Crunchy Radish & Cucumber Salad
A refreshing, crisp salad that comes together in minutes. Thinly sliced radish and cucumber mingle with bright lemon juice, fresh herbs, and a whisper of spice. Perfect as a cooling side for dal-rice or grilled mains, this no-cook salad delivers big crunch and fresh flavor.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Slice the radish and cucumber.
1.Trim the tops and tails from the radish. Slice into thin rounds (about 2 mm thick).2.Slice the cucumber into thin rounds of the same thickness.3.Thinly slice the small onion into half-moons. - mix · ~2 min
Toss the salad.
1.In a large bowl, combine the sliced radish, cucumber, and onion.2.Add the chopped green chili and fresh coriander leaves.3.Squeeze the lemon juice over the vegetables.4.Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and chaat masala on top.5.Toss everything gently with your hands or two spoons until evenly coated.TIPToss just before serving to keep the vegetables crunchy — sitting in lemon juice will soften them. - garnish
Check seasoning and serve immediately.
Taste the salad and adjust salt or lemon juice if needed. Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy right away while it's at its crispiest.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a mandoline slicer to get uniformly thin radish and cucumber rounds for even texture.
- 2Soak the sliced onion in ice water for 10 minutes to mellow its sharpness while keeping it crunchy.
- 3Pat the sliced radish and cucumber dry with a clean kitchen towel to prevent a watery salad.
- 4Add the lemon juice and salt only just before serving to avoid drawing out moisture and wilting the vegetables.
- 5For extra crunch, include the cucumber's seeds by leaving the skin on and using firm, seedless varieties if possible.
Adapt it for your goals.
High-protein
Add 100g of crumbled paneer or boiled chickpeas to transform this side salad into a light, protein-rich lunch that still stays cool and crisp.
herbaceousHerbaceous
Swap coriander for a mix of fresh mint and dill — the mint adds a cooling lift that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or spicy curries.
spicy crunchSpicy crunch
Toss in a handful of roasted peanuts or crushed papdi for a nutty, crunchy contrast that turns the salad into a chaat-inspired snack.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Low-Calorie Hydration
Radish and cucumber are over 95% water, making this salad a refreshing way to stay hydrated while keeping calories minimal.
Rich in Vitamin C
Fresh lemon juice and radishes provide a good dose of vitamin C, supporting immune health and collagen production.
Digestive Support
Radishes are known for their natural fiber and compounds that aid digestion, while cucumber's high water content helps keep things moving.
Low in Fat and Sodium
With no added oil and only a pinch of salt, this salad is naturally heart-friendly and suitable for low-sodium diets.
Frequently asked questions
It's best assembled just before serving, but you can slice the vegetables and store them separately in the fridge for up to 4 hours, then toss with lemon juice and spices right before eating.
