There are so many different uses for cucumbers. The versatile fruit-vegetables are a hydrating treat in the warm summer months. Fresh cucumbers are the perfect ingredient to incorporate into your beverages, salads, sides, and snacks.
Here are 31 recipes to make the most of your cucumber crop this summer!
Fun Facts About Cucumbers
Cucumbers are called fruit vegetables!
Botanically, cucumbers are fruits since they develop from the flower of the plant and contain seeds.
In the culinary world, cucumbers are considered vegetables due to their mild flavor and common use in salads and savory dishes.
Tomatoes, bell peppers, and eggplants are also fruit vegetables.
The Best Ways to Use Cucumbers
The best ways to use cucumbers are appetizers, tzatziki sauce, mast o khair dip, stuffed cucumber bites, raita, spa water, cucumber smoothies, agua de pepino, chickpea feta salad, cucumber radish salad, Gurkensalat, smashed Chinese cucumber salad, Mizera, Korean oi muchim and kimchi, half-sour pickles, spicy pickles, cucumber sandwiches, cucumber sorbet, and as an eye mask.
Why We Love Cucumbers!
- Cucumbers are over 90% water, making them an excellent choice for staying hydrated.
- Crunchy cukes are filling and low in calories making them a guilt-free snack or addition to meals.
- Cucumbers are unprocessed and found in their natural state, packed with essential nutrients. Enjoy them for a healthy dose of goodness!
31 Fresh Cucumber Recipes
Smoked Salmon and Cucumber Canapes
Up your appetizer game at your next dinner party with these salmon cucumber bites. They're light and perfect for summer entertaining. You can pull this together in 5 minutes!
Avocado Goat Cheese Cucumber Appetizers
These goat cheese cucumber appetizers are topped with a flavor-packed avocado goat cheese mixture. Pretty little bites for entertaining!
Tzatziki Yogurt Sauce
Tzatziki sauce is a tangy Greek condiment made with strained yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh herbs including dill and mint. It's creamy, and refreshing, and makes a great dip for summer get-togethers.
Mast O Khiar (Persian Yogurt Dip)
Mast O Khiar is a Persian sauce made with cucumbers, walnuts, raisins, and yogurt. It's a perfect blend of fresh, sweet, and salty flavors.
Greek Salad Stuffed Cucumber Bites
These stuffed cucumber bites have all the taste of a Greek salad in a handy bite-size keto snack. Enjoy as an appetizer, lunch, or snack.
Cucumber Mint Raita
Use this Cucumber Mint Raita as a condiment or dip for naan. The traditional Indian yogurt-based condiment is made with fresh crisp cucumbers, mint and Indian spices.
Lemon Lime Cucumber Water
Lemon lime cucumber water is a refreshing way to enhance the taste of your water, making it easier and more enjoyable to stay hydrated. I love how simple it is to prepare, and it's an ideal beverage for both parties and picnics.
Pineapple Cucumber Smoothie
This is a delicious pineapple cucumber smoothie packed with fiber, healthy fats, and proteins to give you a nutritional boost. Dairy-free.
Cucumber Melon Drink
This sweet cucumber melon drink is the perfect refreshment for a hot summer day.
Mexican Agua de Pepino (Cucumber Agua Fresca)
Agua de pepino is a refreshing Mexican beverage made with cucumbers, water, and sugar. It is a light and hydrating drink with subtle cucumber flavor. Serve over ice and garnish with cucumber slices.
Chickpea Cucumber Feta Salad
Chickpea Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad is a healthy Mediterranean salad with a light vinaigrette that's bright and fresh. It's packed with protein from the chickpeas, and the crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes add a refreshing crunch.
Cucumber Radish Salad
This Cucumber Radish Salad with chickpeas is a protein-rich salad. Both tasty and nutritious, it makes a perfect addition to any occasion.
Gurkensalat, German Cucumber Salad
German Cucumber Salad, or Gurkensalat, is a traditional German cucumber salad. It's a refreshing and light salad made with cucumbers, vinegar, oil, and fresh herbs.
Vegan Cucumber Salad Without Mayo
Grab your mandoline and slice carrots and Bermuda onions very thin to make this 5-ingredient carrot salad. Seasoned with fresh dill, vinegar, and sugar, this refreshing salad comes together in just 10 minutes!
Sweet Southern Creamy Cucumber Salad
Southern Creamy Cucumber Salad with sour cream is a classic dish featuring thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a creamy dressing made with sour cream, vinegar, sugar, and a touch of dill.
Smashed Chinese Cucumber Salad
Try this Smashed Cucumber Salad – cool, crisp, and bursting with the flavors of sesame and cilantro. It's the perfect dish to enjoy your abundant summer harvest of cucumbers.
