It all started with these beauties calling my name at the farmer’s market. I mean how could I resist? Radishes are one of the first early summer vegetables to hit the markets in Boston and they are haltingly beautiful in their deep jewel tones. Of course I had to buy all three bunches and then get to work developing a delicious recipe that lets their natural flavor shine through. The result is this simple, yet very impressive, salad. It’s perfect for backyard BBQ’s (maybe for the 4th of July?), dinner parties, or anytime when you feel like making your food beautiful. You can also skip the fancy layout and simply toss the radishes with the cilantro sauce if you’re feeling lazy! 
Farmer’s Market Radishes with Cilantro Lime Sauce Ingredients (serves 4):
2 – 3 bunches of beautiful radishes
1 bunch cilantro
juice from 3 limes
1/4 cup olive oil
2 cloves of garlic
1/2 tsp salt
Directions: Thinly slice your radishes and arrange on a platter in some sort of beautiful pattern. I cut mine by hand, but you can certainly use a mandolin if you’d prefer. Combine the remaining ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until they are well combined. The consistency should be a bit more liquidy than a pesto. Drizzle the cilantro lime sauce over the radishes and serve immediately. If you’ve prepared the radishes in advance, wait to add the cilantro lime sauce until right before serving. 
Purple and red fruits and vegetables are very high in anthocyanins, which have been found to be powerful antioxidants. In addition to fighting free radicals, they offer anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-cancer benefits. You may have first heard about anthocyanins when they were discovered in red wine. They are also found in pomegranates, kidney beans, red onions, blueberries, red cabbage, and the bright outer skin of radishes. In keeping with the old adage to eat the rainbow, purple and red produce are especially important colors to include in your daily diet. Enjoy!
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