Radial Symmetry Sunburst Salad (Printable)

Elegant sunburst of thinly sliced vegetables with creamy cheese and a zesty drizzle, perfect as a fresh appetizer.

# 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)

# How to Prepare:

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

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It's a showstopper that takes less than half an hour—your guests will think you spent hours planning this.
  • Every vegetable shines with its own natural color and flavor; there's no competing sauce to hide behind.
  • It's one of those rare recipes that's good for you and makes you feel like an artist at the same time.
02 -
  • The mandoline will change your life for this recipe, but it will also demand respect. Your fingers are more important than any salad. Use the guard, always.
  • Don't slice your vegetables more than an hour ahead of time. They'll start to wilt and lose their snappy texture, and the whole visual effect depends on them standing at attention.
  • The success of this dish lives or dies by the quality of your platter. A round plate with a lip is essential—it contains the composition and makes the sunburst feel intentional rather than accidental.
03 -
  • If your vegetables keep sliding around on the platter, place a damp paper towel underneath before you start arranging—it creates just enough friction to hold everything in place while you work.
  • Let your vegetables come to a cool room temperature before serving, not straight from the cold water. This lets their natural flavors emerge and makes the whole dish taste more alive.
  • The dressing should be whisked just before serving and taste slightly aggressive with lemon—the vegetables will soften it as they sit.
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