
Radish salad is my quick fix when I want something crisp and refreshing for lunch or beside grilled dishes. Perfect in spring or summer this creamy salad brings together crunchy radishes with cooling yogurt and a burst of fresh herbs for a side that wakes up any table.
When I first made this my husband questioned using radishes for salad but now he asks for this every picnic season. It just tastes like sunshine in a bowl.
Ingredients
- Organic green onion: Milder and sweeter than mature onions and brings gentle sharpness, choose bunches with crisp green tops
- Organic radishes: The true star bringing crunch and a touch of peppery flavor, look for ones that are firm and glossy
- Organic English cucumber or pickling cucumbers: Both give coolness and contrast to the radish, if using English cucumber you get fewer seeds and thinner skin
- Chopped fresh dill: Adds a classic grassy note, look for bunches that smell strongly of dill for the best flavor
- Organic Greek yogurt or organic sour cream: Forms the creamy base, Greek yogurt is tangy and keeps the salad lighter while sour cream gives extra richness, pick whichever you like
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper: To taste, they wake up the flavors, a pinch at a time lets you control the seasoning
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Thoroughly Prepare the Vegetables and Herbs:
- Rinse green onions, radishes, cucumbers and dill under cool running water to remove any dirt. Pay extra attention to radish roots and cucumber skins as they can hold onto soil.
- Slice and Chop the Produce:
- Using a sharp knife or mandolin, cut radishes and cucumbers into thin even slices so they hold their crunch. Finely dice green onions and chop fresh dill small so every bite gets some. Place all vegetables and herbs in a large mixing bowl for roomy tossing.
- Add the Creamy Element:
- Spoon Greek yogurt or sour cream onto the vegetables. Start with half a cup so everything gets a silky coat without feeling heavy.
- Season the Salad:
- Sprinkle in pinches of salt and several cracks of black pepper. Mix gently, taste and adjust as needed for balance. More pepper will heighten the flavor.
- Toss Gently to Combine:
- Using a soft spatula or clean hands, toss the ingredients just enough to coat with the yogurt. Be gentle so delicate radish slices and cucumbers stay crisp and do not get broken or mushy.
- Chill and Serve:
- If you have time, let the salad chill in the fridge for 15 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors mingle and turns it extra refreshing.

Dill is my favorite part of this—it reminds me of snipping it right from my grandmother’s windowsill. Bringing that aroma into the kitchen always makes me smile and takes me back to summers spent cooking with her.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Give the salad a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the creamy dressing. I find the texture is best on day one but it holds up for about twenty four hours before softening.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find Greek yogurt, sour cream is a great backup for extra creaminess. For more bite, swap in red onion for green onion. You can use parsley or fresh chives if you are not a dill fan. Persian cucumbers are also perfect here since they are tiny and crisp.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad as a cooling side with grilled chicken, lamb or fish. It makes a lively topping for toast or open-faced sandwiches. Sometimes I set it out with other mezze for a light starter alongside olives and feta cheese.
Cultural or Historical Context
Radish salad is popular in Eastern European kitchens where simplicity and fresh seasonal produce shine. It is especially beloved in Slavic countries and acts as a springtime celebration dish once radishes make their first appearance at local markets. My own family made some version of this as far back as I can remember using whatever dairy we had on hand.

This is the kind of salad I return to again and again because of its sheer simplicity and the punchy flavors. I hope it finds a spot at your table just as it did at ours.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What kind of yogurt works best in this salad?
Greek yogurt is recommended for its creamy texture and slight tang, but sour cream can also be used if preferred.
- → Can I substitute other herbs for dill?
Yes, fresh parsley or chives add a different flavor if you don't have dill on hand.
- → Should the vegetables be peeled before slicing?
No need to peel organic radishes or cucumbers; simply rinse well for a crisp texture.
- → How long does this salad stay fresh?
The salad is best enjoyed immediately, but it can be stored in the fridge for up to one day.
- → How can I add more protein to this dish?
Add cooked chicken or chickpeas for a more filling meal without overwhelming the fresh flavors.