MSG Free Pesto-Walnut Watercress and Cucumber Salad

This salad is a bright, herb-forward showstopper that brings together peppery watercress, cool cucumber slices, toasted walnuts, and shaved Parmesan — all tied together with a silky homemade pesto vinaigrette. The dressing is blended fresh from basil, raw walnuts, garlic, lemon juice, and good olive oil, so you know exactly what's going into it with zero mystery additives. That matters more than people realize, because bottled dressings and store-bought pestos are notorious for sneaking in flavor enhancers that have no business being in a simple salad. Every ingredient here is whole and recognizable, which is exactly the kind of cooking that keeps things clean without sacrificing any depth of flavor. Toasting the walnuts in a dry skillet for just a couple of minutes unlocks a nutty richness that makes the whole dish feel far more indulgent than the ingredient list suggests. The lemon zest and a pinch of red pepper flakes give the vinaigrette a little lift and warmth, so it never tastes flat or one-note. Toss it together right before serving and it's the kind of salad that genuinely impresses people.

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