Cucumber Radish Crostini is the last in my spring appetizer series. I hope you've tried and enjoyed Cajun Crab Cakes, and Asparagus Puffs, my previous posts in this series. And learned which wines to pair them with for a Spring Wine & Appetizer Party.
I decided to dedicate some time to the flavours of spring this year, because it's a fleeting season here where we live, and in many other areas, too. It seems to go from freezing winter to scorching summer with only a couple of weeks of sweet springtime or autumn grace in between.
The produce that first shows up in the springtime is as fresh and bright as the season, and radishes always seem to show up first. Their peppery crunch and bright colour are welcome after a long winter.
About Radish
Radishes are ancient. Apparently, the Egyptians grew radishes even before they built the pyramids! They are now grown all over the world, and in the Northern hemisphere, radishes are a garden staple that grows fast and matures in early spring.
Growing Radish
Radishes are very easy to grow, and they sprout and grow early in the season. Because their early sprouting, radishes are good for marking rows of later sprouting crops, like carrots or beets. It's easy to know when to harvest radish because the "shoulder" of the radish will push up through the soil. When they are visibly pushing up through the soil, radishes are ready to be pulled from the garden and enjoyed.
Radish Nutrition Info
Radishes are high in fibre, Vitamin C, folate, potassium, as well as important minerals and phytochemicals, too. Check out more in-depth detail about just how healthy and beneficial radishes are to your healthy diet here: What are Radishes Good For?
There are many varieties of radish, and they vary in size, shape, and colour. They include a black Spanish radish, a beautiful watermelon radish, horseradish and daikon. However, the radish that we commonly see in the early spring is your basic red radish. I'm using it here in this cucumber radish crostini appetizer recipe. Feel free to use any variety.
About Cucumber Radish Crostini
These Crostini are bursting with spring freshness, from the crunch of radish and cucumber to the sprinkle of spring chives. They will be sure to disappear quickly. However, it's best to make these right before serving to keep them fresh as can be.
Finally, If you love using fresh radishes, you may want to try this Cucumber Melon Salad or this New Potato Salad with Chive Blossoms & Spring Radishes
Recipe
Cucumber Radish Crostini
Ingredients
- ½ 16" baguette, sliced into 8 ½ inch slices,
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup spreadable brie, cream cheese, or any spreadable cheese
- ½ cup fresh arugula leaves
- 6-8 radishes, trimmed and thinly sliced
- I/2 small English cucumber, thinly sliced
- sea salt
- 2 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
Instructions
- Heat oven to 400°
- On a baking sheet, put baguette slices in a single layer, and brush with olive oil on both sides.
- Bake baguette slices for about 5 minutes, or until golden and toasted. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
- Spread each baguette with cheese, then top with arugula leaves, then cucumber slices, then radish slices
- Sprinkle with salt, and fresh chives, and serve
Nutrition
Terri @foodmeanderings
I am radish crazy and this looks so fresh, healthy and delicious! I didn't realize how ancient they were either and how easy to grow. Someday when I have my veggie garden (when life slows down a little) I'm definitely growing these little guys!
Colleen
Hi Terri! Radishes are a favourite for me too. It's a lot of work, but it's so rewarding to have a veggie garden. So it's probably best to wait for a slower pace to get started 🙂
Leanne | Crumb Top Baking
I love the peppery taste of radish, and paired with cucumber, brie and arugula, this sounds like a delicious appetizer. Perfect with a glass of wine on my back deck!
Lily {Gastro Senses}
This is summer in a platter, really!! Sounds and look soooo good, I’m already thinking of recreating them!
Colleen
Lily, I agree, and I love your phrase, "summer on a platter" These flavours really are. I hope you love this appy as much as we do!
Yvonne Langen
Such a light and refreshing bite to start off a spring/summer dinner party. I love the kick of radish and how it's balanced by the mellow cucumber.
Colleen
Thanks Yvonne! You're so right; the spice of radish and coolness of cucumber offset each other so perfectly!
Denise from Urb'n'Spice
Your Cucumber Radish Crostini spring appetizer recipe is so very French! It is beautiful, Colleen - so refreshing, crisp and lovely. And I agree with your choice of Brie in this appetizer or Boursin cheese - perfection! 🙂
Colleen
Thanks so much, Denise, obviously my French heritage is always an influence! And, yes indeed, these are so simple, but fresh and crisp. Boursin cheese would work really well, with the extra herbs and different flavours. Great suggestion, I'm going to try it next time I make these!
Elaine
I love this crunchy crostini recipe! It's so fresh and crisp. I'm dying to try it with a strong-flavoured cheese like Gorgonzola!
Colleen
Hi Elaine! This recipe really is so fresh and crisp. I used milder Brie to, highlight the peppery freshness of radish, but any cheese would be delicious, even a strong flavored cheese like Gorgonzola!
Jessica
Love these fresh, seasonal flavours! What a delightful way to use these delish veggies for the summer season!
Colleen
Jessica, don't you just love spring? So great to have fresh veggies locally!
Kristen Kaethler
What a light and refreshing appetizer for the summer months. Look forward to trying it.
Colleen
Thanks Kristen. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Maria
This is the first year I have planted radishes... did not realize it was such an ancient plant! Not really sure what to expect but at least I will have one great recipe to try. Love the flavor combinations in this recipe... can't wait to try this. Have pinned to try. Thanks for sharing Colleen! Have a great week ♥
Colleen
Hi Maria, it's so nice to have a veggie garden, isn't it? Radishes are so rewarding because they sprout so quickly. This recipe is perfect for using some of them up. I hope you like it!