With temperatures in the high double and low triple digits, it’s time for lighter meals that pack a ton of flavor without being heavy.  This dish provides all the flavor you could ever want and mingles it with an abundance of color and simple preparation.  From idea to plate in less than five minutes and no stove required.  It’s the perfect summertime snack.

I made this dish as a part of the FoodBuzz Family Bites series featuring Newman’s Own products, and as part of the program, I dressed these lovely veggies in some of Newman’s own Olive Oil and vinegar salad dressing that they provided, but any good vinaigrette will do marvelously, especially if it has a good bit of zing to it.

While a three ingredient salad may seem a bit minimal, I promise that this dish is perfect summer fare.  It’s light, crisp, cool and flavorful.  All things that appeal to me when it’s blazing hot outside, but don’t let the lack of ingredients stop you from adding anything else that makes you smile to the dish.

Goat cheese would have been a welcome addition, as would queso fresco.  A little green onion or red onion would have been nice as well, but they aren’t necessary.  If you’ve got a few fresh tomatoes hanging out, they would add a wonderful acidic note to the party as well.  Have fun with it!

What’s your favorite summer salad?  Is it a classic slaw or an iceberg salad?  Do you prefer potato or macaroni salad as a quick summer snack?  We’d all love to hear what you crave in the summer months.

Yield: 4 servings

Cucumber and Radish Salad

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

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Ingredients

• 1 English cucumber
• 1-bunch radishes, cleaned
• 4 Tbsp Newman’s Own Olive Oil & Vinegar Salad Dressing
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Slice cucumber and radishes in very thin rings. (A mandolin slicer is a great tool for this) toss with Newman’s Own Olive Oil & vinegar Salad Dressing. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Serve chilled.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 107Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 145mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 0gSugar: 2gProtein: 0g

I really think that a bit of mild cheese would have brought this completely over the top, but I’ll have to try it and get back to you.

Links to other recipes like this:

• Pan Seared lamb with Tomato and Cucumber Salad, from CbsoP
• Cucumber and Radish Salad, from Fearless Kitchen
• Tomato, Cucumber and Radish Salad, from Kalyn’s Kitchen