Roasted Radish and Fennel Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing - A delicious recipe by DigiDish

Roasted Radish and Fennel Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing

Get ready to fall in love with veggies like never before! This roasted radish and fennel salad is bursting with caramelized flavor, crisp textures, and zesty vibes from the lemon poppy seed dressing. It's bright, bold, and oh-so-satisfying—a must-try for your table!

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Are you ready to shake up the way you think about salads? Get excited, because this Roasted Radish and Fennel Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing is going to completely revolutionize your veggie game! I know what you're thinking—radishes and fennel? Really? Yes, really! Roasting these two all-stars transforms them into caramelized, slightly sweet morsels of joy. Paired with the zestiness of a homemade lemon poppy seed dressing, this dish is a flavor-packed celebration of freshness and texture. Oh, the fun we’re about to have in the kitchen!

Roasted Radish And Fennel Salad With Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

So, what makes this salad special? For one, roasting the radishes mellows out their natural peppery bite, turning them soft with just a little bit of edge. It’s like the veggie version of a glow-up. Meanwhile, fennel’s unique anise-like flavor becomes warm and slightly smoky after a good roast, making it a beautiful partner for the radishes. And let’s talk about that lemon poppy seed dressing—it’s tangy, slightly sweet, and speckled with those delightful little poppy seeds for some extra crunch. It’s like the perfect zesty hug for the roasted veggies. This dish draws inspiration from Mediterranean cuisine, where citrus and earthy ingredients are often paired harmoniously for bold and balanced flavors.

Now, let’s talk tips. First, don’t skimp on tossing the radishes and fennel in a bit of olive oil and seasoning before roasting. This step ensures an even caramelization. Also, arrange them in a single layer on your baking sheet so they roast, not steam—crucial for that golden-brown magic! When it comes to the lemon poppy seed dressing, fresh lemon juice is a must. None of that bottled stuff, okay? It makes all the difference in bringing a bright, fresh punch to the dish. Oh, and if you’re feeling fancy, top the salad with some crumbled goat cheese or toasted nuts for a bit of creaminess or crunch!

I know you’re probably already dreaming of this salad, so go ahead and give it a try! Serve it as a vibrant side with roasted chicken or fish, or let it shine as your main dish with some crusty bread on the side. Want to get creative? Add some sliced avocado or a handful of arugula for even more layers of flavor and texture. The possibilities are endless, and the flavors are guaranteed to impress. Trust me, once you’ve tasted this dish, you’ll be looking at radishes and fennel with fresh eyes—and maybe even craving seconds!

Keywords: roasted radish salad recipe, unique vegetable side dishes, fennel salad dressing ideas, lemon poppy seed dressing recipe, Mediterranean-inspired side dish, caramelized fennel recipe, easy roasted veggie salad

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

25 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

American

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch radishes, trimmed and halved
  • 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups mixed salad greens
  • 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
  • 1/4 cup toasted almonds
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for dressing)
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste (for dressing)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. 2

    Toss the radishes and fennel slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet.

  3. 3

    Roast in the oven for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and lightly browned.

  4. 4

    Meanwhile, prepare the dressing by whisking together lemon juice, olive oil, honey, poppy seeds, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl.

  5. 5

    In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, roasted radishes and fennel, crumbled goat cheese, toasted almonds, and chopped parsley.

  6. 6

    Drizzle the lemon poppy seed dressing over the salad and toss to combine.

  7. 7

    Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Information

Calories

220 calories

Protein

6g

Carbs

14g

Fat

16g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different vegetable instead of radishes or fennel?

A: Yes, you can substitute the radishes with small turnips or carrots, and the fennel with celery or leeks. Keep in mind that substitute vegetables may roast differently, so adjust cooking times as needed.

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

A: You can prepare the roasted radishes and fennel, and the dressing ahead of time. Store the roasted vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing in a separate container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Assemble the salad and add the dressing just before serving to keep the greens fresh.

Q: What can I use instead of goat cheese?

A: If you prefer not to use goat cheese, you can substitute it with feta cheese, blue cheese, or even a non-dairy cheese alternative for a vegan option.

Q: How should I store leftovers?

A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Note that the greens may wilt after being dressed, so if you expect leftovers, keep the dressing separate to add when ready to eat.

Q: What are some variations to this recipe?

A: You can add roasted sweet potatoes or beets for additional sweetness or protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make it a more substantial meal. For extra flavor, sprinkle pomegranate seeds or dried cranberries over the salad.

Q: Why are my radishes and fennel not roasting evenly?

A: Make sure to slice the vegetables evenly and spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even roasting. Overcrowding the pan can cause uneven cooking, so use two baking sheets if necessary.

Q: Can I omit the poppy seeds from the dressing?

A: Yes, you can omit the poppy seeds without compromising the overall flavor of the dressing. Alternatively, you can substitute them with sesame seeds for a similar texture.

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