Carrot, Radish and Apple Relish

Serves 4

Prep time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: None
Total time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

Relish

120 g / 1 cup grated carrot
150 g / 1 cup chopped radish
50 g / 1 small red onion, finely chopped
200 g / 1 large crisp apple, cored and chopped
15 g / 1 tbsp minced jalapeño
15 g / ½ cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
10 g / ¼ cup chopped mint

Dressing

Juice and zest of ½ lime
5 g / 1 tsp ground cumin
3 g / ½ tsp salt
1.5 g / ¼ tsp black pepper

Method

Rinse the chopped red onion under warm water to mellow its sharpness, then pat dry.
In a large bowl, combine carrot, radish, onion, apple, jalapeño, parsley, and mint.
In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper until blended.
Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss thoroughly to coat evenly.
Allow the relish to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving to let the flavours meld.

Festive meals have a beautiful way of gathering us, but they can also lean rich, heavy, and a little overwhelming for our digestion. This is why I love offering something bright on the table - a dish that wakes the palate, cuts through the decadence, and brings everyone back into their bodies for a moment.

This fragrant side salad is one of my new favourites. It has spiciness, sweetness, crunch, and a gentle pungency that feels both enlivening and grounding. And although its flavour profile nods to Indian chutneys and kachumber style salads, it still honours the seasonal, local produce available at this latitude: winter carrots, radishes, apples, mint. It is simple, vibrant, and exactly the kind of dish that brings balance to festive abundance.

Nutrition Facts (approx., per serving)

Energy: 120 kcal
Protein: 2 g
Fat: 2 g
Carbohydrates: 26 g
of which sugars: 15 g
Fibre: 5 g
Rich in: vitamin C, potassium, fibre, antioxidants, phytonutrients

Notes & Variations

Use green apple for a more tart flavour and or Honeycrisp for a sweeter flavour.
Swap jalapeño for serrano for more heat, or omit for a milder version.
Stores well for up to 48 hours in an airtight container in the fridge.
Yin–Yang balance: The crisp, cooling yin of carrot, radish, and apple is balanced by the warming yang of cumin and jalapeño, creating a bright, energising, and harmonising side. This relish pairs beautifully with brown rice, dal, and yogurt to make a complete, balanced, and nourishing meal.