Best 2 Pesto Tomato Cucumber Salad Recipes

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Welcome to a delightful culinary journey with our refreshing Pesto Tomato Cucumber Salad! This vibrant salad combines the tangy flavors of tomatoes and cucumbers with the aromatic freshness of basil pesto, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. As you dive into this delectable dish, you'll encounter a symphony of textures, from the crisp crunch of cucumbers to the juicy burst of tomatoes, all harmonized by the creamy richness of the pesto dressing. But that's not all! This versatile salad offers a treasure trove of variations to suit your preferences. From a classic pesto recipe to a tangy sun-dried tomato pesto, and even a creamy avocado pesto, there's a perfect pesto waiting to elevate your salad experience. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure as we guide you through each recipe, ensuring you create a salad that's not just a meal, but a masterpiece.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

PESTO TOMATO-CUCUMBER SALAD



Pesto Tomato-Cucumber Salad image

My sister and I created this fresh salad at one of our "recipe nights" and it's been a hit at every party since! Try red pepper flakes for a little kick if you'd like, or add Greek pepperoncini. -Jennifer Freier, Algonquin, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 10m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

1/2 cup Italian salad dressing
1/4 cup prepared pesto
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 large tomatoes, quartered and sliced 1/2-inch thick
2 medium peeled and seeded cucumbers, halved lengthwise and cut crosswise into 1/4-inch thick slices
1 small red onion, halved and thinly sliced

Steps:

  • Whisk salad dressing, pesto, salt and pepper. Toss with tomatoes, cucumbers and onion. Refrigerate, covered, at least 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 82 calories, Fat 5g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 318mg sodium, Carbohydrate 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

TOMATO AND CUCUMBER SALAD WITH A PESTO LIKE DRESSING.



Tomato and Cucumber Salad With a Pesto Like Dressing. image

Fresh out of the garden. What a nice way to serve those summer hierloom, Polish, Yellow, and Red tomatoes.

Provided by Rita1652

Categories     Greens

Time 15m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons fresh basil
1/4 cup olive oil
1 -2 anchovy, rinsed (optional)
2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
1/4 cup onion, rough chopped
1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
2 tablespoons water
1 pinch salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
4 cups chopped iceberg lettuce
3 tomatoes, sliced
1 cucumber, sliced

Steps:

  • Place all dressing ingredients in a blender and process till smooth and creamy.
  • Place all the lettuce on a large platter.
  • Arrange tomatoes and cucumbers on lettuce.
  • Pour some dressing on arrangement and serve some on the side for those that want it.

Tips:

  • Select ripe and flavorful tomatoes and cucumbers. This will ensure the best taste for your salad.
  • Use fresh basil for the pesto. Fresh basil has the best flavor and aroma.
  • If you don't have a food processor, you can make the pesto in a blender or with a mortar and pestle.
  • Adjust the amount of garlic and Parmesan cheese in the pesto to your liking.
  • You can use any type of pasta for this salad, but a short pasta like penne or shells works best.
  • Be sure to cook the pasta al dente, so that it still has a slight bite to it.
  • Add the pesto, tomatoes, cucumbers, and mozzarella cheese to the pasta while it is still warm. This will help the flavors to meld together.
  • Serve the salad immediately, or chill it for later.

Conclusion:

This pesto tomato cucumber salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a summer meal. The pesto adds a delicious layer of flavor and richness to the salad, and the tomatoes, cucumbers, and mozzarella cheese provide a nice balance of sweetness, crunch, and creaminess. This salad is also very easy to make, and it can be prepared in just a few minutes. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy summer meal, give this pesto tomato cucumber salad a try.

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