Roasted Watermelon Radishes

Roasted watermelon radishes with lemon and parsley are a bright addition to your winter table. This vegan side dish recipe screams sunshine on winter's short dark days.

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A simple roasting of the radishes brings out their sweetness and makes for a nice change from the standard pickled watermelon radish or thinly sliced watermelon radish salad. This watermelon radish recipe is easy to make with just a handful of ingredients.

We are in the shortest days of the year right now. And all things local and tasty are lovely dark fall colors. But every now and then I need something bright and cheery. I need hope that spring will in fact return someday. This is where these colorful radishes come to my rescue.

They look a little plain on the outside but the slightest bit of pink tells us something fabulous is going on the inside.

It is like wearing a practical wool coat and then ripping it off to reveal a Diana Ross-style glitter dress. The vivid color of bright pink flesh gives me giggles of happiness.

I try to pair watermelon radishes with main courses that are not as bright as I would like. For example, my one pan French onion chicken bake, chicken artichoke casserole, or a bavette steak. Delcious, but brown.

Jump to:

• 📖Why My Recipe Works
• 🧾Ingredient Notes
• 🔪 How to Make Roasted Watermelon Radishes
• More Delicious Side Dish Recipes
• 💬Frequently Asked Questions
• 📖 Recipe Card
• ⭐Reviews

I have been working on a collection of the best watermelon radish recipes, so be sure to check them all out.

🧾Ingredient Notes

• Watermelon Radishes- Select any size, we are going to trim and quarter them. These radishes typically require a bit of scrubbing but you don't need to peel them. The green tops can be saved and used in my quick and easy sauteed greens recipe.
• Oil- Use any neutral oil like olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil.
• Fresh Parsley- Chives make a lovely substitution.
• Lemon Juice and Zest- The fresh zest adds another dimension of flavor so I prefer to use fresh lemon over bottled juice.

🔪 How to Make Roasted Watermelon Radishes

Unlike most roasted root vegetables, radishes are rather forgiving on temperature and cook time. Both can be adjusted to whatever else you may have going in the oven. Which essentially makes this one of the easiest side dishes ever.

Step 1- Prep the Raw Watermelon Radishes

Watermelon radish prep is easy to manage. No excessive peeling or scrubbing. A quick rinse, trim the ends, and quarter or cut in ¾ inch wedges if you have some extra-large specimens. Do not peel the radishes.

If you have the greens attached you can wash them and saute them up just like spinach.

Step 2- Roast the Radishes

Be sure to toss halfway through and rotate the pan for even cooking.

Step 3- Serve

A toss with fresh parsley and lemon zest at the end adds some additional color to the dish. While this step is optional it is an easy way to elevate your radishes.

If you don't have a fresh lemon toss the radishes with 2 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice. We used parsley to keep the herbs simple but you can chives, basil, or any combination of the three fresh herbs

🥗What to Serve with Watermelon Radishes

If you are looking for bigger flavors consider one of my many sauce recipes. I think both our garlic butter sauce and the authentic chimichurri recipe are ideal pairings.

And if pesto is your thing, try my wild ramp pesto in the spring and dairy-free basil pesto in the summer. Or try homemade honey mustard for something sweeter.

More Delicious Side Dish Recipes

💬Frequently Asked Questions

What is a watermelon radish?

A watermelon radish, like common radishes, is part of the brassica family. And an heirloom variety of daikon, a Chinese radish. They have a white exterior with hints of light green and light pink exterior and a bright pink interior.

Where do you buy watermelon radishes?

Watermelon radishes can be found at your local farmer's markets and an increasing number of grocery stores. Our local grocery chains regularly carry watermelon radishes.

How do you tell if a watermelon radish is ripe?

The radishes should feel firm and heavy for their size. The skin should be crack and wrinkle-free. Avoid watermelon radishes that feel spongy when squeezed.

Watermelon radish can vary greatly in size, from smaller than a golf ball to much larger than a tennis ball.

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📖 Recipe Card