Gelatin Free Basil-Pesto Cucumber Melon Salad
This vibrant summer salad is the kind of dish that makes you rethink what a salad can be — sweet, cool melon and crisp cucumber draped in a bright, herby pesto that you blitz together in minutes. The homemade pesto is built entirely from fresh basil, parsley, garlic, olive oil, lemon, and a pinch of turmeric, so there's nothing mysterious hiding in it. That matters more than you might think, since many store-bought dressings and flavor bases sneak in unexpected additives that can be hard to vet. Here, every ingredient is whole and visible, which makes this an easy, confident choice for anyone navigating label anxiety. A short rest in the fridge lets the pesto cling beautifully to the fruit and cucumber, so by the time it hits the table the flavors have melded into something genuinely special. Torn fresh mint scattered over the top adds one last pop of freshness that takes it from simple to stunning. It's the kind of effortless, crowd-pleasing dish you'll want to bring to every warm-weather gathering.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the pesto
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp lemon zest
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
For the salad
- 3 cups cantaloupe or honeydew melon, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups english cucumber, halved lengthwise and sliced ¼-inch thick
- 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, torn (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the basil, parsley, and garlic in a food processor and pulse 8–10 times until coarsely chopped.
- 2
With the processor running, drizzle in the olive oil in a slow, steady stream until the mixture is smooth and bright green, about 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides, then add the lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and turmeric. Pulse 3–4 more times until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust salt.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!