Clean Keto Cucumber Radish Salad

This Clean Keto Cucumber and Radish Salad is so refreshing and versatile, it pairs well with any meal!

I don’t know about you, but for me as soon as summer hits, the salads come out.

I love salad – and in summer I eat it pretty much every day- either as a main meal for lunch or as a side at dinner (or both).

When I make my ‘lunch’ salads, they tend to be very filling and hearty – including veggies, protein, and healthy fats.

But when I’m serving salads at dinner, it is often as a side to a protein like a steak or chicken thighs, so I like to keep it light.

A recipe I really enjoy – especially with a steak – is Cucumber Radish Salad. It is refreshing and light, with a bit of pepperiness from the radishes. And don’t let the minimal ingredients of this cucumber radish salad recipe fool you – it is full of flavor!

Health Benefits of Radishes on Keto

Rich in Nutrients

Radishes are a great source of vitamins and minerals.

They are particularly high in vitamin C, folate, and potassium. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help protect your body from damage caused by free radicals.

Folate is important for cell growth and development, while potassium is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure and heart function.

Aid in Digestion

Radishes are high in fiber, which can help keep your digestive system functioning properly.

Fiber adds bulk to your stool, which can help prevent constipation and promote regular bowel movements.

Additionally, radishes contain enzymes that aid in digestion and can help break down complex carbohydrates and fats.

Promote Weight Loss

Radishes are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a great food to include in your weight loss plan.

Fiber helps you feel full, which can prevent overeating and help you maintain a healthy weight.

Additionally, radishes are low in fat and carbohydrates, which can make them a great snack option when you’re trying to lose weight.

Boost Immune System

As mentioned earlier, radishes are high in vitamin C, which can help boost your immune system.

Vitamin C is essential for the production of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting off infections and diseases.

Additionally, radishes contain compounds that have been shown to have antimicrobial properties, which can help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in your body.

Reduce Inflammation

Radishes contain anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce inflammation throughout your body.

Inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can lead to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.

Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods like radishes into your diet can help reduce your risk of these conditions.

Support Healthy Skin

Radishes are a good source of vitamin C, which is essential for the production of collagen.

Collagen is a protein that helps keep your skin looking firm and youthful.

Additionally, radishes contain compounds that can help protect your skin from damage caused by UV radiation.

Are Radishes Keto?

If you are following a ketogenic diet, you may be wondering if radishes are keto-friendly.

The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that aims to put your body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates.

Are Radishes Keto?

The short answer is yes, radishes are keto-friendly.

One cup of sliced radishes contains only 2 grams of net carbs, making them a low-carb vegetable that can easily fit into a keto diet.

Net carbs are calculated by subtracting the fiber content from the total carbohydrate content, as fiber is not digestible and does not contribute to blood sugar spikes.

Radishes are also a good source of fiber, which is important for maintaining digestive health and promoting feelings of fullness.

They are also rich in vitamins C and B6, potassium, and folate, making them a nutritious addition to any diet.

How to Incorporate Radishes into a Keto Diet

Radishes can be eaten raw or cooked and can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are a few ways to incorporate radishes into your keto diet:

1. Radish Chips: Slice radishes thinly and bake in the oven with a little bit of olive oil and salt to make crispy, low-carb chips.
2. Radish Salad: Toss sliced radishes with arugula, avocado, and a lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing and low-carb salad.
3. Roasted Radishes: Roasting radishes brings out their natural sweetness and makes them a delicious side dish. Toss with olive oil and seasonings of your choice before roasting in the oven.
4. Radish Salsa: Mix diced radishes, tomatoes, jalapenos, and lime juice for a keto-friendly salsa that pairs well with grilled meats or low-carb chips.

Tips For The Best Cucumber Radish Salad

Keep It Fresh

Use the freshest ingredients possible. Because there are so few ingredients in this recipe, try to source the best and freshest for your salad.

This is the kind of salad that must be eaten on the same day it is made, as it doesn’t keep well.

