Nutmeg Free Pesto-Walnut Watercress and Cucumber Salad
This salad is a bright, herby showstopper that brings together peppery watercress, cool cucumber slices, toasted walnuts, and shaved Parmesan in one gorgeous bowl. The real magic is the pesto vinaigrette — fresh basil, raw walnuts, garlic, lemon juice, and zest blended with good olive oil into a smooth, pourable dressing that coats every leaf beautifully. Toasting the walnut halves in a dry skillet first adds a deep, nutty crunch that makes the whole dish feel more considered and restaurant-worthy. Because every component here is straightforward and whole, you never have to second-guess what's going into your food — no spice blends, no pre-made sauces, nothing hiding in the background. The lemon zest and optional red pepper flakes give it just enough brightness and gentle heat to keep things interesting without overwhelming the fresh greens. It comes together quickly and looks stunning on a platter, making it equally at home as a weeknight side or something you'd proudly set out for guests.
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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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