Herb and Radish Salad with Feta and Walnuts Recipe

If you’re craving a salad that bursts with fresh flavors, textures, and a touch of creaminess, the Herb and Radish Salad with Feta and Walnuts Recipe is an absolute must-try. This vibrant salad combines the crisp peppery bite of radishes with an herb garden’s worth of fresh parsley, mint, and dill, all brought together by crunchy toasted walnuts and tangy feta cheese. It’s a delightfully simple yet stunningly flavorful dish that brightens any table, perfect for warm weather meals or as a refreshing side any time of year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these straightforward, fresh ingredients is the secret to this salad’s irresistible charm. Each item plays a vital role, whether giving crunch, color, or bright, herbaceous notes that marry beautifully with creamy feta and nutty walnuts.

  • Radishes (1 bunch, thinly sliced): The star of the salad, radishes add a crisp, peppery snap that awakens your palate.
  • Fresh parsley leaves (1 cup): Bright and slightly bitter, parsley adds freshness and lovely green color.
  • Fresh mint leaves (1/2 cup): Mint introduces a cooling, aromatic note that lightens the salad.
  • Fresh dill fronds (1/4 cup): Dill’s slightly tangy, anise-like flavor adds complexity and depth.
  • Walnuts, toasted and chopped (1/3 cup): Toasting enhances their warmth and crunch, adding satisfying texture.
  • Crumbled feta cheese (1/3 cup): This salty, creamy cheese balances the salad’s freshness perfectly.
  • Olive oil (3 tablespoons): A good quality olive oil ties everything together with its fruity richness.
  • Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Lemon juice lends brightness and a zesty pop to the dressing.
  • Honey or maple syrup (1 teaspoon): Just a touch of sweetness tempers the acidity and rounds out the flavor profile.
  • Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the best in every ingredient.

How to Make Herb and Radish Salad with Feta and Walnuts Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Fresh Ingredients

Start by placing the thinly sliced radishes into a large bowl, then add the fresh parsley, mint, and dill. Toss these green gems gently so they mingle without bruising the herbs, letting their aromas begin to infuse the radishes.

Step 2: Add the Crunch and Creaminess

Next, sprinkle in the toasted, chopped walnuts along with the crumbled feta cheese. These ingredients add texture and a savory contrast that’s simply irresistible as you bite into the salad.

Step 3: Whisk the Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and your choice of honey or maple syrup, then season with salt and freshly ground pepper. This dressing is beautifully balanced, enhancing without overpowering the salad’s fresh components.

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Pour the vinaigrette over your salad ingredients and gently toss everything to ensure an even coating. Take care to mix delicately so the herbs remain intact and vibrant while the dressing binds the flavors harmoniously.

Step 5: Ready to Serve

Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the peak freshness and crunch. If you like, garnish with extra walnuts or a few sprigs of fresh herbs for an added burst of color and flavor.

How to Serve Herb and Radish Salad with Feta and Walnuts Recipe

Herb and Radish Salad with Feta and Walnuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

This salad shines when topped with a few extra toasted walnuts, a scattering of crumbled feta, or even a light drizzle of good olive oil. Fresh sprigs of dill or parsley around the edges add eye-catching color and reinforce the herbal notes.

Side Dishes

The Herb and Radish Salad with Feta and Walnuts Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, as well as alongside a rustic loaf of crusty bread. It also works beautifully as a refreshing counterpoint to hearty dishes like roasted meats or creamy pastas.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this salad in a large shallow bowl so all the vibrant ingredients are visible, or create individual servings in small glass jars for a charming, picnic-ready presentation. It also makes a pretty topping for crostini or a fresh, crunchy topper for grain bowls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers of the Herb and Radish Salad with Feta and Walnuts Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad is best enjoyed within 1-2 days before the radishes lose their crispness and the herbs begin to wilt.

Freezing

This salad is not ideal for freezing due to the fresh herbs, radishes, and cheese, which can lose their texture and flavor. It’s best to prepare it fresh for optimum taste and texture.

Reheating

Since this salad is served cold and composed of fresh ingredients, reheating is not recommended. Enjoy it straight from the fridge for the most refreshing experience.

FAQs

Can I substitute the radishes with another vegetable?

Absolutely! While radishes give this salad its signature crunch and bite, thinly sliced cucumbers or snap peas can make a great substitute if you prefer a milder flavor.

Is this salad suitable for vegans?

To keep this dish vegan, swap the feta cheese for a plant-based alternative or simply omit it. The walnuts and herbs will still deliver a wonderful flavor and texture.

How long does it take to prepare this salad?

It takes about 15 minutes to prep, making it a quick and easy choice for a fresh, healthy addition to your meals.

Can I add other nuts or seeds?

Certainly! Almonds, pecans, or pumpkin seeds can be toasted and added for different textures and nutty flavors that complement the salad well.

What type of feta cheese is best?

Opt for a good-quality feta, preferably one that’s creamy and slightly crumbly rather than too dry, to best balance the salad’s fresh and crunchy elements.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly joyful about the simplicity and brightness of the Herb and Radish Salad with Feta and Walnuts Recipe. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate fresh herbs and vegetables in a bowl that’s as colorful as it is flavorful. Whether you’re making it as a light lunch, a colorful side, or something special to impress guests, this salad is sure to become one of your favorites. Give it a try and watch how easily it becomes a staple in your recipe rotation!

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Herb and Radish Salad with Feta and Walnuts Recipe

Herb and Radish Salad with Feta and Walnuts Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 78 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This refreshing Herb and Radish Salad combines peppery radishes with vibrant fresh herbs, crunchy toasted walnuts, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed in a light lemon-olive oil vinaigrette. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s a perfect nutritious side dish or light lunch bursting with bright flavors and satisfying textures.


Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

  • 1 bunch radishes, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
  • 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill fronds
  • 1/3 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese

Vinaigrette

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and pepper, to taste


Instructions

  1. Combine herbs and radishes: In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced radishes, fresh parsley, mint, and dill. Toss gently to mix all the ingredients evenly without bruising the herbs.
  2. Add walnuts and feta: Incorporate the toasted and chopped walnuts along with the crumbled feta cheese into the herb and radish mixture, distributing them evenly for texture and flavor.
  3. Prepare the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper until the dressing is emulsified and well combined.
  4. Toss the salad: Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss everything together so that each bite is coated with the dressing, enhancing the freshness and flavor.
  5. Serve and garnish: Serve the salad immediately, optionally garnished with additional walnuts or fresh herbs to enhance presentation and texture.

Notes

  • For an extra layer of flavor, try adding thinly sliced scallions or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette.
  • Walnuts can be lightly toasted in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes to enhance their nuttiness.
  • This salad is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a day without the dressing; toss just before serving.
  • To make this salad vegan, substitute the feta cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or omit it entirely.

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