5 Ingredients or Fewer

Radish & Cucumber Salad

September  3, 2010
4
1 Ratings
  • Serves 4
Author Notes

In Russian you call someone “rediska”, which means radish, when they’re naughty and misbehaving. At least that’s what my mother does. I never could understand why, but perhaps it’s because radishes are sharp and peppery. Anyway, being called a radish doesn’t hurt my feelings any because I happen to love radishes. I grew up eating this cool and refreshing radish salad, and as far as I can tell, it’s a Russian classic. My mother makes it with Kirby cucumbers, but I usually use English cucumbers because they’re much easier to find. And Mom never used the dill, though it is a common addition. I can’t remember what Mom served this with, and she’s being a radish and not answering her phone right now so I can’t ask, but I think it’s great on the side with roast chicken. One large bunch of radishes is usually enough to make the recipe. - Lucy Vaserfirer —Lucy Vaserfirer

Test Kitchen Notes

This is a lovely, simple salad that is such a pretty side dish! A hand-held mandoline made quick work of the slicing. Peppery radishes were balanced by the cool taste of the sliced cucumbers. I had imagined this recipe might need some lemon juice or zest. Wrong! Lucy's recipe reminds me of my "Creamy Cucumber Side" in many ways, only easier and so tasty. Thumbs up! - Lizthechef

—The Editors

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 12 ounces radishes, cut in half lengthwise and thinly sliced
  • 2/3 English cucumber, peeled, cut in half lengthwise, and thinly sliced
  • 2/3 cup sliced green onions
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill, optional
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • couple pinches Kosher salt
  • couple pinches freshly ground black pepper
Directions
  1. Toss together the radishes, cucumber, green onions, dill, if desired, and sour cream in a large bowl.
  2. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  3. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve immediately.
Contest Entries

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • TheWimpyVegetarian
    TheWimpyVegetarian
  • luvcookbooks
    luvcookbooks
  • Lucy Vaserfirer
    Lucy Vaserfirer
  • Lizthechef
    Lizthechef
  • Sunchowder
    Sunchowder

11 Reviews

TheWimpyVegetarian September 8, 2010
This looks really good! And I love your headnote - something we can all relate to. And beautiful picture!
 
irina September 7, 2010
This is my favorite. It would also be great dressed ina vegetable oil instead of sour cream for those who are lactose intolerant. I prefer your sour cream version because it smoothes out the sharpness of radishes, especially if they are too spicy.
 
luvcookbooks September 6, 2010
The picture is beautiful, with the bowl colors echoing the salad colors... good recipe, too.
 
Bigeater September 6, 2010
Yes, I know many rediskas in my wife's family. The salad looks great too.
 
Lucy V. September 5, 2010
Thank you Lizthechef and pierino! Seems like every family has at least one rediska.
 
Lizthechef September 5, 2010
Terrific recipe and cute headnote. We have radish behavior at our house too ;)
 
pierino September 5, 2010
Ditto! Sometimes simplicity is the best ingredient.
 
Sunchowder September 5, 2010
Great story! This looks really delish too!
 
Lucy V. September 5, 2010
Thanks Sunchowder!
 
SallyCan September 4, 2010
Love the intro, and your picture! Looks like a nice salad, too.
 
Lucy V. September 4, 2010
Thanks SallyCan!