Refreshing Cucumber and Radish Salad with Herbs, Walnuts, and Feta Cheese
A modern twist on the traditional Persian Sabzi Khordan, this Cucumber and Radish Salad with Herbs, Walnuts, and Feta Cheese brings together the fresh, vibrant flavours of mixed herbs, crisp cucumbers, and spicy radishes. Sabzi Khordan, which translates to a platter of mixed herbs, cheese, and walnuts, is a staple in Persian cuisine, often enjoyed as a fresh, flavourful side dish. In this reinterpreted salad, we blend those same delightful elements, enhancing them with sliced cucumbers and radishes. Topped with a simple lemon vinaigrette, this salad is not only visually appealing but also incredibly delicious. Perfect for a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a healthy addition to any meal, this salad is sure to impress.
Ingredients Used for Cucumber and Radish Salad with Herbs, Walnuts, and Feta Cheese
Salad:
Cucumbers: Cucumbers are hydrating and provide a refreshing crunch to the salad. They are low in calories and high in water content, making them perfect for keeping you hydrated and adding volume to the salad without extra calories. Their mild flavour pairs well with the other robust ingredients in this dish.
Radishes: Radishes add a peppery kick and a beautiful pop of colour to the salad. They are rich in antioxidants and have a crunchy texture that complements the softness of the cucumbers and feta cheese. Radishes are also known for their digestive benefits and their ability to add a unique flavour profile to dishes.
Fresh Herbs (Mint & Dill): Fresh herbs like mint, parsley, and dill bring a burst of flavour and fragrance to the salad. Mint adds a cool, refreshing taste, parsley provides a fresh, slightly peppery note, and dill offers a delicate, slightly sweet flavour. These herbs not only enhance the taste but also add a vibrant green colour to the dish.
Walnuts: Walnuts add a rich, nutty flavour and a satisfying crunch to the salad. They are a good source of healthy fats and protein, making the salad more filling and nutritious. Walnuts also provide a nice contrast to the soft texture of the cheese and the crisp vegetables.
Feta Cheese: Feta cheese adds a tangy, creamy element to the salad. It pairs well with the fresh vegetables and herbs, adding a savoury depth to the dish. Feta is also a good source of calcium and protein, enhancing the nutritional value of the salad.
Alternative Ingredients
Goat Cheese: If you prefer a milder cheese, goat cheese can be used instead of feta. It has a creamy texture and a slightly tangy flavour that complements the other ingredients.
Almonds or Pecans: For a different nutty flavour, you can substitute walnuts with almonds or pecans. Both nuts provide a similar crunch and add a unique taste to the salad.
Mixed Greens: If you want to add more greens, mixed baby greens or arugula can be added to the salad for extra volume and nutrients.
Preparation Tips for Cucumber and Radish Salad with Herbs, Walnuts, and Feta Cheese
- Uniform Slicing: Slice the cucumbers and radishes uniformly to ensure even texture and presentation. A mandoline slicer can be helpful for this.
- Fresh Herbs: Use fresh herbs for the best flavour. Chop them finely to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
- Balancing Flavours: Taste the salad before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more lemon juice, salt, or pepper to balance the flavours according to your preference.
Serving Tips for Cucumber and Radish Salad with Herbs, Walnuts, and Feta Cheese
- Chilled: Serve the salad chilled for the best flavour and texture. This makes it a perfect refreshing dish for warm days.
- Plating: Arrange the salad on a large platter for a beautiful presentation. Top with extra herbs and walnuts for garnish.
- Pairing: This salad pairs well with grilled meats, fish, or as part of a larger spread with other Mediterranean dishes.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps to keep the salad fresh and prevents it from absorbing other odors from the fridge.
Separate Dressing: If you plan to store the salad for more than a few hours, consider storing the lemon vinaigrette separately. This prevents the salad from becoming soggy. Add the dressing just before serving.
Freshness of Herbs: Fresh herbs can wilt quickly. To maintain their freshness, wrap them in a slightly damp paper towel before placing them in the airtight container. This will help keep them crisp and flavorful.
Nuts and Cheese: For best texture, store the walnuts and feta cheese separately from the salad. Nuts can become soft, and cheese can become mushy if mixed with the salad for an extended period. Add these ingredients just before serving.
Short-term Storage: The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. After that, the cucumbers and radishes may start to lose their crispness, and the herbs may wilt.
Refreshing the Salad: If the salad seems a bit wilted after storage, you can refresh it by adding a few more fresh herbs and an extra splash of lemon juice. This will revive the flavours and make it taste freshly made.
Avoid Freezing: This salad is not suitable for freezing due to the high water content of the cucumbers and radishes, which can make them mushy when thawed. Fresh herbs also lose their vibrant texture and flavour when frozen.
Prepping Ahead: If you want to prepare the salad ahead of time, you can slice the cucumbers and radishes, and chop the herbs a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers and combine them with the other ingredients and dressing just before serving.
Cucumber and Radish Salad with Herbs, Walnuts and Feta Cheese
Ingredients
- 6-8 pcs cucumbers
- 12 pcs medium sized radish
- ⅓ cup feta cheese
- ⅓ cup walnut, roughly chopped
- handful dill leaves
- handful mint leaves
Vinaigrette Dressing
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- salt
- black pepper
- ⅓ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- For the dressing, whisk together all the ingredients together until it has emulsified and are well combined.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the radishes and cucumbers into thin coins roughly 1/8-inch thick removing the tips of each. Place in a medium bowl.
- Add dill leaves, and chopped mint leaves, walnut and crumbled feta cheese.
- Dress lightly with the vinaigrette. Toss well to combine. Serve.
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