Herb and Radish Salad with Feta and Walnuts Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that’s as gorgeous as it is flavorful, the Herb and Radish Salad with Feta and Walnuts is a true celebration of freshness and crunch. Crisp radishes, fragrant herbs, creamy feta, and toasty walnuts all get tossed together with a bright lemony dressing for a salad that crackles with texture and taste. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled chicken or letting it shine as the star of a light lunch, this salad is a vibrant way to showcase the best of seasonal produce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Herb and Radish Salad with Feta and Walnuts lies in its simplicity—each ingredient brings something special, and together, they create a colorful medley that’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Trust me, using the freshest greens and a handful of pantry staples makes all the difference!
- Radishes: Their crisp snap and peppery bite are the backbone of this salad—slice them thinly for the best texture.
- Fresh parsley leaves: Adds a grassy brightness that pairs beautifully with the other herbs.
- Fresh dill fronds: Brings an aromatic, slightly sweet flavor that’s unmistakably fresh.
- Fresh mint leaves: Invigorates each bite with a cool, refreshing lift—don’t skip it!
- Crumbled feta cheese: Creamy, tangy, and salty, it ties the salad together and adds richness.
- Chopped toasted walnuts: Toasting the walnuts intensifies their flavor and gives you wonderful crunch.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: The base for your dressing—choose a good one for the most vibrant results.
- Lemon juice: Bright acidity wakes everything up and balances the richness of the feta and walnuts.
- Honey: Just a touch, to round out the sharpness of the lemon and radishes.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning—taste as you go to get it just right.
How to Make Herb and Radish Salad with Feta and Walnuts
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by giving all your herbs a quick rinse and pat dry with a clean towel. Slice the radishes as thinly as possible—if you have a mandoline, this is the perfect time to use it. Roughly chop the parsley, dill, and mint leaves, keeping the herbs big and leafy for maximum flavor and a gorgeous look.
Step 2: Toast the Walnuts
If your walnuts aren’t already toasted, simply toss them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes. Stir frequently until they’re fragrant and golden, then let them cool. Toasting brings out their natural nuttiness and makes them extra crunchy, which is a wonderful contrast in the finished salad.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Grab a large salad bowl and add your sliced radishes, chopped parsley, dill, and mint. Scatter the crumbled feta and cooled, toasted walnuts right on top. Each layer is a burst of color and texture, making this Herb and Radish Salad with Feta and Walnuts look almost too pretty to eat!
Step 4: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until it’s smooth and glossy. This dressing is light but packs a punch, perfectly complementing the salad without overpowering those delicate herbs and radishes.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Pour the dressing over your salad just before serving, and gently toss everything together. The goal is to coat the ingredients without bruising the herbs or breaking down the feta. Serve immediately for the freshest crunch and brightest flavors.
How to Serve Herb and Radish Salad with Feta and Walnuts
Garnishes
For an elegant finish, I love sprinkling a few extra dill fronds and a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top. A drizzle of olive oil or a little extra crumble of feta adds even more appeal. If you want to up the color, scatter a few edible flower petals for a truly show-stopping presentation.
Side Dishes
The bright, zesty flavors of Herb and Radish Salad with Feta and Walnuts pair beautifully with simple grilled chicken, seared fish, or even a hearty grain bowl. It’s also the perfect partner to roasted potatoes or a slice of crusty sourdough bread, making it a versatile choice for any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad on a large platter for a dramatic centerpiece at a dinner party. For picnics, pack the salad and dressing separately and toss just before eating. You can even scoop spoonfuls onto endive leaves or cucumber rounds for a fun appetizer twist—this Herb and Radish Salad with Feta and Walnuts is as flexible as your imagination!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Herb and Radish Salad with Feta and Walnuts in an airtight container in the fridge. While the herbs will soften a bit, the flavors meld beautifully overnight. For best texture, enjoy within 24 hours.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well. Freezing would wilt the herbs and make the radishes soggy, so I recommend making only what you’ll eat in the next day or so.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this salad—it’s meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If the salad has been refrigerated, let it sit out for a few minutes before serving to take the chill off and bring the flavors forward.
FAQs
Can I use different herbs in this salad?
Absolutely! While the classic combo of parsley, dill, and mint gives a signature flavor, you can swap in cilantro, chives, or even basil for a twist. Let your garden or market haul inspire you.
What can I use instead of feta?
Goat cheese is a fantastic substitute for feta in the Herb and Radish Salad with Feta and Walnuts. It’s creamy and tangy, so it works seamlessly. Ricotta salata or even a mild blue cheese would also be interesting choices.
How do I mellow the sharp flavor of radishes?
If you find radishes too peppery, soak the slices in ice-cold water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the salad. This crisps them up and tames their bite, making the Herb and Radish Salad with Feta and Walnuts milder and extra crunchy.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, the Herb and Radish Salad with Feta and Walnuts is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your feta and walnuts to make sure they haven’t been processed with any gluten-containing ingredients.
Can I make the salad ahead of time?
You can prep the herbs, radishes, and walnuts a few hours in advance and store them separately. Wait to toss everything with the dressing until just before serving to keep the salad crisp and fresh.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Herb and Radish Salad with Feta and Walnuts enough—whether you’re looking for something quick, vibrant, and full of flavor, or you want a showpiece for your next gathering, this salad delivers every time. Give it a try, and let it brighten up your table and your taste buds!
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Herb and Radish Salad with Feta and Walnuts Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This vibrant Herb and Radish Salad with Feta and Walnuts is a refreshing blend of crunchy radishes, fresh herbs, creamy feta, and nutty walnuts, all tossed in a zesty lemon-honey dressing. Perfect as a light meal or a side, this Mediterranean-inspired salad brings bright flavors and textures that celebrate spring’s freshest produce.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 bunch radishes, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh dill fronds
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup chopped toasted walnuts
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the herb and radish base: In a large salad bowl, combine the thinly sliced radishes with the fresh parsley, dill, and mint leaves. This mixture forms the fresh and aromatic foundation of your salad.
- Add the feta and walnuts: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped toasted walnuts evenly over the radish and herb mixture, adding creaminess and crunch that complement the fresh vegetables.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined for a bright and balanced dressing.
- Toss and serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are lightly coated. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp textures and fresh flavors at their best.
Notes
- This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
- For a milder radish flavor, soak the sliced radishes in cold water for 10 minutes before assembling the salad.
- Goat cheese can be used as a substitute for feta for a different tangy note.
- Toast the walnuts before chopping to enhance their flavor and crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
