If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and packed with delightful textures and flavors, the Herb and Radish Salad with Feta and Walnuts Recipe is an absolute must-try. This salad is a brilliant harmony of peppery radishes, fragrant herbs, crunchy toasted walnuts, and creamy feta cheese, all brought together by a zesty lemon vinaigrette. It’s not only visually stunning with its pops of green, white, and red but also refreshingly light and nutritious—the perfect side or even a light meal that feels anything but ordinary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity, with fresh and wholesome ingredients that each contribute something special. Crisp radishes bring a peppery bite, fresh herbs like parsley, mint, and dill add layers of aroma, while toasted walnuts provide a satisfying crunch. The creamy feta cheese perfectly balances the textures, and the olive oil and lemon vinaigrette give the final burst of flavor that ties everything together.
- Radishes, 1 bunch, thinly sliced: Their crisp texture and peppery flavor give the salad a vibrant crunch and freshness.
- Fresh parsley leaves, 1 cup: Adds a bright, herbal note that lifts the entire dish.
- Fresh mint leaves, 1/2 cup: Brings a cool, refreshing nuance that pairs beautifully with the radishes.
- Fresh dill fronds, 1/4 cup: Offers a subtle anise-like flavor enhancing the herbaceous character of the salad.
- Walnuts, 1/3 cup, toasted and chopped: Toasting magnifies their nutty flavor and delivers a crunchy contrast.
- Crumbled feta cheese, 1/3 cup: Provides a creamy, salty element that complements the peppery and herbal notes.
- Olive oil, 3 tablespoons: Adds smoothness and ties all the ingredients with a rounded richness.
- Lemon juice, 1 tablespoon: Gives brightness and tang that wakes up the palate.
- Honey or maple syrup, 1 teaspoon: A touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the lemon.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the natural flavors.
How to Make Herb and Radish Salad with Feta and Walnuts Recipe
Step 1: Combine Fresh Radishes and Herbs
Start by tossing the thinly sliced radishes with the fresh parsley, mint, and dill in a large bowl. This initial mix ensures each bite is bursting with that garden-fresh aroma and adds a delightful texture base to your salad.
Step 2: Add Toasted Walnuts and Feta
Sprinkle in the toasted walnuts and crumbled feta cheese. The walnuts introduce a wonderful crunch and depth while the feta melts slightly into the herbs and radishes for a creamy counterpoint that elevates every forkful.
Step 3: Whisk the Vinaigrette
In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper until well combined. This simple vinaigrette perfectly balances acidity, a touch of sweetness, and savory notes to round the salad’s flavors.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss everything together to ensure every leaf and slice is lightly coated. Be gentle—you want to keep those radishes slightly crisp and fresh!
Step 5: Serve Fresh and Garnished
Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. You can garnish the salad with extra walnuts or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you want to up the visual appeal and add a little extra crunch or herbal lift.
How to Serve Herb and Radish Salad with Feta and Walnuts Recipe
Garnishes
Extra toasted walnuts or a handful of fresh dill and mint leaves make gorgeous garnishes that add inviting texture and fragrance. A light drizzle of good quality olive oil at the end can also enhance the shine and flavor.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with simply grilled chicken or fish for a light meal. It’s also a zesty companion to grain bowls and roasted vegetable plates, adding a fresh, crunchy contrast to soft textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in hollowed-out radish bulbs or small cups made from sturdy lettuce leaves. Layering it with slices of avocado or thin cucumber rounds on a platter can make for a show-stopping appetizer board that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the dressing separate if possible, or store the mixed version but be aware the radishes may soften over time. Consume within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well because of the fresh herbs and radishes, which lose their texture and brightness when thawed.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh, raw salad, it’s not meant to be reheated. However, you can let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to take the chill off before serving if desired.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds work well too, adding their own unique crunch and flavor. Just make sure to toast them lightly for the best taste.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
You can make it vegan by replacing feta cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or simply using extra crunchy nuts to keep that texture contrast.
How long does the Herb and Radish Salad with Feta and Walnuts Recipe keep fresh?
It’s best enjoyed the day it’s made, but storing it properly in the fridge can keep it fresh for up to 2 days. The radishes will soften after that and the flavors may mellow.
Can I prepare the vinaigrette ahead of time?
Yes! The vinaigrette can be whisked together and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a quick shake or stir before tossing your salad.
What’s the best way to toast walnuts?
Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. This enhances their flavor and adds a lovely crunch to your salad.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Herb and Radish Salad with Feta and Walnuts Recipe enough for anyone looking for a fresh, flavorful, and visually stunning salad that is quick to assemble. It’s a perfect hero side dish or a light lunch that celebrates simple ingredients at their best. Give it a go—you might just find your new favorite salad!
Print
Herb and Radish Salad with Feta and Walnuts Recipe
- 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 fresh and vibrant Herb and Radish Salad with Feta and Walnuts combines crunchy radishes with aromatic herbs, toasted walnuts, and creamy feta cheese, all brought together by a tangy lemon-honey vinaigrette. It’s a quick, no-cook salad perfect for a light meal or a refreshing side dish.
Ingredients
Salad
- 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
- Combine herbs and radishes: In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced radishes with fresh parsley, mint, and dill leaves. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly without bruising the herbs.
- 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 throughout the salad.
- Prepare vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper until well combined to create a balanced, tangy, and slightly sweet dressing.
- Toss salad with dressing: Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients thoroughly, ensuring the flavors meld together.
- Serve: Plate the salad immediately and, if desired, garnish with extra walnuts or fresh herbs for visual appeal and added texture.
Notes
- Toast the walnuts lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant to enhance their flavor.
- Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup in the vinaigrette to your preferred level of sweetness.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance, but for best freshness and texture, serve soon after dressing.
- To make it vegan, substitute feta cheese with a plant-based alternative or omit it entirely.
- For added crunch, you can sprinkle some sliced almonds or sunflower seeds as an alternative to walnuts.
