Radish Salad with Feta Dill

This bright Radish Salad brings together crisp radishes, sweet red onion, and creamy feta in a shower of fresh dill. The tangy lemon vinaigrette makes the whole dish sing and pairs so nicely with fried or baked seafood like crab cakes. It comes together fast and always adds color and freshness to weeknight or holiday tables.

This was a hit at last year’s family picnic and the leftovers were even better the next day. I love how the colors stay so bright and the feta makes it feel special.

Ingredients

• Fresh red radishes: Slice them thin for the best crunch and use ones that feel firm and look vibrant
• Red onion: Thin slices add just enough bite Choose onions that are heavy for their size with papery skin
• Fresh dill: This is what gives the salad its fresh aromatic lift Pick bunches with perky leaves and a strong fragrant scent
• Fresh lemon juice: Nothing brightens a salad like real lemon juice Roll the lemon on the counter before juicing to release more juice
• Red wine vinegar: Balances the flavors Pick one that smells bright without sharp notes
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds depth Look for firm heavy cloves
• Dijon mustard: Gives creaminess and helps emulsify the dressing I reach for imported French brands when I can
• Extra virgin olive oil: Good olive oil brings richness and flavor Use one you trust to taste delicious uncooked
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: These bring everything together Taste and adjust as you go
• Feta cheese: The creamy tangy star I prefer buying it in blocks for best freshness and flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Lemon Vinaigrette:

In a small bowl whisk together fresh lemon juice red wine vinegar minced garlic and Dijon mustard until well blended. Slowly pour in extra virgin olive oil while whisking vigorously until the dressing is completely blended and looks thickened. Taste and adjust with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Prepare the Vegetables:

Trim the radishes and slice them thinly using a sharp chef knife. Do the same with the red onion making sure the slices are very thin which helps balance their strong flavor. Pile all your vegetables into a mixing bowl.

Toss with Dill and Dressing:

Scatter chopped fresh dill over the veggies. Pour the vinaigrette evenly over the radishes onion and dill. Use a big spoon to gently toss everything until every slice is coated and glistening.

Finish with Feta and Serve:

Transfer the dressed salad to your favorite serving bowl. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top and give it one more gentle stir to distribute the feta without breaking it down too much. Serve right away for maximum freshness and crunch.

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Nothing beats the way the fresh dill brightens up the salad. My youngest always tries to sneak extra feta into their bowl before anyone else gets to the table. This recipe reminds me of summer suppers out on the porch cutting into chilled slices of radish.

Storage Tips

For best texture keep the veggies and dressing separate until you are ready to serve. If you need to prep ahead combine everything except the vinaigrette and feta. Once tossed with the dressing the radishes will soften but still taste great for up to a day in the fridge. Store leftovers covered and enjoy within two days for the best crunch.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap fresh mint for dill if you want a different herb spin. Pink radishes work fine in place of classic red and if you do not have red wine vinegar you can use white wine vinegar. Goat cheese is a nice substitute if feta is out of reach just add after tossing to avoid it melting into the salad.

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Serving Suggestions

This zippy salad makes a perfect match with anything seafood based especially crab cakes or grilled fish. It is equally good with roast chicken as a picnic side or stuffed into pita with other Mediterranean fixings. I have even layered leftovers into grain bowls for a light lunch.

Cultural Context

Radish salads like this are a staple in Greek and Mediterranean kitchens where they cut through richer main dishes. Feta and fresh herbs are classic flavors from warm weather cuisines and I find they always bring sunny energy even to cool evenings here.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do you keep radishes crisp in this salad?

Toss the vegetables with the vinaigrette just before serving. Storing radishes separately from the dressing preserves their crunch.

→ Can mint be used instead of dill?

Yes, fresh mint offers a different, refreshing flavor note and pairs well with radishes and feta.

→ What type of feta works best?

Block feta cut into small chunks gives a cleaner presentation and firmer texture than pre-crumbled feta.

→ Is this dish suitable for gluten-free or diabetic diets?

This salad fits many diets, including gluten-free and diabetic-friendly plans, thanks to simple, fresh ingredients.

→ How far ahead can you prepare the salad?

You can slice and prep vegetables and make the vinaigrette in advance; combine just before serving for best texture.