Fresh Cucumber Radish Salad with Goat Cheese 20-Minute Recipe

Name: Fresh Cucumber Radish Salad with Goat Cheese
Prep time: PT-487043H21M20S
Total time: PT-487043H21M20S
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Ingredients: 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon minced shallots; 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar; 2 teaspoons honey; 1/4 teaspoon sumac; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 large English cucumber (thinly sliced); 12 radishes (thinly sliced); 3 stalks of celery (thinly sliced); 1/4 cup minced dill; 1/4 cup minced chives; 3 tablespoons chopped mint; 4 ounces goat cheese (chèvre)

Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Radish Salad
Ingredients for Cucumber Radish Salad
How to Make F resh C ucumber R adish S alad
Serving Suggestions
Customize Your Salad
Kitchen Tips & Tricks
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
More Fresh Salad Recipes
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts

This fresh cucumber radish salad captures the essence of summer with crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs, and creamy goat cheese, all tossed in a honey-sumac dressing. Inspired by garden-fresh memories, this 20-minute recipe is simple yet elegant, perfect as a side dish or light lunch. Vibrant, healthy, and forgiving, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings sunshine to every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Radish Salad

Quick and easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, no cooking required.
Balanced flavors: Sweet honey, tangy vinegar, and lemony sumac elevate crisp veggies.
Healthy and vibrant: Colorful, nutrient-packed ingredients that look stunning.
Beginner-friendly: Simple slicing and whisking make it foolproof.

Table talk

with Michelle!

This Fresh Cucumber Radish Salad with Goat Cheese is a crisp, 20-minute summer stunner! Vibrant, refreshing, and endlessly customizable, it’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters can’t resist. Perfect for any meal!

Michelle

Ingredients for Cucumber Radish Salad

Extra-virgin olive oil (3 tbsp): Fruity and smooth for the dressing base.
Shallots (1 small, minced): Minced for a mild, sophisticated onion flavor.
White wine vinegar (2 tbsp): Bright acidity to make flavors pop.
Honey (1 tbsp): Subtle sweetness to balance the tang.
Sumac (1 tsp): Lemony tartness for a unique twist. Learn more about sumac.
English cucumber (1 large): Thin-skinned and crisp for perfect texture.
Radishes (6-8, medium): Peppery and vibrant for a bold bite.
Celery (2 inner stalks): Tender inner stalks for extra crunch.
Fresh herbs (2 tbsp dill, 2 tbsp chives, 1 tbsp mint, chopped): Bright, garden-fresh flavor.
Goat cheese (chèvre) (1/3 cup, crumbled): Creamy and tangy for a luxurious finish.

How to Make Fresh Cucumber Radish Salad

Prepare the dressing: In a large serving bowl, whisk olive oil, minced shallots, white wine vinegar, honey, sumac, and a pinch of salt until the honey dissolves.
Slice vegetables: Thinly slice cucumber, radishes, and celery (about 1/8-inch thick) using a knife or mandoline for uniform slices. Learn to use a mandoline safely.
Toss the salad: Add sliced vegetables and chopped fresh herbs (dill, chives, mint) to the bowl. Toss gently with tongs to coat evenly in dressing.
Finish and serve: Crumble goat cheese over the top, add fresh black pepper, and toss lightly. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Serve immediately.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Serving Suggestions

As a side: Pair with grilled chicken, fish, or steak for a refreshing contrast.
Light lunch: Serve with warm pita bread for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Summer entertaining: Add to BBQ spreads or brunch tables for vibrant color.
Presentation: Use a wide, shallow bowl to showcase the colorful ingredients.

Customize Your Salad

Add protein: Include hard-boiled eggs, chickpeas, or grilled chicken.
Swap cheese: Try feta, ricotta, or fresh mozzarella for variety.
Vary herbs: Use basil for an Italian twist or cilantro for Mexican flair.
Extra crunch: Add thinly sliced fennel or bell peppers.

Kitchen Tips & Tricks

Control moisture: Lightly salt cucumbers and radishes 15 minutes before tossing to draw out water.
Keep it cold: Chill ingredients and the serving bowl for maximum freshness.
Light dressing: Start with less dressing to avoid overpowering the veggies.
Uniform slices: Thin, consistent slices ensure even flavor and texture.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Serve fresh: Best enjoyed immediately for crisp texture.
Make-ahead: Prep vegetables and dressing separately up to 1 day ahead; combine just before serving.
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days; stir before serving.
No freezing: High water content makes freezing unsuitable.

More Fresh Salad Recipes

Watermelon Feta Salad: Sweet, salty, and refreshing.
Refreshing Cucumber and Tomato Salad: Crisp, cool, and juicy.
Classic Three Bean Salad: Tangy, protein-packed classic.
Mediterranean Dense Bean Salad: Hearty beans with bold flavors.
Italian Farro Salad: Nutty farro meets zesty Italian flair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip the sumac?

Yes, substitute with 1 tsp lemon zest or extra vinegar for a similar tartness.

How thin should the vegetables be?

Aim for 1/8-inch slices for tender yet crunchy texture.

Can I use regular cucumbers?

Yes, peel and deseed them, and salt lightly to reduce water content.

Can I use dried herbs?

Fresh is best, but use 1/3 the amount of dried herbs if needed.

How do I keep it crisp?

Keep ingredients cold, dry vegetables well, and dress just before serving.

Final Thoughts

This fresh cucumber radish salad with goat cheese is a celebration of summer’s bounty. Simple ingredients—crisp cucumbers, peppery radishes, fresh herbs, and creamy chèvre—come together in 20 minutes for a dish that’s both elegant and comforting. Perfect for BBQs, weeknight dinners, or a light lunch, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to all season long. Make it your own and savor the taste of summer!

Before You Dig In!

If you give Fresh Cucumber Radish Salad with Goat Cheese a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out!
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