation, serve the salad in clear glass bowls or on colorful plates that highlight the vibrant greens and reds. You can also layer the ingredients in a mason jar for an on-the-go lunch or chic picnic addition. For a party, arrange it in small individual cups or lettuce cups for easy serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days, as the fresh crunch starts to soften over time, but the flavors will remain bright and delicious.
Freezing
This salad is not suitable for freezing because the high water content in cucumbers and radishes will create an unappetizing texture once thawed. It’s definitely best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated briefly.
Reheating
No reheating is needed since this salad shines as a cool, crisp dish. Serving it chilled or at room temperature keeps all the fresh, crisp textures intact.
FAQs
Can I use other herbs instead of dill or parsley?
Absolutely! Fresh mint, basil, or cilantro can work wonderfully, each bringing their own unique flair to the salad. Experiment to find your favorite twist on the Easy Cucumber Radish Salad Recipe.
Is it necessary to peel the cucumbers?
Not at all. Peeling is optional. Leaving the skin on adds color and extra fiber, but if you prefer a smoother texture and milder taste, peeling is a great choice.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Yes! Thinly sliced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or even celery can add delightful crunch and color. Just keep the balance so the radishes and cucumbers remain the stars of the dish.
How long can I let the salad sit before serving?
Ideally, 10 to 15 minutes is perfect to let the flavors meld without the vegetables becoming soggy. You can prepare it earlier, but try to add the dressing last and toss shortly before serving.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! It’s quick to put together and holds up well refrigerated for a day or two. Just keep the dressing separate if you plan to store it for more than a few hours to maintain maximum crispness.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cucumber Radish Salad Recipe is a delightful way to bring fresh, crisp flavors to your table with minimal effort. I hope you give it a try and find it as refreshing and versatile as I do. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a breath of fresh air in your meal rotation, simple yet wonderfully satisfying every time.
Print
Easy Cucumber Radish Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A refreshing and easy-to-make cucumber radish salad featuring thinly sliced cucumbers, radishes, and red onions, tossed with fresh herbs and a tangy lemon-olive oil dressing. Perfect as a light side dish or a healthy snack.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 medium Cucumbers (Peeled and thinly sliced)
- 1 cup Radishes (Trimmed and thinly sliced)
- 0.25 medium Red onion (Thinly sliced)
Herbs and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons Fresh dill or parsley (Finely chopped)
- 1 pinch Salt (To taste)
- 1 pinch Black pepper (Freshly ground, to taste)
Dressing
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice (Freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil (Extra virgin)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly under cold water. Peel if desired, then slice into thin rounds.
- Slice the Radishes: Trim the radishes and slice them thinly. Place them in a large mixing bowl with the cucumber slices.
- Slice the Red Onion: Peel and slice the red onion thinly. Add to the mixing bowl.
- Add the Fresh Herbs: Finely chop the fresh dill or parsley and add to the bowl with the vegetables.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Toss the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Marinate: Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- Serve: Serve the cucumber radish salad chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing side dish.
Notes
- For a crisper texture, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- You can substitute fresh dill with parsley based on your preference.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste.
- This salad pairs well with grilled meats or as a light snack.
- Add a pinch of sugar if you desire a slightly sweeter dressing.
- Use a mandoline slicer for uniformly thin vegetable slices.
