This vibrant herb and radish salad combines peppery radishes with creamy feta cheese and crunchy walnuts for a refreshing, nutrient-packed dish. Perfect as a light lunch or a side salad for dinner, this simple recipe comes together in just minutes and offers a beautiful balance of flavors and textures.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This radish salad is a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients that create a stunning flavor profile together. The peppery bite of radishes pairs wonderfully with the tangy feta and earthy walnuts, while the light dressing allows the natural flavors to shine. It’s quick to prepare with no cooking required, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. Plus, it’s nutritious and light while still being satisfying—a wonderful way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Mixed greens provide the fresh, leafy base for this salad. You can use any combination you prefer—spring mix, arugula, baby spinach, or herb mixes all work beautifully. The greens add volume, nutrients, and a pleasant, mild flavor that balances the stronger ingredients.
Radishes contribute a peppery crunch and vibrant color to the salad. When sliced thinly, they offer a pleasing textural contrast to the softer greens. Their slightly spicy flavor adds dimension and interest to each bite.
Feta cheese brings a tangy, salty element that complements the fresh vegetables perfectly. Its creamy texture adds richness to the salad, making it more satisfying without being heavy. If you’re not a fan of feta, goat cheese makes an excellent substitute.
Walnuts add a wonderful nutty flavor and substantial crunch. They also contribute healthy fats and protein, helping to make the salad more filling. Toast them lightly before adding to the salad to enhance their flavor.
Olive oil forms the base of the simple dressing, providing a smooth, fruity element that helps to unify all the flavors. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
Balsamic vinegar adds a sweet-tart complexity that brightens the entire dish. Its rich flavor works perfectly with the radishes and feta. If you prefer, you can substitute red wine vinegar or lemon juice.
Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning. A little goes a long way to enhance the natural flavors of the vegetables and cheese. Freshly ground black pepper is particularly nice in this salad.
Directions
- In a bowl, toss mixed greens and radishes together.
- Sprinkle feta cheese and walnuts over the salad.
- Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the top, then season with salt and pepper.
- Toss gently and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 2 servings, perfect as a side salad for two people or a light meal for one. It takes just 5 minutes to prepare with no cooking time required, making it an ideal quick lunch or dinner accompaniment. Each serving contains approximately 180 calories, offering a nutritious option that won’t weigh you down.
Variations
Mediterranean Twist: Add sliced cucumber, kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of dried oregano for a Greek-inspired variation.
Herb-Enhanced: Mix in fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or mint to intensify the flavors and add aromatic notes.
Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, salmon, or hard-boiled eggs to transform this side salad into a complete meal.
Citrus Variation: Replace the balsamic vinegar with fresh lemon juice and add some lemon zest for a brighter, citrusy flavor profile.
Sweet and Savory: Add sliced apple or pear and substitute blue cheese for the feta for a different flavor combination.
Grain Addition: Mix in some cooked quinoa, farro, or barley to create a more substantial salad with additional texture and nutrients.
Storage/Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, immediately after preparation. The dressed greens will begin to wilt if left to sit too long. If you need to prepare components ahead of time, follow these tips:
- Wash and dry the mixed greens, then store them in a container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
- Slice the radishes and store them separately in water to maintain their crispness.
- Toast the walnuts ahead of time and store in an airtight container.
- When ready to serve, combine all ingredients and dress the salad just before eating.
If you have leftover salad, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, though the quality will diminish. The greens will be less crisp, but the flavors will still be good. This salad is not suitable for freezing and does not require reheating.
FAQs
What type of radishes work best for this salad?
Red globe radishes are the most common and work perfectly in this recipe. However, you can experiment with watermelon radishes, French breakfast radishes, or even daikon for different flavors and colors. Just be sure to slice them thin for the best texture.
Can I make this salad ahead of time for a party?
While you can prepare all the components ahead of time, it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving. You can wash and dry the greens, slice the radishes, crumble the feta, and chop the walnuts in advance, then combine and dress everything when you’re ready to serve to maintain optimum freshness and texture.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Just be sure to check your vinegar labels, as some flavored varieties may contain gluten.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative. There are several vegan feta-style cheeses available commercially, or you could substitute avocado for a different but equally creamy element.
Can children enjoy this salad?
While some children might find radishes too peppery, you can make this salad more kid-friendly by using milder radish varieties or slicing them extra thin. Many children enjoy the crunchy texture of walnuts and the mild flavor of feta cheese.
What main dishes pair well with this salad?
This versatile salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or fish. It also complements pasta dishes, quiches, or savory tarts. The light, fresh flavors provide a nice contrast to richer main courses.
How do I prevent the greens from getting soggy?
Make sure your greens are completely dry after washing, as water will dilute the dressing and cause sogginess. Additionally, dress the salad just before serving, and consider layering the ingredients rather than tossing them all together if the salad will sit for even a short time.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! While walnuts provide a wonderful earthy flavor, you can substitute pecans, almonds, pistachios, or even pine nuts depending on your preference. Toasting the nuts lightly before adding them will enhance their flavor regardless of which type you choose.
What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can substitute red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, or fresh lemon juice. Each will provide a different flavor profile, but all work well with the other ingredients in this salad.
How can I make this salad more filling?
To transform this light salad into a more substantial meal, consider adding protein like grilled chicken, salmon, or hard-boiled eggs. You could also incorporate grains such as quinoa or farro, or add more filling vegetables like roasted sweet potatoes or avocado.
Conclusion
This Herb and Radish Salad with Feta and Walnuts exemplifies how simple ingredients can create exceptional flavors when thoughtfully combined. The contrast between peppery radishes, tangy feta, and crunchy walnuts creates a salad that’s far greater than the sum of its parts. Whether served as a light lunch, a dinner side, or a starter for guests, this versatile dish brings a fresh, nutritious element to any meal. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability—feel free to make it your own with the suggested variations or inspired substitutions based on what’s in your kitchen. Fresh, fast, and flavorful, this salad deserves a regular spot in your meal rotation.
Print
Herb and Radish Salad with Feta and Walnuts
A refreshing herb and radish salad with feta cheese and walnuts, dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, perfect as a light side dish or appetizer.
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients
2 cups mixed greens
1 bunch radishes, thinly sliced
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss mixed greens and radishes together.
- Sprinkle feta cheese and walnuts over the salad.
- Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the top, then season with salt and pepper.
- Toss gently and serve immediately.
Notes
- This salad is best served immediately to preserve freshness and texture.
- Feel free to substitute or add your favorite herbs for more flavor.
- Use toasted walnuts for an extra nutty flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
