Refreshing Daikon Salad with Shiso and Sesame Dressing

If you’re looking for a light and refreshing Japanese side dish, this Daikon Salad (大根サラダ) is perfect. Crisp julienned daikon radish is paired with aromatic shiso leaves and tossed in a savory sesame soy dressing. It’s simple, healthy, and makes a great complement to any Japanese-style meal.

When we visited Japan, I noticed that daikon salad often appears as a refreshing starter or side dish in izakayas and home kitchens. It’s one of those dishes that proves how a few simple ingredients can create something truly delicious.

RECIPE

Servings: 2-3

Time: 15 min

Ingredients:

1/2 daikon (about 2 cups, julienned)
6–8 shiso leaves
3 tbsp soy sauce
3 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1/2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp sesame seeds

My Kitchen Tools:

Sesame Seeds Mortar

Instructions:

Prepare the Daikon
Peel the daikon.
Place it cut-side down on a cutting board, slice thinly lengthwise, then stack and julienne into thin strips.
Soak the julienned daikon in a bowl of cold water for about 5 minutes to crisp up and reduce bitterness.
Drain well, then pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
Slice the Shiso
Stack the shiso leaves, roll them up, and slice into thin strips.
Make the Dressing
In a bowl, mix together ground sesame seeds, soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, and sugar until well combined.
Toss the Salad
Add the daikon and shiso into the dressing, toss until everything is evenly coated.

ingredients shopping

Tips for the Best Daikon Salad

Choose the sweeter part of the daikon: The top (leaf end) of daikon is milder and sweeter, while the bottom (root end) tends to be spicier. For salad, use the top portion.
Julienne along the fibers: Cutting the daikon lengthwise with the fibers gives it a crisp, crunchy texture.
Soak in cold water: This not only improves the crunch but also removes excess bitterness. Just don’t soak too long, or you’ll lose flavor and nutrients.
Dry well: Extra moisture makes the salad watery, so be sure to pat the daikon dry with a paper towel before tossing with the dressing.

Serving Suggestions

This Japanese Daikon Salad pairs beautifully with grilled fish, karaage (Japanese fried chicken), or even a simple bowl of rice. It’s also perfect for bento boxes since it’s light and refreshing without being heavy.

If you love fresh, crunchy salads with bold Japanese flavors, this one is sure to become a regular at your table.