Description
Mediterranean cucumber radish salad combines crisp vegetables with zesty herbs and tangy dressing. Refreshing ingredients create a light, elegant side dish perfect for summer meals you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cucumbers, sliced
- 5 radishes, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup (60 ml) citrus vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) maple syrup
- 1 tsp (5 ml) dijon mustard
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Rinse radishes, cucumbers, and herbs under cool water, meticulously removing any dirt or debris, then thoroughly pat dry.
- Slicing Technique: Utilize a mandolin or ultra-sharp knife to create ethereal, translucent slices of radishes and cucumbers, maintaining consistent 1/8-inch thickness for visual and textural harmony.
- Aromatics Preparation: Finely mince shallot and garlic, releasing their potent essence and ensuring even distribution throughout the salad.
- Ingredient Assembly: Consolidate sliced radishes, cucumbers, minced shallot, and chopped garlic in a spacious mixing bowl, gently incorporating freshly chopped dill for aromatic complexity.
- Dressing Creation: Whisk dressing ingredients in a separate vessel, transforming them into a silky, unified emulsion that will elevate the vegetable medley.
- Flavor Infusion: Cascade the prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture, using a delicate folding motion to ensure comprehensive coating without compromising the ingredients’ pristine texture.
- Finishing Touches: Garnish with vibrant lemon zest, additional dill sprigs, and a robust grind of cracked black pepper to amplify the salad’s sensory experience.
- Serving Recommendation: Allow the salad to rest for 15-20 minutes, enabling flavors to harmonize, then serve chilled or at cool room temperature for optimal taste and presentation.
Notes
- Slice with Precision: Use a mandolin or extremely sharp knife to create uniform, paper-thin slices ensuring consistent texture and elegant presentation.
- Herb Handling: Chop herbs just before adding to maintain maximum flavor and prevent wilting, releasing their vibrant aromatics at the last moment.
- Dressing Technique: Whisk dressing ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth emulsion that coats vegetables evenly without overwhelming delicate ingredients.
- Serving Strategy: Chill salad briefly to enhance flavor melding, but serve within 2 hours of preparation to maintain crisp vegetable texture and fresh appearance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: None
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 132
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg