15+ Crisp & Crunchy Cucumber Recipes for Any Season
Cucumbers: they're cool, light, good for you, and super versatile. You can pickle them, slice them up for a salad, blend them into an adult beverage, or pair them with sliced veggies and ranch for a simple appetizer. And that's just the tip of the iceberg!
So whether you've got some cucumbers taking up space in your fridge's crisper, or you're just looking for a new way to use this lovable fruit, check out some of our favorite recipes that will have you feeling cool as a cucumber — ha.
Photo Courtesy of Co+op
Sweet and Spicy Refrigerator Pickle Relish
Pickled in the fridge in just under 5 hours, this sweet and spicy pickle relish is the perfect topping for hot dogs, steak, sandwiches, and more.
Ingredients
1 lb. cucumber, seeded
2 large jalapeños, seeded
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
Directions
Use the shredding blade in the food processor to shred the cucumbers and jalapeños. (You can also grate or finely chop the vegetables by hand.)
Place the shredded vegetables on a clean kitchen towel and sprinkle with salt. Toss with your fingers to mix. Let stand for 5 minutes. Wrap the towel around the vegetables, hold it over the sink, and twist the towel to wring out the liquid.
Put the cucumber mixture into a medium bowl, add the apple cider vinegar and sugar, and stir to mix. Refrigerate 4 hours or longer until serving.
Keeps for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator, tightly covered.
Photo Courtesy of Co+op
Cucumber Salsa with Feta
If you've got a whole bunch of cucumber on hand but aren't looking to make a salad, consider this simple Greek-inspired salsa that is delicious with pita chips or served on top of fish.
Ingredients
2 large cucumbers, peeled, seeded, and diced
4 scallions, thinly sliced
Zest and juice of 1 1/2 lemons
2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
2 ounces feta cheese crumbles
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Dash of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
In a small mixing bowl, combine cucumbers, onions, and lemon zest.
Add mint, basil, cilantro, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using) and mix well. Add feta and toss gently. Season to taste. Let sit half an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Photo Courtesy of Co+op
Marinated Greek Cucumber Salad
And if you are looking for a simple cucumber salad to toss together, consider this marinated Greek salad.
Ingredients
1 pound cucumbers (about 2 large), washed and sliced into thin rounds
1/4 cup red onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh dill, minced
4 tablespoons lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoons honey
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
Directions
In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic, dill, lemon juice, honey and olive oil.
In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the sliced cucumbers and red onion with the dressing. Season the salad with salt and pepper, and allow to marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or more. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese when ready to serve.
Recipe and photo adapted from Co+op
Cucumber Kimchi Pickles
Given that cucumbers are so cool, of course, kimchi is the perfect flavor to kick them up a notch.
Cukes are brined in salt water for 4-6 hours before being combined with a kimchi-style paste and fresh scallions.
The whole concoction is covered in the reserved brine and left to ferment for a few days. What you end up with is a salty/spicy/fermenty cucumber that's perfect as a side dish.
Find the full recipe at Feasting at Home
Cucumber and Melon Salad with Chile and Honey
Here's a simple, but flavorful salad that's full of contrasting flavors and textures.
Cool cucumbers are paired with melon, feta, basil, jalapeño, and crunchy pistachios to create a sweet and spicy salad that's finished off with a drizzle of honey.
Avocado would be a cool, creamy addition to this salad that would top it all off perfectly.
Find the full recipe at Bon Appetit
Spicy Cucumber Margaritas
Who says cucumbers are just for eating?
Consider pureeing them up into a spicy margarita!
In this recipe, cucumber, tequila, lime juice, orange juice, and jalapeño are combined to create a cool and spicy marg that's perfect for taco tuesday.
Finish it off with a few slices of cucumber and a salted rim.
Find the full recipe at Gimme Some Oven
Peanutty Noodles with Tempeh Crumbles
A little crispy, a little creamy, and a little cooling, these peanutty noodles are full of flavor and texture.
Tempeh is crumbled and crisped up to perfection and paired with creamy peanut noodles to create a sweet/salty combo that's definitely satisfying.
Top it all off with a cool cucumber-scallion salad of sorts and you've got a whole meal.
Photo Courtesy of Once Upon a Chef
Tzatziki
Tzatziki is one of those dips that once you start eating, you really can't stop. It's that good.
Often served with pita chips or gyros, tzatziki is made up of just 7 ingredients: greek yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and mint.
If you've had the jarred stuff and loved it, this recipe is bound to blow the lid off.
Find the full recipe at Once Upon a Chef
Ceviche-Stuffed Avocados
Though cucumber isn't the star of the show in this recipe, it does play an important role in creating a cool element.
In this recipe, avocados are sliced in half, the core is removed, and the empty space is filled with ceviche.
Not only are these fun appetizers super flavorful, but they’re healthy, too! Serve them with chips or alongside your favorite tacos.
Find the full recipe at EatingWell
Hearts of Palm Ceviche
And if you're living a vegan lifestyle but still want to get in on that delectable zesty flavor, consider this vegan-friendly ceviche recipe from Feasting at Home.
Rather than being made out of shrimp, heart of palm is subbed in to replicate the fish texture.
Serve your ceviche as a side dish at your next taco night with lots of chips.
Find the full recipe at Feasting at Home
Even More Cucumber Recipes
Quick Peanut Soba Noodles from Gimme Some Oven
Cucumber Herb Vinaigrette from EatingWell
Chill-Out Honeydew Cucumber Slushy from Bon Appetit
Everyday Cucumber Salad from Feasting at Home
Greek Salmon Salad Bowls from Gimme Some Oven
Little Gem Salad With Buttermilk Chaas from Bon Appetit
Smoked Salmon Hand Rolls from Feasting at Home