Radi-Salat Mit Speck – German Radish Salad with Bacon Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful side dish that blends the crispness of radishes with the savory crunch of bacon, this traditional German “Radi-Salat Mit Speck” is the perfect option. The salad combines daikon and red radishes with a tangy bacon vinaigrette, making it an ideal accompaniment to any meal. It takes just 30 minutes to prepare, and the result is a fresh, flavorful dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make.
Ingredients & Nutritional Information
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Daikon radishes | 2 |
| Salt | As needed |
| Red radishes | 40 |
| Dill weed (fresh or dried) | 1 tsp |
| Bacon (cut into small cubes) | 1/4 lb |
| White wine vinegar | 1/2 cup |
| White pepper (ground) | 3 1/2 tsp |
The ingredients in this salad work together to create a balance of textures and flavors. The daikon radishes add a crisp and mild bite, while the red radishes offer a sharp peppery flavor. Dill brings freshness, and bacon provides that irresistible salty, savory taste. The white wine vinegar ties everything together, making this a refreshing, tangy salad that complements a variety of meals.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 179.2 kcal |
| Fat | 16.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 12.9 mg |
| Sodium | 186.4 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 5.2 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3.1 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
This German radish salad provides a healthy dose of vegetables while maintaining a modest calorie count. The salad is low in carbohydrates and sugars, making it a relatively guilt-free addition to your meal, and the fat content comes largely from the bacon, adding both flavor and satisfaction.
Instructions for Preparation
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| 1 | Clean, peel, and wash the daikon radishes thoroughly. Ensure there is no dirt or grit on the surface before peeling. |
| 2 | Using a radish cutter, cut the white daikon radishes into thin coils. If you don’t have a radish cutter, simply slice the radishes very thinly by hand. |
| 3 | Once sliced, divide the radish coils into pieces that are about 4 inches long. This makes the radishes easier to eat and ensures an even distribution of flavor. |
| 4 | Place the short radish coils in a bowl. If you wish, set aside a few pieces for garnishing later. Generously sprinkle the radishes with salt to draw out their moisture. |
| 5 | Let the salted radish coils rest for 20-30 minutes. The salt will help draw out some of the radish juice, making them tender while retaining their crispness. |
| 6 | While the white radishes rest, clean and wash the red radishes. Quarter each red radish into bite-sized wedges for a delightful texture contrast in the salad. |
| 7 | Wash, dry, and chop the dill weed. If you want to decorate the salad before serving, reserve a few sprigs of dill for garnishing. |
| 8 | Cut the bacon into small cubes or bite-sized pieces. Fry the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it becomes crispy and the fat has mostly rendered off. Remove the bacon from the skillet, leaving behind the drippings. |
| 9 | Into the same skillet, add the white wine vinegar and bacon drippings. Bring the mixture to a brief boil, allowing the flavors to combine. Once boiled, remove the skillet from heat. |
| 10 | After the daikon radishes have released some of their juice, pour the radish juice into the skillet with the vinegar-bacon mixture. This juice will add extra flavor to the vinaigrette. Season with ground white pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to cool to a warm temperature. |
| 11 | Add the quartered red radish wedges to the bowl with the white radishes, gently mixing to combine the two types of radishes for a varied texture and color. |
| 12 | Once the bacon vinaigrette has cooled slightly, pour it over the radishes and toss to coat all the vegetables thoroughly in the warm, tangy dressing. Let the salad sit until completely cool, allowing the flavors to meld together. |
| 13 | Before serving, garnish with the reserved radish coils and sprigs of fresh dill. This not only enhances the visual appeal of the salad but also adds extra flavor. |
The salad benefits from resting for a while, allowing the bacon vinaigrette to infuse the radishes with a tangy, smoky flavor. The combination of textures, from the crunchy radishes to the crispy bacon, makes each bite of this salad a delightful experience.
Serving Suggestions
This German Radish Salad is best served as a side dish alongside grilled meats, sausages, or even as part of a larger spread of German-inspired dishes. It pairs beautifully with hearty foods and acts as a refreshing counterpart to richer, heavier flavors. The light yet tangy nature of the salad helps cut through fattier dishes, making it a great companion for BBQs, roasted meats, or even a classic schnitzel. You can also serve it as part of a charcuterie board with a variety of cured meats, cheeses, and bread for a European-inspired feast.
Tips for Customization
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version of this salad, simply omit the bacon and replace it with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a crunchy alternative. You can also add a bit of smoked paprika or liquid smoke to the vinaigrette to maintain that smoky flavor.
- Vinaigrette Variations: If you prefer a stronger vinegar flavor, you can increase the amount of white wine vinegar or use apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter, tangier dressing. For a milder version, reduce the vinegar and add a touch of honey or mustard to balance the acidity.
- Additional Veggies: Consider adding thinly sliced cucumbers or bell peppers to the mix for added crunch and color. The cucumbers will complement the radishes nicely, adding another layer of freshness to the dish.
Storage
This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. However, it is best served the same day to preserve the crispness of the radishes. If you plan on storing the salad, hold off on adding the bacon until just before serving to ensure it remains crunchy.
This Radi-Salat Mit Speck recipe brings together simple, fresh ingredients for a vibrant salad that perfectly embodies the essence of German cuisine. Whether you’re preparing it as a side dish for a family dinner or as a unique addition to a potluck, it’s sure to impress with its bold flavors and appealing textures. Enjoy this traditional German radish salad, made even more delightful with the smoky addition of crispy bacon, for a refreshing taste of Europe.
