| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 153 | 11g | 1.5g | 10g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 2g | 2g | 0.4g |
Why I Love French Radish and Cucumber Salad
I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia every time I prepare our Radish and Cucumber Salad. This refreshing blend of crisp radishes, cucumbers, and aromatic herbs takes me straight back to my Californian home where I spent my younger years relishing the harvests from our bountiful garden. The recipe, deeply rooted in French cuisine, offers a delightful combination of bright vegetables and a tangy Dijon mustard vinaigrette. It’s a dish that has roundly won the approval of my family and friends, and has become a fresh and staple addition to our mealtime repertoire.
What Makes The Radish and Cucumber Salad Special
The Radish and Cucumber Salad, with its simple and clean flavors, represents the ethos of California’s farm-to-table tradition I hold dear. The minimalist ingredient list allows the natural flavors of the radish and cucumber to shine, perfectly offset by the subtle spice of Dijon mustard, the acidity of white vinegar, and a generous sprinkle of fresh herbs reminiscent of my garden.
This salad is also a subtle nod to my Indian roots, despite its primarily French origins. Much like my favorite Indian kakdi kachumber (cucumber salad), it celebrates the freshness of seasonal ingredients. The light zest and crunch, as well as the harmony of flavors, make both dishes irresistibly delicious and mirror each other in an unexpected blend of cultures.
Pairings That Work
This versatile salad can be served alongside a variety of dishes. It works wonderfully with roast chicken, poached salmon, or my favourite Gujarati sabzi platter. In fact, inspired by renowned chef Julia Child, I often serve this salad recipe with her classic roast chicken dish or her hearty Beef Bourguignon.
Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a barbecue party or a simple lunch, the Radish and Cucumber Salad can add a vibrant freshness that is sure to impress. Its ability to complement a diverse range of meals is truly astonishing and also, undoubtedly, part of its charm.
Embrace the waning warmth of summer or welcome the first breeze of fall with this French-inspired, California-perfected Radish and Cucumber Salad. I’m confident that like my family, you too will find a place for this refreshing recipe in your culinary heart.
What You’ll Need
Method
Step One
Begin by thoroughly washing the fresh radishes and cucumbers to remove any dirt or debris. Once they are clean, slice the radishes into thin rounds and chop the cucumbers into small, bite-sized pieces.
Step Two
In a separate bowl, prepare the dressing for the salad. Combine the olive oil, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, and sugar, stirring until the ingredients are thoroughly blended. To this mixture, add salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
Step Three
Pour the dressing over the sliced radishes and chopped cucumbers. Toss the vegetables in the dressing until everything is well coated.
Step Four
Now, chop the fresh parsley, dill, and chives. You’ll want these herbs to be chopped quite finely to evenly distribute their flavors throughout the salad.
Step Five
Finally, add the chopped herbs to the salad and toss once again to combine. Your Radish and Cucumber Salad is now ready to serve! Enjoy this refreshing, flavorful dish as a side with your favorite meal.
