Radish Recipes: 20 Delicious Ways to Use This Crisp, Peppery Veg

Introduction

Radishes—crisp, colourful, and delightfully peppery—are one of the most underrated vegetables in the kitchen. Often relegated to a simple salad garnish, radishes are far more versatile than they get credit for. Whether you grow them in your garden or pick them up at the market, these root vegetables can be roasted, pickled, sautéed, blended, or even baked.

In this article, we’ll explore 20 of the best radish recipes, from fresh salads and tangy slaws to savoury tarts and fermented favourites. Plus, we’ll share handy storage tips, nutritional facts, and creative ways to use both the roots and the leaves.

Why Cook with Radishes?

Radishes add:

A peppery crunch when raw
A mild, sweet flavour when cooked
Vibrant colour to plates
Impressive health benefits, including vitamin C and antioxidants
Zero waste potential when using radish greens

With so many varieties—from spicy red globe to mellow daikon—radishes shine in a wide range of dishes.

20 Radish Recipes to Try at Home

1. Simple Radish & Herb Salad

Toss thinly sliced radishes with parsley, lemon juice, and olive oil for a zingy side.

2. Radish and Butter Crostini

A French-inspired snack: buttered baguette slices topped with thin radish rounds and sea salt.

3. Pickled Radishes

Quick-pickle radish slices with vinegar, sugar, and spices. Perfect for tacos, bowls, and burgers.

4. Roasted Radishes with Garlic & Thyme

Roasting mellows their spice—toss with olive oil and herbs and bake at 200°C for 25 mins.

5. Radish Top Pesto

Use the greens! Blend radish tops with garlic, lemon, nuts, and oil for a peppery pesto.

6. Radish Slaw

Shred radishes with carrots and cabbage, then dress with lime juice, chilli, and a splash of honey.

7. Stir-Fried Daikon Radish

Quick-fry daikon in sesame oil with soy, garlic, and spring onions for a warming Asian dish.

8. Radish & Cucumber Raita

Cool, creamy, and refreshing—great with curries or grilled meats.

9. Grilled Radish Skewers

Thread radish halves onto skewers, brush with miso glaze, and grill until charred.

10. Radish & Goat Cheese Tart

Layer sliced radish over puff pastry with creamy cheese and fresh herbs. Bake until golden.

11. Radish Kimchi (Kkakdugi)

Use cubed daikon for a classic Korean fermented dish—tangy, spicy, and probiotic-rich.

12. Radish and Potato Hash

Sauté chopped radishes with potatoes, garlic, and onions for a breakfast or brunch side.

13. Radish Pasta with Lemon and Parmesan

Toss thin radish slices into a lemony butter sauce for a bright, unique pasta dish.

14. Radish Chips

Bake thin radish slices at low heat for crisp, low-carb snacks.

15. Creamy Radish Dip

Blend radishes, sour cream, chives, and lemon for a colourful veggie dip or sandwich spread.

16. Smashed Radishes

Steam, press, and pan-fry radishes like you would potatoes—finish with garlic butter and parsley.

17. Radish Leaf Soup

Blend radish greens with potato, onion, and broth for a nutritious green soup.

18. Radish Salsa

Chop radishes with tomatoes, chilli, coriander, and lime for a crunchy salsa topping.

19. Radish & Avocado Toast

Upgrade your avo toast with crunchy radish slices, chilli flakes, and lemon zest.

20. Radish and Lentil Curry

Add sliced daikon or red radish to lentil curry for extra bite and body.

Types of Radishes to Try in Recipes

Variety	Flavour Profile	Best Uses
Red Globe	Peppery, crisp	Raw, pickled, buttered toast
Daikon	Mild, juicy	Roasted, stir-fried, fermented
Watermelon	Mild, sweet, colourful	Raw salads, visual appeal
Black Radish	Spicy and earthy	Grated raw, fermented, slaws
French Breakfast	Delicate pepperiness	Raw, crostini, elegant plating

Experiment with different types for varying textures, flavours, and heat levels.

Are Radishes Healthy?

Yes—radishes are packed with nutrients and are very low in calories.

Per 100g (red globe):

Calories: ~16
Fibre: 1.6g
Vitamin C: 15–20% RDA
Antioxidants: Including glucosinolates and anthocyanins
Hydration: Over 90% water

They support immune health, digestion, and may help detoxify the liver.

How to Store Radishes Properly

To keep radishes crisp:

Remove the greens (they draw moisture from the root)
Store roots in a sealed container or bag in the fridge
Place a damp paper towel inside to prevent drying out
Use within 7–10 days

The greens should be used within 2–3 days—or turn into pesto or soup.

Radish Flavour Pairings

Ingredient	Why It Works
Butter	Balances the sharpness
Citrus	Enhances freshness and zing
Goat cheese	Creamy contrast to crunch
Chilli	Doubles down on heat
Cucumber	Cooling effect in salads/raita
Soy sauce	Umami kick in stir-fries or glazes
Herbs	Dill, parsley, mint, coriander—all work well

Use these pairings to build bold flavour combinations with radishes.

Can You Cook Radishes?

Absolutely! Cooking radishes:

Mellows their pepperiness
Brings out a mild sweetness
Makes them tender and juicy

Try roasting, grilling, sautéing, or stir-frying them like you would potatoes or carrots.

No-Waste: Using Radish Greens

Radish leaves are 100% edible and rich in nutrients like vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Ways to use radish greens:

Pesto or chimichurri
Add to soups or broths
Sauté like spinach with garlic and oil
Blend into smoothies or green juices
Chop into salads (young leaves are best)

Don’t throw them away—turn the whole radish into a meal.

Conclusion

Radishes are far more than a salad afterthought—they’re crisp, spicy, colourful, and surprisingly versatile. Whether raw, cooked, pickled, or blended, they add personality to any dish and can elevate simple meals into something bold and exciting.

With 20 creative radish recipes, plus tips for storage, nutrition, and using the greens, you’re ready to get the most out of this fast-growing, flavour-packed veg.

So next time you harvest from the garden or spot a beautiful bunch at the market—grab them, and get cooking!