Prepping Tips

You can use a mandoline or a knife to cut the cucumber into ribbons. I recommend the mandoline as it is much easier to get the thin ribbons. (If you do use a mandoline – take care – those blades are sharp!)

If the radishes you are using are quite large, after slicing the rounds you can cut them in half.

How to make your cucumbers pretty

One key to making this salad stand out is to slice the cucumbers into long, thin strips. While this can be done with a knife, using a mandoline can make the process much easier and quicker.

Step 1: Choose the Right Mandoline

When selecting a mandoline, look for one with a blade that is adjustable for thickness. This will allow you to make thin, uniform slices that are perfect for this salad.

Additionally, make sure that the mandoline has a safety guard to protect your fingers while slicing.

Step 2: Prepare the Cucumber

Start by washing the cucumber and trimming off the ends. Then, using a vegetable peeler, remove the skin from the cucumber.

This step is optional, but it can make the salad more visually appealing.

Step 3: Adjust the Mandoline

Adjust the blade on the mandoline to the desired thickness. For this salad, aim for slices that are about 1/8 inch thick.

Test the thickness by slicing a small piece of cucumber and adjusting the blade as needed.

Step 4: Slice the Cucumber

Place the cucumber on the mandoline and carefully run it back and forth over the blade.

Use the safety guard to protect your fingers and keep them away from the blade.

Slice the cucumber into long strips, stopping when you get to the seeds in the center.

what should i serve with this keto cucumber radish salad?

Grilled Chicken

Marinate chicken in a keto-friendly marinade before grilling for an extra burst of flavor.

Seared Tuna

Season the tuna with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for an Asian-inspired twist.

Grilled Steak

Marinate steak in a keto-friendly marinade before grilling for added flavor.

Boiled Eggs

Season eggs with salt, pepper, and herbs that complement the flavors of the salad.

Pan-Seared Salmon

Season the salmon with herbs and spices that complement the flavors of the salad.

Grilled Shrimp

Marinate the shrimp in a keto-friendly marinade before grilling for added flavor.

Sliced Turkey Breast

Use leftover roasted turkey or deli-sliced turkey breast as a quick and easy protein option.

Canned Tuna

Mix canned tuna with keto-friendly mayonnaise and seasonings for a quick and easy protein option.

Roasted Pork Tenderloin

Slice leftover roasted pork tenderloin and serve over the salad for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Grilled Lamb Chops

Season lamb chops with herbs and spices before grilling for a flavorful and satisfying protein option.

How to store cucumber radish salad for freshness

Cucumber and radish salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that is perfect for a keto diet.

This salad is easy to prepare and can be made in advance, making it a convenient option for meal prep.

However, to ensure the freshness and longevity of the salad, it is important to store it properly.

Keep It Chilled

The first step to storing a cucumber and radish salad is to keep it chilled.

The salad should be refrigerated at all times to prevent bacterial growth and maintain its freshness.

If you are transporting the salad, be sure to use a cooler or insulated bag to keep it chilled.

Store in an Airtight Container

When storing the salad, use an airtight container to prevent air from getting in and causing the salad to wilt.

A glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid is a good option. If you don’t have an airtight container, you can also use a plastic wrap to cover the bowl tightly.

Separate Dressing

If you have dressed the salad, store the dressing separately in a small container or jar.

Pouring the dressing on the salad can cause it to become soggy and lose its texture. When you’re ready to eat, pour the dressing on the salad and toss to combine.

Add Greens Separately

If your cucumber and radish salad contains leafy greens, store them separately from the other ingredients.

Leafy greens like arugula or spinach can wilt quickly when exposed to moisture. Instead, pack them separately and add them to the salad just before serving.

Store for Up to 3 Days

A cucumber and radish salad will typically last up to three days in the refrigerator.

Beyond that, the vegetables may become mushy or start to spoil.

If you’re planning to make the salad in advance, it’s best to store it for no more than three days to ensure its freshness.

More Keto Recipes to try:

1. Clean Keto Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad