Cucumber-Basil Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing salad of crisp cucumbers and baby greens, tossed in a zesty lemon-tahini dressing for a light and satisfying meal. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (dairy-free) ready in about 15 minutes pairs baby spinach, cucumber, red onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp tahini, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 cup water until smooth and emulsified.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups baby spinach, 1 cup sliced cucumber, 1/2 cup sliced red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil.
  3. Step 3: Pour dressing over salad and toss until evenly coated. Serve immediately for optimal crispness.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cucumber-Basil Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cucumber-Basil Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep baby spinach from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cucumber-Basil Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cucumber-Basil Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Cucumber-Basil Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing dairy-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged dairy-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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