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Crunchy Salty Lemony Salad

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 28 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This crunchy lemon and root vegetable salad is a celebration of texture and vibrant colour. Featuring stunning candy-striped Chioggia beets and pink-hued watermelon radishes, this vegetarian dish transforms simple raw ingredients into a sophisticated starter or side. The earthy sweetness of the root vegetables is perfectly balanced by the sharp citrus and the savoury depth of shaved hard cheese, making it a refreshing addition to any table.

Ideal for a light lunch or as a crisp accompaniment to grilled Mediterranean dishes, this salad is as healthy as it is beautiful. By using a mandoline to achieve paper-thin slices, you ensure every bite is delicate rather than dense. It is a wonderful way to introduce more seasonal vegetables into your diet while keeping preparation time to a minimum.

Ingredients for Crunchy Salty Lemony Salad

  • 2 small Chioggia (candy-stripe) beets, trimmed, peeled

  • 2 Persian cucumbers

  • 1 medium watermelon radish, trimmed

  • 30g Parmesan, Pecorino, Asiago, or other hard cheese, shaved

  • 1 lemon

  • Olive oil (for drizzling)

  • Flaky sea salt

  • Freshly ground black pepper

How to make Crunchy Salty Lemony Salad

Very thinly slice beets, cucumbers, and radish on a mandoline or with a knife. Arrange slices on a platter. Scatter cheese on top. Finely grate some lemon zest over salad, then slice open lemon and squeeze on some juice. Drizzle with oil; season with salt and pepper.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

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UK recipe editors

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UK recipe editors

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

Article also available in English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Hindi, Hebrew, Arabic, and Swedish.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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