Mushroom Free Pesto-Walnut Watercress and Cucumber Salad
This bright, herby salad is the kind of dish that looks like it came from a restaurant but comes together with just a handful of fresh ingredients and a blender. Peppery watercress and cool, crisp cucumber slices make a refreshing base, while toasted walnut halves add a satisfying crunch that elevates every bite. The real star is the pesto vinaigrette — blitzed together from fresh basil, raw walnuts, garlic, lemon juice, and good olive oil, it's silky, vibrant, and packed with flavor without relying on anything from a jar. Shaved Parmesan scattered over the top brings a salty, nutty finish that ties everything together beautifully. For anyone navigating a mushroom-free lifestyle, this salad is a genuinely exciting option because there's nothing hidden to worry about — every ingredient is clean, whole, and straightforward. It's the kind of recipe that works equally well as a light lunch on its own or as a stunning side alongside grilled proteins or a hearty grain dish. Serve it immediately after tossing so the greens stay lively and the walnuts keep their crunch.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the salad
- ½ cup raw walnut halves
- 5 oz watercress, thick stems trimmed
- 1 english cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 oz parmesan, shaved
For the pesto vinaigrette
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
- ¼ cup raw walnut halves
- 1 small garlic clove
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ¼ tsp salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the ½ cup raw walnut halves (for the salad) and toast, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden, about 2–3 minutes. Watch closely, as they can brown quickly. Transfer to a plate and let cool.
- 2
In a small food processor or blender, combine the basil, ¼ cup raw walnuts (for the vinaigrette), garlic clove, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped and uniform.
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