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Fresh summer cucumber salad with tomatoes, red onion, basil, toasted pine nuts, and lemon dressing in a glass bowl.
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Cucumber Salad with Basil and Pine Nuts

This fresh Cucumber Salad with Basil and Pine Nuts is crisp, light, and full of summer flavor. Fresh cucumber, tomato, red onion, basil, and toasted pine nuts are tossed with a simple lemon and olive oil dressing for an easy side dish ready in just 10 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 160
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced into half-moons
  • 1 small tomato, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp pine nuts (20 g)
  • Fresh basil, chopped or torn, to taste
For the Dressing
  • 3½ tbsp olive oil (50 ml)
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Italian seasoning, to taste

Equipment

  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 Sharp knife
  • 1 Large serving bowl
  • 1 Small mixing bowl
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Small skillet
  • 1 Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. Prepare the vegetables: Wash and dry the cucumber, tomato, red onion, and basil. Slice the cucumber into thin half-moons, cut the tomato into bite-sized pieces, and thinly slice the red onion.
  2. Combine the salad: Place the cucumber, tomato, red onion, and fresh basil in a large serving bowl.
  3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
  4. Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the vegetables and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Toast the pine nuts: Place the pine nuts in a dry skillet over low heat. Toast for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden and fragrant.
  6. Finish and serve: Sprinkle the warm toasted pine nuts over the salad just before serving. Serve immediately or chill briefly before enjoying.

Notes

  • Toast the pine nuts over low heat and watch them carefully because they can burn quickly.
  • Add the pine nuts just before serving so they stay crisp.
  • For the best texture, use a firm, fresh cucumber.
  • Thinly slicing the red onion keeps its flavor from overpowering the salad.
  • The salad can be chilled before serving, but it is best enjoyed the same day.
  • Adjust the amount of basil, lemon juice, and seasoning to your taste.