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Fresh cilantro cucumber salad with toasted pine nuts, radicchio, and mixed greens drizzled with a bold balsamic dressing in a white bowl on a marble surface.

Cilantro Cucumber Crunch Salad with Radicchio & Toasted Pine Nuts

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A crisp and refreshing Cilantro Cucumber Crunch Salad with radicchio, mixed greens, and toasted pine nuts, tossed in a bold balsamic brown dressing. Light, vibrant, and full of fresh flavor with the perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and tang.
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Prep Time 12 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Assembly Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4 people
Calories 138 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl (for assembling the salad)
  • Small bowl or jar (for whisking the dressing)
  • Whisk or fork (to emulsify the balsamic dressing)
  • Sharp chef’s knife (for slicing cucumber and greens)
  • Cutting board
  • Small frying pan (for toasting pine nuts)
  • Measuring spoons
  • Salad tongs or large spoon (for gentle tossing and serving)

Ingredients
  

Salad Ingredients

  • 3 cups cucumber thinly sliced
  • 2 cups cilantro leaves fresh & loosely packed
  • 1 cup mixed greens baby spinach + arugula recommended
  • 1 cup radicchio torn into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts toasted
  • 1 tbsp green onions optional but recommended
  • Flaky sea salt to taste
  • Fresh cracked black pepper

Bold Brown Balsamic Dressing

  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce adds depth + darker color
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove small & finely grated
  • 1/2 tsp sesame oil optional but excellent
  • Pinch chili flakes optional

Instructions
 

  • Toast Pine Nuts
    Toast pine nuts in a dry pan over medium heat until golden (2–3 minutes). Set aside.
  • Prepare Salad Base
    In a large bowl combine: cucumber, cilantro, mixed greens, and radicchio
  • Make Dressing
    Whisk all dressing ingredients until glossy and slightly thick.
  • Assemble
    Sprinkle toasted pine nuts over salad
    Drizzle dressing lightly over top
    Add flaky salt and pepper
  • Toss & Serve
    Toss gently and serve immediately.
    • For the best Cilantro Cucumber Crunch Salad, always add the bold balsamic brown dressing just before serving to preserve the ultra-crisp texture of the cucumber, radicchio, and fresh greens. This simple step keeps your salad fresh, crunchy, and restaurant-quality while enhancing flavor in every bite.

Notes

  • This Cilantro Cucumber Crunch Salad is best served fresh to maintain maximum crispness, vibrant flavor, and texture contrast.
  • The bold balsamic brown dressing deepens in flavor after resting, making it ideal for quick make-ahead prep.
  • English cucumber is highly recommended for a crunchy, seed-light salad base that holds up well with dressing.
  • Toasting pine nuts enhances their natural oils, creating a rich, buttery crunch that elevates this healthy gourmet salad.
  • Radicchio adds a subtle bitterness that balances the sweet and tangy balsamic dressing for a restaurant-style flavor profile.
  • This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be easily adapted into a healthy vegetarian salad bowl.
  • For best texture, add dressing just before serving to prevent the greens from softening.
  • The salad is perfect for meal prep lunches, light dinners, or fresh summer side dishes.
  • Optional add-ins like avocado, grilled chicken, or chickpeas can turn this into a high-protein main course salad.
  • Store components separately to preserve crunch, freshness, and flavor integrity for up to 24–48 hours.

Nutrition

Serving: 1300 gramsCalories: 138kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 278mgPotassium: 305mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 746IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 31mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Easy, Fast, recipe
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