Looking for an easy watermelon radish recipe? This delicious side dish features beautiful watermelon radishes sautéed in brown butter, rosemary, and lemon zest. Simple and stunning.

Ah, summertime. The sun’s shining, the days are long, and it’s finally watermelon season! And I don’t just mean that watermelon fruit is in season.

Watermelon radishes also have a moment during this time of year. On the outside, these veggies sort of resemble turnips, with a pale white and green tinted skin.

But slice one open and you’ll see the most beautiful pink that nature has to offer. The vibrant pink interior contrasted with the greenish exterior makes them resemble actual watermelons (minus the black seeds). It’s how they got their name!

What does watermelon radish taste like?

Even though they look like watermelons, these radishes do not taste like fruit. Instead, they have a peppery taste, but it’s milder and less spicy compared to other types of radishes.

Is watermelon radish good for you?

Of course! Not only are these vegetables simply beautiful, but watermelon radishes are also incredibly nutritious. They are low in calories and a good source of vitamin C and fiber.

Radishes contain glucosinolates that break down to isothiocyanates and may protect against heart disease, cancer, and neurological issues (1, 2).

These compounds are also responsible for the pungent flavor and peppery bite of radishes.

What’s more, colorful radishes contain pigments called anthocyanins that may act as antioxidants in the body and fight against heart disease (1, 3).

How do you eat a watermelon radish?

You can slice raw watermelon radishes and add them to salads, or grate them to use in slaws. They also taste great roasted or sautéed with olive oil, butter, and/or fresh herbs. For this recipe, I chose to sauté them!

watermelon radishes diced on a cutting board

How to Make Sautéed Watermelon Radishes

First, trim off the tail and top of each radish. Scrub them with a vegetable brush and slice in half. Dice each half into 1-inch cubes. They don’t have to perfect…mine definitely weren’t!

Heat a combination of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the radishes and about 2 teaspoon of fresh rosemary, plus some salt and pepper. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the radishes are browned and tender.

Add a little bit more butter (if desired), some lemon zest, and 1 teaspoon of rosemary. Cook for a couple more minutes, remove from heat, serve, and enjoy!

The radishes lose some of their bite while they’re cooking, and the final result is a simply delicious combination of fresh flavors!

For some other radish dishes, check out the Loaded Radish Chip Nachos, Braised Radishes and Leeks, or Radish and Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Crema. And for another watermelon radish recipe in particular, the Watermelon Radish Salad with Citrus Thyme Dressing is a reader favorite!

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