Marinated Radishes with Honey and Herbs

There's nothing quite like the crisp, peppery bite of the first spring radishes. This recipe takes that fresh-from-the-garden flavor and elevates it into something truly special. We're making quick-pickled radishes with a delightful marinade of honey, apple cider vinegar, and aromatic spices. In just 24 hours, these vibrant root vegetables transform into beautiful, translucent pink jewels that are bursting with a sweet, tangy, and savory taste. They are the perfect condiment to brighten up any meal and a wonderful way to preserve the fleeting taste of spring.

Cooking: 5 minutes
Quantity: 500 Milliliters
Per 100g/ml
Calories: 28 kcal
Proteins: 1 g
Fats: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 6 g

Marinated Radish Ingredients

  • 1 bunch of red radishes
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 sprig of dill
  • 3 bay leaves
  • cloves, allspice and black peppercorns, mustard seeds
  • 1 tablespoon of honey
  • 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
  • water

How to Make Marinated Radishes

A hand using a mandoline slicer to cut a red radish into paper-thin slices.

Using a mandoline slicer, slice the radishes into thin, almost transparent slices.

Sliced red and white radishes being placed into a clear glass jar.

Place the sliced radishes loosely into a half-liter jar.

A glass jar with sliced radishes being filled with cold water from a tap.

Pour in cold water.


Trim the tops and tails from the radishes. Using a mandoline slicer, cut the radishes into thin, almost transparent slices. There’s no need to peel the radishes, just wash them thoroughly. If you don’t have a special slicer, try to slice the vegetables as thinly as possible with a sharp knife.

Place the sliced radishes loosely into a half-liter (approximately 1-pint) jar. Do not pack the radishes tightly; they should be arranged freely. Fill the jar almost to the top.

Pour in cold water. Then, pour the water into a saucepan; this helps to measure the exact amount of water needed. It’s best to use filtered or pre-boiled and cooled water.

A saucepan on a stove with a simmering marinade containing spices like bay leaves and peppercorns.

Heat the marinade to a boil, cook for 4 minutes.

Set aside 3 tablespoons of water to be replaced with vinegar later. Add salt to the saucepan. Add bay leaves, a few allspice and black peppercorns, a couple of cloves, and a teaspoon of mustard seeds. Heat the marinade to a boil and simmer for 4 minutes.

A sprig of fresh green dill being added to a jar of sliced radishes.

Add a sprig of fresh dill to the jar with the radishes.

Honey being drizzled into a bowl containing the pickling marinade and spices.

Add honey and apple cider vinegar to the cooled marinade.

A jar of sliced radishes completely covered with the pickling liquid and a sprig of dill.

The radish slices and dill should be submerged in the marinade.


Place a sprig of fresh dill into the jar with the radishes. Dill and radishes are the first spring visitors from the garden to our table, but you can add any favorite herbs that you think pair well with radishes.

Cool the marinade to room temperature. To cool it quickly, place the saucepan in a sink filled with cold water. Once cooled, add the honey and apple cider vinegar to the marinade. Stir and taste. Adjust the marinade proportions to your liking. The balance of sour, sweet, and salty is perceived differently by everyone. You might want to add more salt or honey, or make the marinade more acidic.

Pour the cold marinade into the jar with the radishes. The radish slices and dill should be completely submerged in the marinade. If for some reason there isn’t enough liquid, add more vinegar or cooled boiled water.

A hand tightly screwing the lid onto a glass jar of marinated radishes.

Seal the jar tightly – this is important.

Seal the jar tightly—this is important. If the jar is not sealed airtight, a strong smell will spread throughout the refrigerator.

A close-up of a jar filled with vibrant pink, thinly sliced marinated radishes.

After 24 hours, the jar will contain gorgeous pink slices that are spicy, juicy, and incredibly delicious!

Leave the radishes in the refrigerator for 24 hours. After a day, you’ll find gorgeous pink slices in the jar—spicy, juicy, and incredibly delicious!

And there you have it—a jar full of vibrant, crunchy, and flavorful marinated radishes! Their beautiful pink hue will add a pop of color to any dish. Try serving them on buttered rye bread, tossing them into a fresh green salad for extra crunch, or using them as a zesty topping for tacos and grilled meats. Don't be afraid to experiment with the recipe by adding other spices like coriander seeds or a slice of fresh ginger. Enjoy this simple, delightful taste of spring!

1 comment

  • Emma_84
    5d
    As a busy mum in my thirties who loves a quick weeknight side, I will defintely try making this recipe this weekend with ingredients from the local supermarket.
    Reply