Tundra Trek Crisp Vegetables (Printer View)

A minimalist salad featuring thinly sliced vegetables and toasted seeds on a chilled stone plate.

# What you'll need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 small daikon radish, peeled and thinly sliced
02 - 1 small kohlrabi, peeled and thinly sliced
03 - 1 Belgian endive, leaves separated
04 - ½ cup cauliflower florets, finely chopped

→ Garnish & Accents

05 - ¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
06 - 2 tbsp white sesame seeds, lightly toasted
07 - 1 tbsp black sesame seeds
08 - ¼ cup microgreens (pea shoots or radish sprouts)
09 - Flaky sea salt, to taste

→ Dressing

10 - 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
11 - 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
12 - ½ tsp white pepper
13 - 1 tsp white wine vinegar

# Method:

01 - Place a large, clean stone or marble platter in the freezer for 15 minutes before assembly.
02 - Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, and white pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
03 - Evenly scatter daikon, kohlrabi, and endive leaves across the chilled platter, creating an artful, sparse pattern.
04 - Distribute cauliflower florets, coconut flakes, and both toasted sesame seeds over the vegetables in a randomized, natural fashion.
05 - Lightly drizzle the prepared dressing over the entire arrangement.
06 - Top with microgreens and sprinkle flaky sea salt just before serving.
07 - Present immediately to preserve the crisp textures and cool presentation.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It feels fancy and artistic, but takes just 25 minutes and requires zero cooking.
  • The contrast between crisp, cold vegetables and the subtle nuttiness of the dressing is genuinely addictive.
  • It's naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, so you're not making separate meals for different guests.
02 -
  • The platter temperature matters more than you'd think—if it's warm when you plate, the vegetables release moisture and the whole composition falls apart.
  • Cutting vegetables too thick defeats the purpose; you need that delicate, almost translucent quality to capture the minimal, spare aesthetic.
03 -
  • If you're adding protein, chilled smoked whitefish flakes or poached shrimp work without overwhelming the delicate vegetables; scatter them like you're adding another layer to the landscape.
  • Serve this alongside something warming and Nordic—chilled aquavit or a very dry white wine makes the temperature contrast even more striking.
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