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Epicurious

Savory Peach and Cucumber Salad

4.9

(7)

Photo of savory peach and cucumber salad on a white plate on top of a wooden table.
Photo by Michael Graydon & Nikole Herriott

This is the time to celebrate peaches. Look for standout varieties such as July Flame, Suncrest, or O’Henry for this salad recipe.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    4 servings

Ingredients

⅓ cup raw pumpkin seeds
1 tablespoon plus ¼ cup olive oil
Kosher salt
1 cardamom pod
1 whole clove
½ teaspoon coriander seeds
½ teaspoon cumin seeds
1 serrano chile, finely grated
1 garlic clove, finely grated
3 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
3 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro, plus leaves with tender stems for serving
3 tablespoons (or more) fresh lemon juice
2 medium Persian cucumbers, cut into 1-inch pieces
4 medium yellow peaches, cut into 1–1½-inch pieces
1 avocado, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
A spice mill or mortar and pestle

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Toast pumpkin seeds on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing halfway through, until golden brown and slightly puffed, 5–7 minutes; let cool. Transfer to a small bowl and toss with 1 Tbsp. oil; season with salt.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, toast cardamom, clove, coriander, and cumin in a dry small skillet over medium heat, tossing occasionally, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Remove seeds from cardamom pod; discard pod. Finely grind seeds along with other spices in spice mill or with mortar and pestle. Mix in a large bowl with chile, garlic, parsley, chopped cilantro, lemon juice, and remaining ¼ cup oil; season with salt. Add cucumber and toss. Let sit 5 minutes.

    Step 3

    Add peaches, avocado, and half of the pumpkin seeds to cucumber mixture and season generously with salt; toss to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and/or lemon juice.

    Step 4

    Serve topped with sesame seeds, cilantro leaves, and remaining pumpkin seeds.

TagsSaladPeachStone FruitFruitCucumberVegetableCardamomHerbs & SpicesSerrano ChileChileParsleyCilantroAvocadoPumpkin SeedSeedSideDinnerDairy FreeGluten FreeVeganVegetarianSummerBon Appétit

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