Cucumber Radish Salad: A Crisp, Cool Classic for Summer Tables

There’s something beautifully nostalgic about biting into a crisp cucumber salad in the middle of summer. It brings back memories of backyard barbecues at my grandmother’s house, where the food was simple, fresh, and made with love. Cucumber Radish Salad was always on the table—cool, crunchy, and tangy with just the right hint of spice from the radishes. It was the kind of dish that disappeared quickly, no matter how much she made.

Whether you’re looking for a light side dish, a healthy potluck recipe, or a refreshing way to use garden vegetables, this Cucumber Radish Salad is exactly what your summer menu needs.

What Is Cucumber Radish Salad?

Cucumber Radish Salad is a light, vegetable-based side dish highlighting two cool-weather produce favorites: cucumbers and radishes. Thinly sliced and tossed in a tangy, often creamy dressing, this salad is known for its crisp texture and refreshing flavor. It’s versatile, quick to make, and pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or picnic fare.

Traditionally Eastern European but beloved across cultures, this salad balances cooling cucumber with the peppery bite of fresh radishes. For countless variations, you can dress it up with herbs, citrus, or dairy.

Why You’ll Love This Crisp & Refreshing Summer Side

• Quick & Easy: No cooking required—slice, toss, and chill.
• Healthy & Hydrating: Made with water-rich vegetables and minimal ingredients.
• Customizable: Works well with creamy dressings, vinaigrettes, or lemon juice.
• Perfect for Summer Gatherings: Light, refreshing, and crowd-pleasing.

Cucumber Radish Salad adds freshness and crunch to any meal, whether you’re serving ribs, grilled chicken, or a simple veggie sandwich.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make a classic Cucumber Radish Salad. Feel free to adjust based on your preferences or what’s in your fridge.

You’ll also want a mandoline slicer (linked to bold external tool) for ultra-thin, even cuts.

How to Make Cucumber Radish Salad Step-by-Step

1. Prepare the Vegetables

• Wash and trim the ends of the cucumbers and radishes.
• Slice them very thin—use a mandoline for best results.
• If using red onion, slice it finely and soak in cold water for 5–10 minutes to mellow the flavor.

2. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• Sour cream or yogurt
• Vinegar or lemon juice
• Salt, pepper, and chopped dill

3. Combine and Toss

• Add sliced veggies to a large mixing bowl.
• Pour dressing over the top and toss gently to coat.
• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

4. Chill and Serve

Let the salad chill in the fridge for 20–30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Tips for Perfectly Crisp Cucumbers and Zesty Radishes

• Use English or Persian cucumbers to avoid excess water and seeds.
• If you want to remove extra moisture, salt the cucumbers lightly and let them sit for 10 minutes before dressing.
• Buy radishes with greens still attached—they’re usually fresher.
• Serve the salad cold for maximum crispness.

Dressing Variations: Creamy, Vinegary, or Tangy?

This salad can be made with multiple dressings depending on your taste:

Creamy Dressing

• Use sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for depth

Vinaigrette Style

• Combine olive oil, white wine vinegar, and lemon zest
• Add a pinch of sugar or honey for balance

Lemon-Herb Twist

• Use fresh lemon juice, zest, and chopped mint for a citrusy version

Optional Add-Ins: Feta, Dill, Red Onion & More

Want to elevate your Cucumber Radish Salad? Try these add-ins:

• Feta cheese: Adds creamy saltiness
• Chopped fresh mint or parsley: For extra freshness
• Thin-sliced scallions or chives: A milder alternative to onion
• Sliced avocado: For a richer texture
• Sunflower seeds or walnuts: For crunch

Mix and match to suit your meal or mood.

Creative Cucumber Radish Salad Twists to Try

If you love the classic version of this salad, you’ll enjoy switching it up with these fun variations. Each twist brings a different texture, flavor, or look, perfect for keeping things interesting through summer.

1. Mediterranean Style

• Add crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and a handful of cherry tomatoes.
• Swap the dressing for a simple olive oil and lemon combo.
• Sprinkle with fresh oregano or parsley.

