Vegetarian cucumber recipes are fresh, light, and easy to make. You can use cucumbers in salads, dips, sandwiches, and pickles. From classic side dishes to creative appetizers and drinks, there are plenty of ways to enjoy crisp and refreshing ingredient.
Fun Facts About Cucumbers
- Cucumbers are 96% water, making them one of the most hydrating vegetables.
- There are over 100 cucumber varieties, from small pickling cucumbers to long, thin English cucumbers.
- They belong to the gourd family, which includes pumpkins, squash, and melons.
- Cucumbers have natural anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce puffiness around the eyes.
- Cultivated for over 3,000 years, they originated in India.
- Pickles start as cucumbers before being soaked in a brine of vinegar, salt, and spices.
What are Fruit Vegetables?
Cucumbers are a fruit vegetable because they grow from a flower and contain seeds like fruit, but they’re used as a vegetable in cooking since they aren’t sweet like a plum.
A fruit vegetable is technically a fruit because it contains seeds, but it’s used like a vegetable in cooking.
Examples of fruit vegetables include tomatoes, bell peppers, eggplants, and zucchinis.
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.
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 simple and refreshing way to make drinking water more enjoyable. It’s easy to make and perfect for parties, picnics, or just staying hydrated throughout the day.
Pineapple Cucumber Smoothie
This dairy-free pineapple cucumber smoothie packed with fiber, healthy fats, and proteins to give you a nutritional boost.
Cool As A Cucumber
The term “cool as a cucumber” is actually derived from the cucumber’s ability to cool the temperature of the blood. Also, when applied topically, cucumber really does cool the blood and ease facial swelling, which is why cucumbers are so popular in facial regimens.
10 Facts You Didn't Know About Cucumbers, PA Eats
Cucumber Melon Drink
This fun and fruity cucumber melon agua fresca is a sweet and refreshing summer drink! It’s easy to make with just three simple ingredients and is a favorite for both kids and adults.
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.
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 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 easy salad comes together in just 10 minutes!
Southern Creamy Cucumber Salad
Southern Creamy Cucumber Salad is a classic dish made with thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a smooth, tangy dressing. The dressing combines sour cream, vinegar, sugar, and a hint of dill for a fresh and delicious side.
Smashed Chinese Cucumber Salad
Try this Smashed Cucumber Salad! It’s cool, crisp, and packed with the fresh flavors of sesame and cilantro. Perfect for using up lots of summer 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 this cold salad.
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
Oi Muchim, a spicy Korean cucumber salad is a refreshing salad is sweet, salty, spicy, and tangy thanks to its bright sauce. The secret ingredient is a touch of gochujang, a Korean chili paste that adds a kick.
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 has spicy and tangy flavors.
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 refreshing side dish. Seasoned with green onions and ginger, these quick pickles add a burst of flavor to any meal.
Half Sour Pickles Recipe
Love the crunch of a good deli pickle? These homemade half-sour pickles bring that same fresh, garlicky, and slightly salty flavor right to your kitchen—no canning required! With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy crisp, tangy pickles in just a few days.
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 a fun and tasty snack, often served at afternoon tea or lunch. They’re small, crustless sandwiches made with soft white bread and a light spread of butter or cream cheese.
Petite Cucumber Sandwiches
Mini cucumber sandwiches are a tasty bite-sized snack. They’re made with mini pumpernickel bread, a layer of seasoned cream cheese, crisp cucumber slices, and a sprinkle of fresh dill for extra flavor. Perfect for parties, tea time, or a quick, refreshing treat!
Cucumber Lime Sorbet Dessert
This easy sorbet recipe blends fresh cucumbers with sugar and a splash of lime juice. The smooth, icy texture makes it a perfect dessert to enjoy on a warm afternoon with friends.
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.
Easy Vegetarian Cucumber Recipes
Crisp, refreshing, and easy to use, cucumbers are the perfect base for simple vegetarian recipes.
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.
From dips and salads to pickles to creamy dips, these recipes highlight the natural crunch and mild flavor of cucumbers.
Whether you’re tossing them with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime or blending them into a cool yogurt-based tzatziki, these simple dishes make a great addition to any meal.
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.
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.
Pickling cucumbers are small, firm cucumbers with thin skin and fewer seeds, making them ideal for soaking up brine without becoming mushy. They stay crisp during pickling and are used to make dill pickles, bread-and-butter pickles, and other preserved cucumber varieties.
Keep small cucumbers in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator in a perforated bag or loosely wrapped in a paper towel to maintain freshness for up to a week.
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.
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.
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