Radial Symmetry Sunburst Salad (Printable Version)

Vibrant vegetables arranged in sunburst pattern, topped with goat cheese and a zesty dressing.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
08 - 2 tablespoons crème fraîche

→ Dressing

09 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
10 - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
11 - 1 teaspoon honey
12 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

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

# Directions:

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 serve as a focal point.
03 - Fan the sliced vegetables outward from the central point in concentric, symmetrical circles, alternating colors and shapes with slight overlapping to create a sunburst pattern.
04 - Remove the central bowl and fill the space with goat cheese crumbled and combined with crème fraîche.
05 - Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
06 - Drizzle the dressing evenly over the arranged vegetables.
07 - Sprinkle fresh chives, toasted sesame seeds, and edible flowers over the dish. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It transforms simple vegetables into edible art that makes your guests gasp before they even taste it
  • No cooking required means more time to enjoy the company and less stress in the kitchen
  • The combination of sweet beets, tender squash, and tangy goat cheese creates layers of flavor that surprise your palate with every bite
02 -
  • A mandoline changes everything—hand-slicing vegetables this thin is nearly impossible and exhausting. If you don't own one, a sharp knife and patience work, but invest in a mandoline if you find yourself making this often. Your fingers will thank you.
  • Moisture is your enemy. If vegetables sit after slicing, they weep and lose their crispness. Slice everything as close to serving time as possible. This isn't a dish you can prep hours ahead.
03 -
  • Chill your platter for 10 minutes before arranging if your kitchen is warm—this keeps everything crisp longer and the cheese sets faster
  • The moment vegetables touch the dressing, they start to soften. If you're not serving immediately, dress it just before guests arrive or drizzle at the table
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