This version pairs well with grilled chicken souvlaki or lamb kebabs.

2. Asian-Inspired Crunch

• For the dressing, use rice vinegar, a touch of soy sauce, and a bit of toasted sesame oil.
• Add shredded carrots, chopped green onions, and sprinkle on some sesame seeds.
• Garnish with cilantro or mint.

Serve it alongside grilled tofu, shrimp skewers, or teriyaki salmon.

3. Creamy Ranch Twist

• Swap the yogurt dressing for ranch or buttermilk dressing.
• Add shredded cheddar and thin slices of celery for extra crunch.
• Top with crumbled bacon or smoked almonds for a picnic-style flair.

It’s great with burgers or fried chicken sandwiches.

4. Spicy Southwest Version

• Toss in black beans, corn, and diced avocado.
• Add minced jalapeño and a squeeze of lime juice for heat and brightness.
• Garnish with chopped cilantro.

Try it as a taco side dish or spooned over a bowl of rice and grilled steak.

5. Herby Lemon Zest Salad

• Please keep it simple with cucumbers, radishes, lemon juice, and herbs.
• Add a little lemon zest and finish with cracked pepper.
• Best served with light fish dishes or as a palate cleanser between courses.

Tips for Flavor Success:

• Always taste your dressing before adding it to the vegetables.
• Don’t overmix—toss gently to keep the slices whole and crisp.
• If adding proteins or extras, do so right before serving.

Adding these twists maintains the base of the Cucumber Radish Salad but brings new energy each time. It’s an easy way to impress guests—or just keep your own taste buds happy!

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This salad is a wonderful side for:

• Grilled chicken or steak
• Pulled pork sandwiches
• Lentil patties or veggie burgers
• Chili dogs at a summer cookout
• As a topping for open-faced toast with hummus or cream cheese

For more ideas, visit this veggie salad roundup for inspiration.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

• Make ahead: Best when chilled 30 minutes to 2 hours in advance
• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days
• Avoid sogginess: Drain excess liquid before storing leftovers

If making a large batch, keep dressing separate and mix before serving for maximum crunch.

Health Benefits of Cucumbers and Radishes

Both vegetables are packed with nutrients:

Together, they support hydration, digestion, and inflammation reduction. This Cucumber Radish Salad is as good for your body as it is for your taste buds.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-salting: Always taste before adding more salt
• Too-thick slices: Use a mandoline or sharp knife for even, thin cuts
• Not chilling the salad: This dish needs time to meld flavors
• Using watery cucumbers: Choose firm, small-seed varieties

Avoid these pitfalls to enjoy the best version of this refreshing dish.

Get inspired with more mouthwatering recipes! Follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and subscribe to YouTube for new cooking ideas every week.

Cucumber Radish Salad: A Crisp, Cool Classic for Summer Tables

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• Author: Jack Morgan
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

This crisp and creamy Cucumber Radish Salad is a refreshing summer side dish. Thinly sliced cucumbers and radishes are tossed in a tangy dressing, perfect for picnics, barbecues, or light lunches.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large cucumbers (English or Persian), thinly sliced

• 1 bunch radishes (8–10), thinly sliced

• 1/4 medium red onion, finely sliced (optional)

• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

• 2 tablespoons white vinegar or lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Wash and trim cucumbers and radishes. Slice thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline.

2. Soak red onion slices in cold water for 5–10 minutes.

3. Whisk together sour cream or yogurt, vinegar or lemon juice, olive oil (if using), chopped dill, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

4. Combine sliced vegetables in a large bowl and toss gently with the dressing.

5. Chill for 20–30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Notes

For extra crunch, salt the cucumbers lightly and let them sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry before adding dressing.

Optional add-ins include feta, mint, avocado, or sunflower seeds.

Use a vinaigrette for a dairy-free version.

Best served cold and eaten within 2 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-cook
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cucumber radish salad, summer side dishes, healthy salads, creamy cucumber salad, radish recipes, picnic food, garden vegetables, refreshing salad