Swap chilli heat for peppery radish in this colourful Radish and Lime Salsa. Get the recipe below.
Mexican inspired dishes
It's no secret that I love Mexican food but creating a taco bar or fajita feast involves a fair amount of forward planning and quite a bit of time in the kitchen. If I'm going to make a Mexican inspired meal for dinner then I'll probably have 2 or 3 dishes to add to the table including some sort of slow cooked protein, spicy beans and vegetables, as well as a salsa, slaw or guacamole.
If you too serve up a whole feast when making a Mexican inspired meal then check out the other dishes at the end of this post.
Salsa, the perfect side dish
A classic tomato salsa is a wonderful thing but I wanted to do something a little bit different. I love fruity salsas and have made them with both mango and pineapple in the past. Even oranges work quite well. But I didn't want to go down that route.
The protein I serve is often well spiced with flavours like cumin and coriander as well as with chilli heat. I usually served pickled jalapenos too. So sometimes its nice to have a salsa that is packed full of a more mellow peppery heat rather than the blistering heat of a fresh red or green chilli.
Now I don't know just how authentic it is to include radishes in Mexican dishes but ever since creating these Mexican Pickles I've loved the pepper and crunch that radishes add. I also find that they cut through the fattiness of the meat really really well. Doesn't the bright pink colour just look fab too!?
I made this salsa in advance because I think the flavours meld together so much better if they've been given some time to soak in. It's especially important that the salt has time to draw some of the moisture and flavour out of the tomatoes. You can let the tomatoes sit in the salt for an hour or so before adding the rest of the ingredients if you want to really up the flavour stakes.
The recipe
I think this salsa may well be my new favourite! It's got tonnes of flavour but isn't too spicy which makes it a real crowd pleaser. It also look stunning even if I do say so myself!
As with most salsa recipes, it may sound like there's a lot of acidity and salt in here but that all helps to bring out the flavours of the vegetables. Go with it and I promise you won't be disappointed!
Radish and Lime Salsa
Ingredients
- 14 cherry tomatoes
- 1 pinch salt
- 8 spring onions
- 0.5 cucumber
- 10 radishes
- 2 limes juice only
- 1 bunch coriander fresh
Instructions
- Begin by dicing the cherry tomatoes and add to a bowl along with all of their juices and a healthy pinch of salt.
- Give the tomatoes a good stir with the salt and leave them to sit while preparing the rest of the ingredients.
- Finely slices the spring onions using the white and green part of the onions for a variety of textures and onion heat.
- Dice the cucumber finely, avoiding too much of the watery centre.
- Slice the radishes as thinly as you can then add to the tomatoes along with the spring onions and cucumber.
- Add the lime juice and stir well.
- Leave to sit for at least 15 minutes before serving.
- Immediately before serving add in a generous handful of fresh coriander leaves.
Nutrition
Serving suggestions
The Mexican recipe collection
For EVEN MORE Mexican inspired recipes check out the recipe collection here.
Dominika says
I love this post so much. I love to cook and experiment with new dishes so I'll try this one out. Looks absolutely yummy.
Dominika
Janice says
I love the look of your salsa. Radishes are really underused and undervalued as an ingredient. I can just imagine how tasty this salsa must be and will certainly add it to my table next time I'm having a Mexican feast!
Emma Walton says
Yay! I'm glad you like it Janice. I think radishes can be one of those love/hate veggies but I think that's because they are often just chucked into salads as a bit of an afterthought.
Lucy Parissi says
I love Mexican food and especially if I have all the trimmings when I make tacos or fajitas! Guacamole and salsa are a must and although I have never used radishes in salsa before I do love them in quick pickles. Pinned to try!
Claire @foodiequine says
I never quite know what to do with Radishes so this is a great idea and fab combo of sweet, sour and spicy flavours.
Roxana says
The radish salsa sounds great. Something different and flavorful.
Beth says
This looks simply delicious! I love radishes with Mexican food and I know my family will love this salsa!
Emma Walton says
I don't know why I didn't add radishes sooner! 🙂
Julie says
Such a perfect dish for the heat of the summer.
Rebecca says
This looks delicious! I'm always on the look out for new salsa recipes!
Jeni @ Coquette Kitchen says
I have extra cherry tomatoes on hand from my CSA, and extra corn tortillas from last week's taco night! I just looooove salsa, and this one is so pretty!
Emma Walton says
Jeni, it was meant to be 😛
Silvia says
Love it!! It looks super fresh and delicious. Salads are like my favorite thing to eat all year long. 🙂
Lisa | Garlic & Zest says
This salsa is like a rainbow in a bowl! Love the crunchy veg -- and you don't see radishes used that often. I love their peppery bite!
Emma Walton says
I should definitely use radhishes more often too. We all know colourful food is the best for us and I love their vibrant pink coats 😀
Jenn - Peas and Crayons says
I love everything about this colorful crunchy salsa! Delicious!
Ginny McMeans says
All of my favorite and fresh ingredients mixed together! Now that is delicious!