SAVORY PEACH AND CUCUMBER SALAD

Savory Peach and Cucumber Salad image

Provided by Sara Kramer

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

1/3 cup raw pumpkin seeds
1 tablespoon plus 1/4 cup olive oil
Kosher salt
1 cardamom pod
1 whole clove
1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds
1/2 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 1-1 1/2-inch pieces
1 avocado, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
A spice mill or mortar and pestle

Steps:

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.
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 1/4 cup oil; season with salt. Add cucumber and toss. Let sit 5 minutes.
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.
Serve topped with sesame seeds, cilantro leaves, and remaining pumpkin seeds.