This salad just says Spring. Cucumbers and radishes are a popular twosome that only requires some fresh herbs and a light dressing. I like to use English cukes and then vary the radishes when I can find them. I have discovered that it is better to grow your own radishes to get the many varieties that stores do not sell.
There are many recipes to choose from and even other veggies are a possibility such as shallots, red peppers and jalapenos will add a nice kick. The dressing is the big decision as you can make a citrus version like the recipe I’ve posted or a salad using a salt block or with some heat such as Thai Cucumber Sambal
Did you know that radishes are good companion plants with other veggies – they help keep the bugs away even the dreaded cucumber beetle!
Radish and Cucumber Salad with Basil
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (use your best when making a dressing for a salad)
- 1/2 tsp. lemon zest
- 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp. white wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp. honey
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 bunch radishes, thinly sliced (cut in half if they are big)
- 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, minced (thyme would be a good choice with this citrus dressing)
- garnish of fresh basil leaves and ground black pepper
In a bowl whisk together the oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, vinegar, honey and salt. Fold in the radishes, cucumber and shallot. Refrigerate for no longer than an hour as it does not keep well. Just before serving stir in the basil. Garnish with additional basil and ground black pepper.
http://cookingwithauntjuju.com/2018/05/20/radish-and-cucum…salad-with-basil/
This is a perfect side for Grilled Chicken with Traverse City Cherry Barbecue Sauce…
This definitely heralds in summer and all that great warm weather where everything is light and airy. Love the light dressing, and English cukes.
Thanks Loretta – I’m lovin’ this time of year when fresh veggies are just starting to produce on so many plants. There are so many ways to dress this salad and this version is just one of them!
I. Love. Radishes. 😍
Me too!!!
Looks too tasty
Thanks!
Love such fresh and crunchy salads. The addition of basil here is brilliant. I’ll give it a try soon!
Thanks Ronit – hope you can try it and mix it up with your own veggies and dressing. It’s so nice to go out on my deck and pick the herbs I need 🙂
No doubt your fresh veggies are superior. At least now I have the farm stand nearby so it’s not as bad as in the winter. 🙂
I didn’t know that about the radish. Good to know for the future, when I eventually get a garden.
Radishes grow so quickly that the bugs often will eat the leaves of these plants and leave the other plants alone (or at least not do so much damage).
I used to grow radishes but I”m the only one here who eats them. I love looking up companion planting, it really does matter where you place your plants. Happy Weekend to you, Judy!
It also pays to rotate your crops from year to year. I love radishes and grow them just for my self. They make a low-fat snack! Enjoy your weekend too Mary!
Hi Judy! Yes, I note where everything is planted and then rotate every year! Happy days, friend!
This is wonderful. Two pretty vegetables with crunch!
Thanks – radishes and cukes make a good base for a salad!
Love basil but still waiting for mine to get bigger!
Me too and I have 3 varieties growing in pots. I started my basil seeds back in March under lights and they are providing me with lots of leaves for recipes!
How delicious! I have basil in four pots this year but my radishes are not quite there yet! Store bought ones will do just fine for today. Making it this evening👍
Hope you enjoy it Zeba! I have 4 pots as well; two – regular basil, 1- Thai and 1 mini.
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