Radial Symmetry Sunburst Salad (Printable Version)

Thinly sliced vegetables arranged in concentric circles with creamy cheese and fresh herbs.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium golden beet, peeled and thinly sliced
02 - 1 medium red beet, peeled and thinly sliced
03 - 1 small zucchini, thinly sliced
04 - 1 small yellow squash, thinly sliced
05 - 1 medium watermelon radish, thinly sliced
06 - 1 large carrot, peeled and thinly sliced

→ Cheese

07 - 3.5 oz goat cheese, crumbled
08 - 2 tbsp crème fraîche

→ Dressing

09 - 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
10 - 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
11 - 1 tsp honey
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

13 - 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
14 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
15 - Edible flowers (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice all vegetables as thinly as possible.
02 - Place a small bowl or ramekin in the center of a large round platter to define the focal point.
03 - Fan out the sliced vegetables around the center in alternating colors and shapes, overlapping slightly to create concentric symmetrical circles resembling a sunburst.
04 - Remove the central bowl and fill the space with goat cheese blended with crème fraîche.
05 - Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then drizzle evenly over the arranged vegetables.
06 - Sprinkle fresh chives, toasted sesame seeds, and optional edible flowers over the ensemble and serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours planning when it actually takes 25 minutes and requires zero cooking
  • Every vegetable shines on its own, so you can taste the sweetness of the beets and the delicate crunch of the radish without anything overpowering the plate
  • It's a conversation starter that works for fancy dinners, potlucks, or when you need to feel a little more elegant on a Tuesday night
  • Naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, so you're not excluding anyone at the table
02 -
  • A dull knife will crush delicate vegetables and ruin the elegant appearance—sharpen yours or use a mandoline for consistent, clean slices
  • Don't slice everything ahead of time and let it sit; vegetables release water and lose their crispness. Do your prep right before arranging.
  • The sunburst pattern doesn't have to be perfect to look stunning. Symmetry matters less than confidence in your placement.
03 -
  • Make the dressing just before serving so the honey stays emulsified and the flavors are at their brightest
  • If you're making this ahead of time, arrange everything but don't add the dressing until the last moment—moisture is the enemy of crispness
  • Use a mandoline if you have one, but if not, a sharp chef's knife and steady hands work just as well; consistency matters more than perfection
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