Nightshade Free Basil-Pesto Cucumber Salad
Crisp, cool cucumbers draped in a vivid herb pesto make for a salad that feels both refreshing and surprisingly indulgent. The homemade pesto here skips pine nuts and cheese entirely, leaning instead on fresh basil, parsley, garlic, and a bright hit of lemon juice to build real depth of flavor. A pinch of turmeric adds a subtle warmth and a gorgeous golden tint that makes the green pesto pop even more against the pale cucumber slices. Avoiding nightshades can feel limiting in salad territory, where tomatoes and peppers tend to dominate — but this dish proves you don't need them to create something vibrant and satisfying. Salting the cucumbers first and patting them dry is a small step that makes a big difference, keeping the pesto from turning watery and ensuring every ribbon or round stays beautifully coated. The whole thing comes together quickly with a food processor and a few fresh ingredients, making it an easy go-to for weeknight dinners or warm-weather gatherings. Serve it immediately for the best texture, and don't skip the torn basil on top — it takes the presentation from simple to stunning.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the salad
- 2 large english cucumbers
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
For the pesto
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
- ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
For serving
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, torn (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds or use a vegetable peeler to cut them into long ribbons, about 1/8-inch thick. Transfer to a colander set over the sink, toss with 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, and let stand for 10 minutes until the cucumbers have released some liquid. Pat dry with paper towels.
- 2
Combine the basil, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, 1/4 tsp fine sea salt, and turmeric in a food processor or blender. Pulse 5–6 times until the herbs are roughly chopped.
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