Nutmeg Free Basil-Pesto Radish & Cucumber Salad
Crisp cucumber rounds and peppery radish slices come together in a salad that's as vibrant to look at as it is to eat. The real star is the homemade herb pesto — a bright, coarse blend of fresh basil, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, and good olive oil that coats every slice in bold, garden-fresh flavor. Salting the vegetables first and letting them rest draws out excess moisture, so the pesto clings rather than pools, giving you a perfectly dressed salad instead of a watery one. Because everything is made from scratch with whole, simple ingredients, there's no need to scan labels or second-guess spice blends that sometimes sneak in unexpected additions. The result is clean, punchy, and refreshing — exactly the kind of dish that disappears fast at a summer table. Torn fresh basil scattered over the top at the end keeps the color vivid and the flavor lively right up until serving.
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
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
For the salad
- 2 medium english cucumbers, thinly sliced into rounds
- 1 bunch radishes (about 10–12), thinly sliced
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
For serving
- 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, torn (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Place the cucumber rounds and sliced radishes in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle with 1/4 tsp salt, toss to coat, and let stand for 10 minutes until the vegetables release some of their liquid.
- 2
While the vegetables rest, combine the basil leaves, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, and sea salt in a food processor. Pulse 8–10 times until the herbs are roughly chopped.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!