Radish Cucumber Salad Recipe – Quick Indian Pasta Side Dish

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Radish Cucumber Salad Recipe – Quick Indian Pasta Side Dish

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, refreshing side dish, especially during warmer months. This radish cucumber salad is exactly that – a vibrant, crunchy, and flavorful little number that comes together in under 10 minutes. I first made this when I needed something fast to accompany a spicy chicken curry, and it’s been a staple ever since! It’s a lovely little Indian-inspired pasta salad that’s perfect for lunch, a picnic, or alongside your favorite meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average salad. The combination of crisp radish and cucumber with the coolness of mint is just divine. It’s light, it’s healthy, and it’s bursting with fresh flavors. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make – seriously, anyone can whip this up! It’s a fantastic way to add a little freshness to your plate, and the optional green chilies give it a lovely little kick.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful salad:

• 1 Radish
• 1 Cucumber
• Handful of Mint leaves
• 1-2 Green Chilli (optional)
• Salt to taste
• 3/4 cup Pasta Dressing

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! Fresh mint is key here. It really brightens up the whole salad. Don’t skimp on it! If you’re not a fan of spice, feel free to skip the green chilies – it’s still delicious.

Now, about that pasta dressing… In India, we have so many regional variations when it comes to salad dressings! Some people prefer a simple lemon juice and chaat masala mix, while others like a yogurt-based dressing. I’ve gone with a readily available pasta dressing here for convenience, but feel free to experiment with your favorite. A light vinaigrette would also work beautifully.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s more like assembling, really.

1. First, grab a mixing bowl. Thinly slice your radish and cucumber – you want nice, delicate slices for the best texture.
2. Add those slices to the bowl, then toss in a generous handful of chopped mint leaves. The more mint, the merrier, in my opinion!
3. Now, add salt to taste. Don’t be shy, but start with a little and add more as needed.
4. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, finely chop one or two green chilies and add them to the mix. Remember, this is optional!
5. Just before serving, pour the pasta dressing over the radish, cucumber, and mint. Toss everything together gently to make sure it’s all nicely coated.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• For extra crispness, chill the cucumber and radish for about 30 minutes before slicing.
• Don’t add the dressing too early, or the salad will get soggy.
• Taste as you go! Adjust the salt and chili levels to your liking.

Variations

This salad is super adaptable. Here are a few ideas:

• Spice Level: If you love heat, add a pinch of red chili flakes along with the green chilies. My friend, Priya, always adds a dash of cayenne pepper!
• Quick Weekday Side Dish: This is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s so fast to make, you’ll have it on the table in no time.
• Adaptations for Summer Cooling: During the hot summer months, my mom used to add a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra cooling effect. It’s so refreshing!

Serving Suggestions

This radish cucumber salad is a fantastic side dish for so many things! It pairs beautifully with:

• Indian curries (especially spicy ones!)
• Grilled meats or fish
• Roasted vegetables
• Even just on its own as a light lunch

Storage Instructions

This salad is best served immediately, as the vegetables will start to soften over time. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. Just be aware that the texture won’t be quite as crisp.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

• Is this salad best served immediately? Yes, absolutely! It’s at its crispiest and freshest right after you make it.
• Can I use a different type of dressing? Definitely! A light vinaigrette or even a simple lemon juice and chaat masala dressing would be delicious.
• What if I don’t have fresh mint? While fresh mint is ideal, you can use a teaspoon of dried mint in a pinch. It won’t be quite the same, but it will still add a nice flavor.
• Can I add other vegetables like carrots or tomatoes? Yes, go for it! Grated carrots or chopped tomatoes would be lovely additions.
• How can I adjust the spice level? Start with a small amount of green chili and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!