Bursting with crisp freshness and tossed in a tangy, herb-flecked dressing, Creamy Cucumber Radish Salad is the ultimate summer side dish you’ll want to bring to every gathering. With each bite, you get the best of both worlds: the cool crunch of cucumbers, the peppery edge of radishes, and a creamy yogurt base that ties everything together. It’s simple to make, gorgeous on the table, and just fancy enough to delight your friends or upgrade your weekday lunch.

Creamy Cucumber Radish Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything in this salad works together in perfect harmony: bright herbs, vegetables that are all about refreshing crunch, and the sort of creamy dressing that makes it feel a touch indulgent. Each ingredient helps create the color, texture, and flavor that make Creamy Cucumber Radish Salad so special.

Cucumbers: Use mini, Persian, or English cucumbers for delicate skin and little to no seeds, keeping each slice super crisp and sweet.
Radishes: Classic red radishes add a snappy bite and a vibrant pop of magenta to the salad’s palette.
Fresh dill: Chopped dill brings meadow-bright, grassy notes that balance the creamy dressing and lift every mouthful.
Chives or scallions: A green, oniony whisper deepens the salad’s flavor without being overpowering—choose whichever you have on hand!
Greek yogurt: Plain Greek yogurt forms the luscious base for the dressing and brings a tang that’s lighter than mayo.
Extra virgin olive oil: A drizzle adds silkiness and depth, plus that appetizing richness we love in a good salad.
Red wine vinegar: A splash injects zippy acidity—though apple cider vinegar also works for a slightly fruity twist.
Honey: Just a hint to gently mellow the sharpness from the vinegar and radishes.
Kosher salt: Draws out the flavors of all the fresh produce and balances the tang.
Garlic powder: A little goes a long way, lending savory warmth without overpowering the delicate veggies.
Freshly ground black pepper: To taste, for extra pep and gentle heat.

How to Make Creamy Cucumber Radish Salad

Step 1: Prep Your Veggies

Start by grabbing your sharpest knife or a trusty mandolin slicer—this is the secret to getting those satisfyingly thin, even rounds that set Creamy Cucumber Radish Salad apart. Rinse your cucumbers and radishes thoroughly, trim the ends, and slice them as thin as you like (the thinner, the more refreshing the bite). This simple step lays the crunchy foundation of the entire salad.

Step 2: Combine the Fresh Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, gently toss together your sliced cucumbers, radishes, chopped fresh dill, and vibrant chives (or scallions). The smell alone at this stage is amazing—bright and herbaceous, promising big flavor in your finished salad. Mixing these before adding the dressing ensures that every piece is ready to soak up that creamy goodness.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing

In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), honey, kosher salt, garlic powder, and a good grind of black pepper. You want a smooth, pourable dressing that tastes tangy, a little garlicky, and ever-so-slightly sweet. Don’t be afraid to taste and tweak—your palate knows best!

Step 4: Toss and Serve

Pour the dressing over your bowl of vegetables and toss everything gently to coat. The magic happens instantly—the cucumbers sparkle, the radishes glisten, and flecks of dill and chive hold everything together. Since cucumbers quickly release their liquid once mixed with salt and acid, it’s best to serve Creamy Cucumber Radish Salad right away for peak crunchiness and flavor.

Step 5: Make Ahead Tips

If you’re planning ahead, simply prep the vegetables and dressing separately, stash them covered in the fridge, and mix just before serving. This way, each ingredient keeps its texture, and your salad will taste perfectly fresh no matter when you serve it!

How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Radish Salad

Garnishes

For a picture-perfect finish, sprinkle extra fresh dill, chive blossoms, or even a light dusting of cracked black pepper over your Creamy Cucumber Radish Salad right before serving. Lemon zest is also lovely and adds a bit of citrus lift. These garnishes make the salad sing both visually and on your taste buds.

Side Dishes

Pair Creamy Cucumber Radish Salad with grilled chicken, herby fish, or roasted potatoes for a harmonious meal. It’s also fantastic alongside picnic classics like sandwiches or deviled eggs. The cool, tangy flavors balance anything rich or hearty, making it a star addition at barbecues and brunches alike!

Creative Ways to Present

Layer the salad in glass jars for a striking picnic presentation, stuff it into pita pockets for a fresh twist on lunch, or arrange the components in a composed layout for an elegant dinner party starter. However you serve it, Creamy Cucumber Radish Salad always looks and tastes as cheerful as it feels.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Cucumber Radish Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cucumbers will continue to release water, so you may want to give the salad a quick toss and drain any excess liquid before serving again. Enjoy within a day for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

This salad is all about fresh, crisp veggies, so unfortunately, freezing isn’t recommended. The cucumbers and radishes will lose their bite and become mushy when thawed. It’s truly a salad best enjoyed straight from the fridge!

Reheating

No need to reheat—Creamy Cucumber Radish Salad is served chilled or at room temperature. If it’s been in the fridge, give it a good stir and let it sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blossom.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of mini or English cucumbers?

You can use regular cucumbers, but consider peeling them and scooping out the seeds for the best texture. The skin and seeds can be tougher and more bitter than their thinner-skinned cousins.

Is there a dairy-free or vegan substitute for the Greek yogurt?

Absolutely! Swapping in a thick, unsweetened coconut yogurt or a cashew-based yogurt will keep that creamy vibe and make the Creamy Cucumber Radish Salad totally dairy-free and vegan.

How far in advance can I slice the vegetables?

You can slice the cucumbers and radishes up to a day ahead. Store them separately from the dressing in a sealed container and mix just before you’re ready to serve for that signature crunch.

What other herbs can I use?

If dill and chives aren’t your favorites or you’re just in the mood to experiment, try fresh parsley, tarragon, or mint. Each herb brings its unique twist to the Creamy Cucumber Radish Salad.

Is it possible to double or triple this recipe for a crowd?

Of course! This recipe easily scales up—just use the ingredient amounts in the recipe above, multiply to match your crowd, and make sure you have a big enough bowl for tossing!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly irresistible about the lively crunch and irresistibly creamy dressing in this Creamy Cucumber Radish Salad. If you’re looking for a bright, refreshing side that will win everyone over, give this vibrant recipe a try—you might just find it becomes your new go-to, just like it has for me!