This Cucumber Radish Salad is a delightful mixture of crisp cucumbers and zesty radishes, making it the ideal side dish for summer gatherings or light lunches. Its refreshing taste and vibrant colors make it a standout on any table. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or simply as a healthy snack, this salad is easy to prepare and offers a burst of flavor with every bite.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Salad
- For the Dressing
- For Garnish
- How to Make Cucumber Radish Salad
- Step 1: Slice the Vegetables
- Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
- Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Step 4: Serve
- How to Serve Cucumber Radish Salad
- As a Side Dish
- On Top of Tacos
- With Sandwiches
- How to Perfect Cucumber Radish Salad
- Best Side Dishes for Cucumber Radish Salad
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Cucumber Radish Salad
- Reheating Cucumber Radish Salad
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What goes well with cucumber radish salad?
- Can I add other vegetables to my cucumber radish salad?
- How do I make cucumber radish salad vegan?
- Is cucumber radish salad good for meal prep?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this salad in no time.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh cucumbers and radishes ensures a crunchy texture that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
- Versatile Dish: This cucumber radish salad pairs well with a variety of main dishes or can be enjoyed on its own.
- Low-Calorie Option: At only 75 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free choice for anyone watching their diet.
- Customizable Flavor: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences or add extra herbs for more flavor.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cucumber radish salad seamlessly, having the right tools on hand is essential. These tools will help you create perfectly sliced vegetables and mix your dressing with ease.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- A sharp knife or mandoline
- Cutting board
- Small mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Serving bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Mandoline: It allows for quick, uniform slicing of cucumbers and radishes, ensuring consistent textures throughout the salad.
- Small Mixing Bowl: This is perfect for whisking together your dressing without making a mess.
- Medium Mixing Bowl: Ideal for combining all the ingredients without overcrowding.
Ingredients
This easy, refreshing cucumber radish salad is the perfect summer side dish for hot days!
For the Salad
- 4 mini or Persian cucumbers
- 8 radishes (one bunch)
- 2 green onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (roughly chopped)
For the Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice (from half a lemon)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Cucumber Radish Salad
Step 1: Slice the Vegetables
Thinly slice the radishes and cucumbers using either a sharp knife or a mandoline. The mandoline is especially recommended for its speed and ability to keep slices uniform in thickness.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a small mixing bowl, stir together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, add the cucumber slices, radishes, green onion, dill, and prepared dressing. Stir gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Serve
Transfer the salad to a serving bowl. If desired, sprinkle a little extra salt and pepper on top before serving. Enjoy your refreshing cucumber radish salad!
How to Serve Cucumber Radish Salad
Cucumber radish salad is a versatile dish that can enhance any meal. It adds a refreshing crunch and flavor, making it an ideal side for various occasions.
As a Side Dish
- Perfect with grilled meats: This salad complements barbecued chicken or steak beautifully, providing a crisp contrast.
- A light lunch option: Serve it on its own or with some crusty bread for a quick and healthy lunch.
On Top of Tacos
- Adds freshness: Use cucumber radish salad as a topping for tacos to give them an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Great for fish tacos: The coolness of the salad balances spicy fish fillings perfectly.
With Sandwiches
- A crunchy addition: Pair this salad with sandwiches or wraps for added crunch and zest.
- Ideal for picnics: Pack it alongside your favorite sandwiches for a delightful picnic treat.
How to Perfect Cucumber Radish Salad
To make your cucumber radish salad even better, consider these tips.
- Choose fresh ingredients: Use the freshest cucumbers and radishes available. This ensures the best flavor and crunch.
- Slice evenly: Cut the cucumber and radishes uniformly for consistent texture. A mandoline can help achieve this.
- Let it chill: Refrigerating the salad for 30 minutes before serving enhances the flavors and makes it extra refreshing.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed to suit your palate.
- Add variety: Experiment with additional herbs like parsley or mint to elevate the flavors further.
- Serve immediately: For optimal freshness, serve soon after mixing to avoid sogginess from the dressing.

Best Side Dishes for Cucumber Radish Salad
Cucumber radish salad pairs well with many dishes. Here are some great side options to consider.
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy chicken skewers seasoned simply complement the refreshing taste of the salad.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf adds hearty protein and makes a filling meal when served together.
- Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted veggies provide warmth and balance against the cold salad’s crunch.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread offers a delightful contrast in texture while being perfect for soaking up juices.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw with cabbage pairs wonderfully, adding another layer of crunch and flavor.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of sweet fruits can offer a nice contrast after enjoying savory dishes alongside your cucumber radish salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making cucumber radish salad, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Skipping the dressing: Not preparing the dressing separately can lead to uneven flavors. Always whisk together your oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper before adding it to the salad.
- Using thick slices: Cutting cucumbers and radishes too thick can make the salad less enjoyable. Aim for thin slices to enhance texture and flavor absorption.
- Neglecting to season: Forgetting to season can result in a bland salad. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.
- Not chilling before serving: Serving immediately after preparation can miss out on flavor development. Allowing the salad to chill for about 10 minutes enhances the overall taste.
- Ignoring ingredient freshness: Using wilted or old ingredients can affect the salad’s freshness. Always select crisp vegetables for the best results.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cucumber radish salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- If possible, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.
Freezing Cucumber Radish Salad
- It is not recommended to freeze cucumber radish salad as it will lose its crisp texture upon thawing.
- If you have leftovers, consider using them in a different dish rather than freezing.
Reheating Cucumber Radish Salad
- Oven: Not suitable for this salad since it is served cold.
- Microwave: Avoid microwaving; this salad is best enjoyed fresh and cold.
- Stovetop: Again, reheating is not recommended as this dish is served chilled.

Frequently Asked Questions
What goes well with cucumber radish salad?
Cucumber radish salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it an excellent side dish for summer barbecues.
Can I add other vegetables to my cucumber radish salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, carrots, or even tomatoes for added color and flavor variations.
How do I make cucumber radish salad vegan?
This recipe is naturally vegan; just ensure that any additional ingredients you use also meet vegan standards.
Is cucumber radish salad good for meal prep?
Yes! This salad is perfect for meal prep as it stays fresh in the refrigerator for a couple of days when stored properly.
Final Thoughts
Cucumber radish salad is a refreshing and versatile dish perfect for warm summer days. Its light flavors pair well with various main courses. Plus, you can customize it by adding your favorite herbs or veggies. Try this easy recipe today and enjoy its delightful crunch!
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Cucumber Radish Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Cucumber Radish Salad is the ultimate summer side dish that combines crunchy cucumbers and zesty radishes for a refreshingly delightful flavor. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or light lunches, this salad is not only visually appealing with its vibrant colors but also incredibly easy to prepare in just 10 minutes. Each bite offers a burst of flavor, making it a versatile addition to any meal. With only 75 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free option packed with nutrients. Customize it to match your taste preferences by adding herbs or adjusting the seasoning. Enjoy this crisp salad as an accompaniment to grilled meats or as a refreshing topping on tacos.
Ingredients
- 4 mini or Persian cucumbers
- 8 radishes (one bunch)
- 2 green onions (thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (roughly chopped)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Slice cucumbers and radishes thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine cucumber slices, radishes, green onions, dill, and dressing; stir gently to coat.
- Transfer to a serving bowl; garnish with parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 75
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg