Radish Cucumber Salad with Black Pepper Chicken

Radish cucumber salad is a refreshing summer side dish made into a filling meal with delicious peppery grilled chicken. The easy Greek yogurt-based sauce doubles as the salad dressing and a flavorful chicken marinade. 

Enjoy the taste of crunchy radishes, cool cucumbers, and a creamy dill dressing with loads of vibrant black pepper. Great as a main meal with chicken or as a simple side without, this summer salad is easy, versatile, and full of flavor and texture.

creamy cucumber radish salad recipe

This radish cucumber salad is full of fresh flavors and crunchy textures. The creamy, zesty dressing takes this salad to the next level, giving your taste buds a full-on experience. 

You can make this a refreshing side dish or main meal! It's perfect for radish fans who are low carb, gluten-free, or just looking for a new way to enjoy this often-overlooked vegetable. And if you're new to the radish game, this tasty salad is a great introduction to their unique taste and texture. 

I highly recommend making this cucumber radish salad with the grilled black pepper chicken. The contrast in flavors and textures is so good.

The marinade gives the chicken a wonderful sweet and savory flavor, while the black pepper adds a subtle kick. When paired with the cool and creamy salad, it's an absolute dream!

why this recipe works

When summer comes around, I'm always craving savory meat and refreshing vegetables (hello grilled shrimp skewers and pickle de gallo!). There really is something about outdoor barbecues that makes this combination irresistible.

That's why this creamy cucumber radish salad recipe is perfect for summer cookouts! It's light, refreshing, and packed with flavor.

Not only that, radishes are SO good for you. According to Health.com, they are a wonderful source of vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and fiber. It also doesn't hurt that they are low in carbs, making a great alternative ingredient to potato salad or pasta salads.

This easy salad recipe is basically a gardener's dream come true. You can use fresh radishes, cucumbers, and dill from your own vegetable garden. If you don't have a green thumb, I recommend going to your local farmers market for the freshest ingredients. The flavors will be unbeatable!

My radish cucumber salad is:

• A great way for those on a low-carb diet to enjoy a refreshing summer salad.
• A perfect side dish for summer cookouts and barbecues.
• Easy to customize with your favorite herbs and seasonings.
• Healthy eating at its finest!

featured ingredients

Here's a look at what you'll need to make this salad:

• Chicken thighs. I like to use chicken thighs as they are more flavorful and juicier than chicken breasts. But, you can use any cut of chicken you prefer.
• Greek yogurt. Use plain Greek yogurt to make the creamy dill dressing and chicken marinade.
• Lime juice. Adds a bright, tart flavor to the dressing and marinade that really pops!
• Apple cider vinegar. This adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the salad.
• Fresh-ground black pepper. The freshly ground pepper adds a nice kick to the chicken and complements the other flavors in the dish.
• Tamari or coconut aminos. Deepens the flavor of the salad, adding a touch of umami.
• Granulated monk fruit sweetener. This low-carb sweetener adds a touch of sweetness without any added sugar.
• Radishes. The starring ingredient! Crisp radishes add a refreshing crunch to the salad.
• Persian cucumbers. Sliced thin for added crunch and freshness. I like Persian cucumbers because they are seedless and extra crunchy.
• Snap peas. These add a slight sweetness and crunch to the salad.
• Fresh dill. Adds an herby, bright flavor that ties everything together.

easy substitutions and add-ins

Chicken: You can skip the chicken and serve this salad with your protein of choice. 

Apple cider vinegar: If you don't have apple cider vinegar, you can use white wine vinegar or even lemon juice as a substitute.

Persian cucumbers: If you can't find Persian cucumbers, you can use English cucumbers instead. Just make sure to remove the seeds before slicing.

Add-ins: This creamy salad would taste great with diced red onion or green onion, other fresh herbs like parsley or chives, and even some crumbled feta cheese for an extra pop of flavor.

how to make radish cucumber salad

Here's a look at how to make the salad but be sure to check out the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page for all of the details. 

Preheat your grill to 425°F. Add the chicken to the grill and cook for about 7-8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Pour the reserved salad dressing over the radish and cucumber mixture and add 1 tablespoon of the dill. Toss to coat.

Serve with sliced chicken, the remaining fresh dill, and cracked black pepper on top. Serve and enjoy!

pro tips for best results

• The red radishes will turn the dressing a light pink color after it sits for a while. I recommend waiting to add the dressing to the salad until right before serving. If you anticipate having leftovers, I recommend keeping the salad and dressing separate.  

• To make this salad ahead of time, prepare all the ingredients and store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble the salad and add the dressing right before serving to keep everything fresh. 

• If you don't have a grill, you can cook the chicken in a skillet, air fryer, or under the broiler, too. I would go with the same cooking time, plus or minus a couple of minutes.

• The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured with an instant read thermometer.

storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container – salad and chicken separately – for up to 3 days. The radishes may turn the dressing a light pink color but everything will taste the same!

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