Tomato and Cucumber Salad with a Pesto Like Dressing
Bright, fresh, and bursting with flavor, this Tomato and Cucumber Salad with a Pesto-Like Dressing is a quick and vibrant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Juicy cherry tomatoes and crisp cucumber slices are tossed in a creamy basil pesto dressing made with Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, and a hint of lemon for a zesty kick. This no-cook recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a refreshing side dish, a light lunch, or a healthy complement to grilled meats or seafood. Packed with fresh ingredients and Mediterranean-inspired flavors, this salad is both satisfying and stunning, ready to shine at your next dinner table or summer gathering.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Cherry tomatoes
- 1 large Cucumber
- 1 cup Fresh basil leaves
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Pine nuts
- 1 clove Garlic
- 0.25 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Rinse and halve the cherry tomatoes. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
Peel the cucumber if desired, then slice it into thin rounds or half-moons. Add them to the mixing bowl with the tomatoes.
In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
Blend the mixture until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Add a little more olive oil if the dressing is too thick.
Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
Pour the pesto-like dressing over the tomato and cucumber mixture. Gently toss until the vegetables are evenly coated.
Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or platter. Optionally, garnish with a few extra basil leaves, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, or additional pine nuts.
Serve immediately and enjoy the salad as a light meal or pair it with grilled meats, fish, or bread.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
218 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 19.7 g | 25% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5 g | 17% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 6 mg | 2% | |
| Sodium | 290 mg | 13% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 7.8 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.1 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.7 g | ||
| Protein | 4.5 g | 9% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 100 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 1.4 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 390 mg | 8% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
