Pickled Watermelon Radish Salad
March 14, 2012 • Salads
A couple of weeks ago marked the end of the winter share distribution for my CSA farm. I always dread this time of year – nothing fresh and local coming to me each week, no farm fresh eggs, the long wait until harvest season for the farm begins again sometime in June. I made a commitment to myself to make sure to use everything in the bag, knowing it’s going to be a long wait.
I honestly didn’t know what these were when I saw them. They were so pale in color on the outside, that at first I thought they were turnips. So I cut one open, thinking to combine it with mashed potatoes and some herbed cheese. Imagine my surprise when I found this gorgeous girl instead. Watermelon radishes, so named because the pale green rind with the pink-red interior flesh looks like a miniature watermelon.
I figured a quick soak overnight in a very simple vinaigrette with some onion would give the faintest hint of pickling and add some flavor (they’re pretty mild on their own). You can either eat the radish salad on its own or top some mixed greens with the mixture. Easy. Tasty. And one more vegetable conquered for me!
- 3-4 medium to large watermelon radishes, sliced thin
- ½ small white onion, very thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and toss together. Cover and refrigerate overnight before serving as a side dish or using as a topping to a mixed green salad.
Comments
5 Comments • Comments Feed
lisaiscooking says:
I love watermelon radishes! I just received some from my CSA a couple of weeks ago. Pickling them sounds great, and they’re always so pretty on the plate.
March 14, 2012 at 6:58 am
Connie Gordon says:
Going to have to try this one.
March 14, 2012 at 11:43 am
Toni @ Boulder Locavore says:
I think Watermelon Radishes are magical. Anything that is this beautiful on the inside has to be! We get them at our Farmer’s Market but usually not until the fall and only from one farmer. Always a delight. This salad seems delicious and I’ll loop back to make it when I next get these radishes!
March 14, 2012 at 3:44 pm
Bren says:
Fantastic looking radishes. So hard to come by in these parts but they’re so worth it when I can come across them! I love the simple pickling. Nice to have found your blog!
March 14, 2012 at 8:36 pm
Lea Ann says:
I’ve never had those radishes and would love to try them, especially with your pickling method. I look forward to joining in with the CSA this year. Got additional information from them yesterday in the mail.
March 15, 2012 at 5:58 am