Watermelon Feta Cucumber Salad
Bright and beautiful watermelon feta cucumber salad is a refreshing side dish. You will love this summer BBQ recipe!
Cucumber Beet Salad
Beets, cucumbers, red onions, and toasted chickpeas come together in this bright salad. Topped with basil balsamic vinaigrette and fresh dill.
Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad
Pair your summer main dishes with a simple and delicious Cucumber Tomato Salad. Red onion, mozzarella or feta, and fresh herbs come together to make a flavorful cold salad.
Mizeria (Polish Cucumber Salad)
Mizeria is a traditional Polish cucumber salad made with thinly sliced cucumbers, chives, sour cream, and fresh dill. It's a refreshing, creamy side dish.
Oi Muchim, Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
Oi Muchim, a spicy Korean cucumber salad, is ready in just 10 minutes! This refreshing salad is sweet, salty, spicy, and tangy - thanks to its vibrant sauce. The secret ingredient is a touch of gochujang, a Korean chili paste that adds a kick.
Learn How to Make Kimchi With Cucumbers
Cucumber kimchi, oi kimchi, is a Korean side dish made using cucumbers fermented with chili flakes, garlic, ginger, and fish sauce. It's known for its spicy, tangy flavor and crisp texture.
How To Make Pickles From Cucumbers
Have you ever made your own pickles? While the summer cucumber crop is in full bloom, try these recipes to make homemade crispy delicious pickles.
Kirby Cucumbers are the most popular variety used for pickling. They are small, firm, and have slightly bumpy skin.
Spicy Cucumber Pickles
Spicy Cucumber Pickles are easy to make, and full of vibrant flavors including onion, star anise, dried chili flakes and fresh ginger.
How To Make Bread & Butter Pickles
Bread & Butter Pickles are sweet and salty and so easy to make. Make a small batch of refrigerator pickles or a large batch for home canning.
Japanese Pickled Cucumbers
This Japanese-inspired recipe for homemade cucumber pickles transforms fresh cucumbers into a tangy and refreshing side dish.
Half Sour Pickles Recipe
Half sour pickles are partially fermented compared to full sour pickles. They are crisper and have a milder flavor than fully fermented pickles.
Refrigerator Pickles
Refrigerator pickles are made by immersing cucumbers in a vinegar-based brine with herbs and spices. Unlike traditional canned pickles, they're not processed in a hot water bath but are instead stored in the refrigerator, where they ferment and develop flavor. They're quick and easy to make and ready to eat in a day or two.
Afternoon Tea Cucumber Sandwiches
Cucumber sandwiches are fun. Often served with afternoon teas, luncheons, or light bites, cucumber sandwiches are crustless and dainty.
Traditionally made with soft white bread, with a light spread of butter or cream cheese for added creaminess.
Petite Cucumber Sandwiches
Mini Cucumber Sandwiches are topped with seasoned cream cheese, cucumber, and fresh dill on mini pumpernickel bread.
Cucumber Lime Sorbet Dessert
With this easy sorbet recipe, you can make a very refreshing frozen treat with 2 ingredients.
Cucumber sorbet is like a cool breeze on a hot day, with its refreshing taste and light texture. It's made by blending fresh cucumbers with sugar and a zing of lime juice. This cold dessert is perfect for sharing with friends on a sunny afternoon.
DIY Cucumber Eye Masks
To make a cucumber eye mask, blend a fresh cucumber into a puree, strain the juice and discard the solids. Soak cotton balls in the liquid.
Chill the soaked pads in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes, then place them over your closed eyes for 10-15 minutes. After removing the pads, rinse your face with cool water and gently pat dry.
The Best Ways To Use Cucumbers
There are so many ways to use cucumbers! Slice them for salads, sandwiches, kimchi and pickles. Turn them into spa water and smoothies for a hydrating boost.
Place slices over your eye for soothing eye masks!
Cucumbers are a terrific addition to a healthy diet due to their low-calorie content and high nutrient density. They are composed of about 95% water, which makes them an excellent source of hydration.
FAQ
English or Persian cucumbers are best for salads because they have thin, delicate skins that don't need peeling. They have a mild flavor that pairs well with other ingredients.
Yes, it's best to refrigerate cucumbers to extend their freshness, but they can also be stored at room temperature if you plan to eat them within a day or two.
No, cucumbers are extremely low in calories. A medium cucumber contains only about 15 calories per one hundred grams, making them an excellent choice for those watching their calorie intake. They are also high in water content and fiber, which can help you feel full while consuming minimal calories.
Cucumbers are low in carbohydrates. A 100-gram serving of cucumber contains about 3.6 grams of carbohydrates. This makes cucumbers a great option for those following low-carb diets or looking to manage their carbohydrate intake.
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