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Green Salad with Radishes and Creamy Mustard Dressing

This vibrant green salad with radishes and creamy mustard dressing is a masterclass in balancing textures. The crisp, cool leaves of Romaine or Little Gem provide a refreshing base for the sharp, peppery bite of thinly sliced radishes. What sets this dish apart is the luxurious dressing; by using cooked egg yolks as an emulsifier, you achieve a thick, velvet-like consistency that clings perfectly to the greens without the need for heavy cream or mayonnaise.

As a versatile vegetarian side dish, this salad pairs beautifully with grilled proteins or a simple crusty baguette. It is an excellent choice for a light lunch or an elegant starter for a dinner party. For those who prefer a more complex flavour profile, try experimenting with bitter leaves like radicchio or frisée to contrast with the zesty lemon and Dijon mustard notes.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Green Salad with Radishes and Creamy Mustard Dressing

  • 3 large eggs

  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

  • 2 teaspoons red-wine vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

  • 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste

  • Freshly ground black pepper

  • 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

  • 8 cups small whole leaves of cos, little gems, or iceberg lettuce (or, for the bitter tolerant/enthusiast, escarole, radicchio or frisée), washed and spun dry

  • 6 red radishes (or 2 peeled watermelon radishes), rinsed and thinly sliced

In a medium saucepan, bring a few inches of water to a boil. Using a slotted spoon, gently lower in the eggs and cook for 9 minutes (or 8 minutes if you like the yolk a little softer). While the eggs cook, set up a bowl of ice water in the sink; transfer the just boiled eggs to the ice bath.

Allow the eggs to cool in ice water, then peel them and separate the yolks from the whites. Reserve the whites for another use and push the yolks through a a sieve or a "spider" spatula into a medium mixing bowl. Add the mustard, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper; stir until smooth. Gradually whisk in the oil, creating a creamy, mayo-like emulsion with a bit more texture. Season and add additional lemon juice to taste.

Put the lettuces and radishes in a salad bowl and spoon over most of the dressing. Season with a sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Gently but thoroughly toss the salad with your hands to coat the leaves well. Taste a leaf and add more dressing, lemon, salt, or pepper as needed. Serve immediately.

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.

Article history

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

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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