PCOS Friendly Basil-Pesto Cucumber Melon Salad
This salad is a genuinely refreshing combination of juicy melon, crisp cucumber, and a vibrant herb pesto that comes together faster than you'd expect. The homemade basil-parsley pesto is the real star — blended with extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon, and a pinch of turmeric, it coats every piece of fruit and cucumber in something bright, savory, and a little unexpected. Turmeric is a smart addition here because it carries well-documented anti-inflammatory properties, which matters when you're eating with hormonal balance in mind. Refined sugars and processed ingredients are nowhere in sight, just whole foods that work with your body rather than against it. A short rest in the fridge lets the pesto cling and the flavors deepen, so the payoff is even better than the first toss suggests. Torn fresh mint on top adds one more layer of cool, herby contrast that makes the whole bowl feel like something from a restaurant menu. It's light enough to serve as a starter but satisfying enough to anchor a warm-weather lunch.
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!