Watermelon Radish & Mint Summer Salad
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I have got the best summer salad for you today! It checks all the boxes; easy to make, refreshing, looks beautiful, healthy and it tastes AH-MAZING! Even if you aren't gung-ho for radishes, this version of radish, the watermelon radish, is more mild but delicious in its own way while looking so pretty in a bowl with all the other colors. Watermelon Radish & Mint Summer Salad is going to rock your world.
Why this recipe rocks
Before I get to the recipe, I want to give you a few notes and tips regarding this salad.
First of all, it is BEAUTIFUL! You can't mess this recipe up. I promise!!! You will astound yourself and everyone else who gets to see your creation.
Second, I actually think it tastes the best on day 2, so go ahead and make it the day before. Now you already have your potluck dish done or you have one less part of dinner to make tomorrow. I love when you can make things ahead of time. #winning
Third, because this recipe tastes better on day 2 (and possibly even day 3) you can make extra and have lots of yummy leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day. Do you see why I love this recipe? It only makes your life easier and easier!
Finally, all the ingredients in the watermelon radish and mint summer salad are so ridiculously healthy for you. When did it get this easy to be so healthy??
What is watermelon radish?
watermelon radish (whole plant)
The watermelon radish is an heirloom Chinese daikon radish. The part that I am featuring in this salad grows underground as the root of the plant and is a member of the Brassica (mustard) family along with arugula, broccoli, cabbage, and turnips.
The watermelon radish doesn't taste anything like watermelon! It gets its name from the beautiful inside you can see when you cut it open. Being slightly larger than the common radish, it also differs in taste, having a slightly milder, less peppery, and slightly sweet taste. However, you will still enjoy the same crispness and firmness of the red radish.
Photo credit: SummerTomato on Visualhunt.com / CC BY
Watermelon Radish & Mint Summer Salad
A great salad for summer that tastes refreshing and cool and looks beautiful in a bowl or on a plate. This salad has a definite wow-factor.
1 medium watermelon radish, thinly sliced and halved or quartered
3 medium stone fruits (peach, nectarine or pluot), chopped
1 medium cucumber, chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
1-2 tsp sumac, ground
1-2 tsp lime juice (optional)
Just mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and that's it! So easy, yet beautiful and delicious!!
Watermelon Radish and Mint Summer Salad with steak and Caprese salad
Variations for this summer salad
While delicious just as it is, I've come up with a couple variations for this salad that you might like to try.
Add some feta or goat cheese crumbles for added variations of color and different flavors along with a little bit of protein.
If you don't have stone fruit you could substitute with chopped watermelon. Personally, I don't prefer this combo but I know some people love it!
Add about 1/2 cup or watercress greens for more color and some added nutrition.
Make a vinaigrette. This salad doesn't actually have a dressing. You can add the lime juice that I mentioned in the recipe but it's still not like a typical salad dressing. If you are one who likes a really dressed up salad you can try making a simple vinaigrette with some of the ingredients already listed and adding some olive oil. Try this simple mint vinaigrette: 4 Tbsp olive oil + 2 Tbsp lime juice + ¼ cup chopped mint + salt and pepper to taste.
What is Sumac?
Sumac spice is actually the dried and coarsely ground up berry of the sumac shrub. It is native to the Middle East, has a deep red/purple color and a tangy lemony flavor.
Dinner with Watermelon Radish and Mint Summer Salad recipe
Bring this summer salad to your next potluck...
Seriously, everyone will be impressed. I can't tell you how many remarks this salad gets because it is just so gorgeous! Couple that with how easy it is to make and this is a total winner. Watermelon Radish & Mint Summer Salad will definitely be on your list of go-to side dishes.
And if you want another super easy but delicious (and impressive) dish to go with this salad, you should check out Blackened Chicken Salad, which could be served as a salad or just frill the chicken and serve with chimichurri sauce on the side.
Enjoy!
This recipe was inspired by a dish originally enjoyed at Piccino's Cafe in San Francisco, CA.
P.S. Don't' forget to Pin this recipe to your list of healthy summer salads and save it for later!
