Cucumber recipes

Cucumbers are wonderfully versatile, refreshing, and healthy, making them a great ingredient to add to a variety of dishes. Here are several cucumber recipes that will help you make the most of this crisp vegetable, whether you’re looking for a refreshing salad, a savory side dish, or a creative appetizer.

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1. Cucumber Mint Salad

This crisp, refreshing salad is perfect for a hot day and pairs beautifully with grilled meats.

Ingredients:

• 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: Feta cheese, crumbled (for extra flavor)

Instructions:

1. Combine the sliced cucumbers, red onion, and mint leaves in a large bowl.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss well to combine.
4. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese, if desired.
5. Chill for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

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2. Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwiches

A classic, light, and easy appetizer perfect for tea parties, picnics, or as a snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 8 slices of white or whole grain bread
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over one side of each slice of bread.
3. Layer the cucumber slices on top of the cream cheese.
4. Place the second slice of bread on top, and gently press down.
5. Cut the sandwiches into halves or quarters, and serve immediately.

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3. Pickled Cucumbers (Quick and Easy)

These quick pickles are a great addition to burgers, sandwiches, or salads.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium cucumbers, sliced thinly
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp salt
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 tsp mustard seeds (optional)
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place the cucumber slices in a clean jar or container.
2. In a saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, garlic, mustard seeds, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt dissolve.
3. Pour the hot brine over the cucumbers, ensuring they are fully submerged.
4. Let the pickles cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight for best flavor).
5. These pickles will last for up to a week in the fridge.

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4. Cucumber Raita

This Indian yogurt-based dip is the perfect cooling side dish for spicy curries, grilled meats, or as a snack with pita bread.

Ingredients:

• 1 cucumber, grated or finely chopped
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp ground coriander
• 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place the grated cucumber in a fine-mesh sieve and press gently to remove excess moisture.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, mint, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
3. Stir in the grated cucumber, mixing well.
4. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve as a side dish or dip.

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5. Cucumber Gazpacho

A refreshing, no-cook soup that’s perfect for hot weather.

Ingredients:

• 2 cucumbers, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 red onion, chopped
• 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp ground cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a blender or food processor, combine the cucumbers, red onion, bell pepper, tomatoes, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and cumin.
2. Blend until smooth, adding a little water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Chill the soup for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

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6. Cucumber Noodles with Peanut Sauce

A light and fun salad with cucumber noodles (zoodles) and a creamy peanut sauce.

Ingredients:

• 2 large cucumbers, spiralized into noodles (or sliced thinly into ribbons)
• 1/4 cup peanut butter (smooth)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp chopped peanuts, for garnish
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, garlic, lime juice, and ginger until smooth.
2. Toss the cucumber noodles with the peanut sauce until well-coated.
3. Garnish with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro.
4. Serve immediately as a refreshing light meal or side dish.

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7. Cucumber Tomato Salad with Feta

A simple Mediterranean-inspired salad that’s perfect as a side or light lunch.

Ingredients:

• 2 cucumbers, chopped
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
2. Drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar over the salad.
3. Sprinkle with dried oregano, salt, and pepper, and toss gently to combine.
4. Serve immediately or chill for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

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8. Cucumber Smoothie

A cool, hydrating smoothie that’s perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup coconut water (or regular water)
• 1 tbsp honey (or to taste)
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• Ice cubes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Add the cucumber, yogurt, coconut water, honey, and lemon juice to a blender.
2. Blend until smooth, adding ice cubes if you prefer a colder, thicker smoothie.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness, adding more honey if desired.
4. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.

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9. Cucumber and Avocado Sushi Rolls

A simple and refreshing take on sushi rolls, perfect for a light appetizer or snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 cucumber, julienned
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced thinly
• 1 cup sushi rice, cooked and seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt
• 4-6 sheets of nori (seaweed)
• Soy sauce, for dipping
• Pickled ginger (optional)
• Wasabi (optional)

Instructions:

1. Lay a sheet of nori on a bamboo sushi mat.
2. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice over the nori, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
3. Layer the cucumber julienne and avocado slices in the center of the rice.
4. Carefully roll the sushi tightly from the bottom, using the bamboo mat to help form a firm roll.
5. Use a sharp knife to slice the roll into bite-sized pieces.
6. Serve with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi.

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Conclusion:

Cucumbers are incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of dishes, from refreshing salads and sides to creative appetizers and smoothies. These recipes showcase just how versatile cucumbers are, adding a fresh, crisp element to every dish. Whether you’re looking for something light and healthy or full of flavor, cucumbers are the perfect addition to your kitchen repertoire. Enjoy experimenting with these recipes and making the most of this delicious vegetable!