Dairy Free Cucumber Dill Salad with Turmeric Pumpkin Seed Dressing
This vibrant salad is cool, herby, and just a little unexpected — the kind of dish that disappears fast at a dinner table. Crisp English cucumber slices get tossed with fresh dill and scallion greens, then coated in a golden, creamy dressing that gets its richness entirely from toasted pumpkin seeds and olive oil. Blending those toasted pepitas with lemon juice, turmeric, and a splash of water creates a smooth, pourable dressing with a slightly nutty depth — no cream, no yogurt, no dairy of any kind needed. The turmeric gives the whole bowl a gorgeous golden hue and a subtle earthiness that plays beautifully against the bright lemon and fresh herbs. Salting the cucumbers and patting them dry before dressing is a small step that makes a real difference, keeping everything crisp rather than watery. It's the kind of salad that feels fancy enough for a dinner party but comes together with everyday pantry staples and a blender.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the dressing
- ½ cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 large lemon)
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- 2 tbsp water
For the salad
- 2 large english cucumbers (about 1 ½ lb total), thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh dill, roughly chopped
- 3 scallions (green tops only), thinly sliced
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
For serving
- 2 tbsp raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas), for garnish (optional)
- lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Toast the pumpkin seeds in a small dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they begin to pop and turn lightly golden, about 3–4 minutes. Watch closely, as they can scorch quickly. Transfer to a plate and let cool for 5 minutes.
- 2
Place the cooled toasted pumpkin seeds, olive oil, lemon juice, turmeric, black pepper, salt, and water in a blender or food processor. Blend until the dressing is mostly smooth with a slightly grainy, creamy texture, about 30–45 seconds. If the dressing is too thick to pour, add water 1 tsp at a time and blend again.
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