When summer rolls around, nothing refreshes quite like a big, vibrant bowl of Cucumber Radish Salad. With crisp cucumber, punchy radishes, and a pop of fresh dill all tossed in a bright, tangy dressing, this salad is a perfect celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly crave-able. It’s crunchy, colorful, and ridiculously easy to throw together, making it a staple for picnics, potlucks, or anytime you want a light, zesty side dish that’s just as beautiful as it is delicious.

Cucumber Radish Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s magic in the minimalism of this Cucumber Radish Salad. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to bring out the best garden-fresh flavor, add satisfying crunch, or create a balanced, lively dressing. Here’s what you’ll need and why you don’t want to skip a thing.

Cucumber: For a crisp, juicy texture that forms the refreshing base of the salad.
Radishes: Thinly sliced for a peppery bite and bold color that really makes the dish pop.
Fresh dill: Chopped dill gives herbal brightness and classic Eastern European flavors.
Apple cider vinegar: Offers a gentle tang that marries all the crunchy veggies together.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the flavors meld smoothly.
Honey or maple syrup: Just a touch sweetens the dressing and tames the sharpness of the vinegar and radishes.
Salt: Enhances all those fresh flavors and draws out a little juiciness from the cucumbers and radishes.
Black pepper: For subtle heat and depth in every bite.

How to Make Cucumber Radish Salad

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables

Begin by washing the cucumbers and radishes thoroughly to remove any grit. Slice them both as thin as you can—using a mandoline if you have one—so the salad is crisp yet delicate. Toss the sliced veggies and the fresh dill together in a large bowl. The dill’s aroma is instantly inviting and will get your mouth watering for what’s coming next!

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, salt, and black pepper until the mixture turns silky and well blended. This punchy, slightly sweet dressing is what brings the cucumber and radish flavors to life, creating a balance you’ll love.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Pour the dressing over your veggies and gently toss everything together until every slice is lightly coated. You’ll start to see a gorgeous, glossy shine and the herbs dotting every bite—this is the moment the Cucumber Radish Salad truly comes together.

Step 4: Let the Flavors Meld

Now, for the secret to stellar flavor! Let the salad sit for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This short rest lets the cucumbers and radishes soak up the tangy-sweet dressing, mellowing their bite and weaving all the flavors together beautifully.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

After a quick chill (or just at room temperature if you’re in a hurry), your Cucumber Radish Salad is ready to serve. Every bite is crunchy, herby, and full of lively zest—perfect alongside almost anything!

How to Serve Cucumber Radish Salad

Garnishes

A scattering of extra chopped dill or tender radish sprouts makes this salad look restaurant-worthy. For more flair, sprinkle on toasted seeds (like sesame or sunflower) or thinly sliced red onion for extra bite and crunch. Even a dusting of flaky sea salt at the last moment is a lovely finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Cucumber Radish Salad pairs beautifully with so many main courses. It’s fantastic alongside grilled fish, roasted potatoes, or tender chicken. For a vegan feast, add a scoop to a grain bowl or serve it next to falafel and hummus—its zippy freshness is the perfect counterpoint to hearty or rich dishes.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, serve the salad in small glasses for an appetizer, stuff it into pita pockets with a swipe of hummus, or pile it onto crostini for a fun starter. You can also arrange it in layers for a stunning mason jar lunch to go. The crisp colors and flavors make the Cucumber Radish Salad a star at any table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To store leftover Cucumber Radish Salad, simply pop it in an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors deepen and mellow after resting, but try to enjoy within two days to keep the veggies at their crunchiest best.

Freezing

This salad isn’t a great candidate for freezing, as the high water content in cucumbers and radishes can lead to an unpleasant mushy texture once thawed. It’s best made fresh or enjoyed within a couple days.

Reheating

No reheating needed here—this is a dish that’s all about cool, fresh crunch. If you want to revive the flavor a bit, just give the salad a gentle toss and maybe add a splash of vinegar or an extra pinch of salt.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of vinegar?

Absolutely! While apple cider vinegar lends a lovely mellow tang, rice vinegar or white wine vinegar work beautifully here too. Each swaps in its own unique spin, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make the Cucumber Radish Salad your own.

What other herbs can substitute for dill?

Fresh parsley, chives, or even mint make a great stand-in for dill if you’re craving variety or working with what you have on hand. Each will provide a slightly different, but equally delicious, herbal note in the Cucumber Radish Salad.

Can I add other veggies?

Definitely! Try thinly sliced fennel, red onion, or even sweet bell pepper for extra crunch and color. Just keep the pieces thin so their flavors blend seamlessly into the Cucumber Radish Salad.

Is Cucumber Radish Salad vegan?

Yes, this salad is naturally vegan if you use maple syrup instead of honey for the dressing. It’s a wonderful, plant-based side that appeals to just about everyone at the table.

How far in advance can I make this salad?

You can slice all the vegetables and prepare the dressing a day ahead. Toss them together an hour before serving for maximum crunch, or let the Cucumber Radish Salad marinate for deeper flavor if you don’t mind a softer texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a simple yet dazzling side, Cucumber Radish Salad is ready to shine in your kitchen. Give it a try and watch it disappear—the fresh, zesty flavors are impossible to resist, and it just might become your new summertime staple!

Cucumber Radish Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free

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Description

This light and refreshing Cucumber Radish Salad is perfect for summer meals. Crisp cucumbers, peppery radishes, and fresh dill are tossed in a tangy dressing for a simple yet flavorful side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Cucumbers:

2 cups thinly sliced cucumber

Radishes:

1 cup thinly sliced radishes

Dill:

2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

Dressing:

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Combine Vegetables: In a large bowl, mix cucumber, radishes, and dill.
Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
Toss: Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat.
Rest: Let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes to meld flavors.
Serve: Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.