When it comes to staying cool and refreshed during the hot summer months, few ingredients are as versatile or revitalizing as cucumbers. While salads are certainly a classic way to enjoy these crisp and refreshing veggies, they’re just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to creative and delicious cucumber recipes. From sushi rolls to soups, dips, sandwiches, and even drinks, there’s an endless array of ways to incorporate cucumbers into your menu. In this article, we’ll explore 18 refreshing cucumber recipes that go beyond the usual salad routine. Whether you’re a foodie looking for new inspiration or just seeking some hot-weather hacks, you won’t want to miss these innovative and mouth-watering ideas.
Cucumber and avocado sushi rolls
A refreshing twist on traditional sushi rolls, this recipe combines the coolness of cucumber with the creaminess of avocado. Perfect for a light and healthy snack or meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked Japanese short-grain rice
– 1/2 avocado, sliced
– 1/2 cucumber, sliced
– 1 sheet nori (seaweed)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the sushi rice according to package instructions.
2. Cut the avocado and cucumber into thin slices.
3. Lay a nori sheet flat on a surface. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice onto the seaweed, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
4. Place an avocado slice in the middle of the rice, followed by a cucumber slice.
5. Roll the sushi using a bamboo mat or your hands, applying gentle pressure to form a compact roll.
6. Slice into individual pieces and serve with soy sauce and wasabi, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Creamy cucumber and dill soup
A refreshing summer soup that combines the cooling flavors of cucumber and dill with a rich and creamy texture.
Ingredients:
– 2 large cucumbers, peeled and chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the chopped cucumbers, broth, and dill to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the cucumbers are tender.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth, then return to the pot.
5. Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with additional dill if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy cucumber and yogurt dip
A refreshing twist on traditional cucumber yogurt dip, this spicy version adds a kick from the sriracha sauce. Perfect for hot summer days or as a unique snack for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and grated
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the grated cucumber and salt. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow excess water to be released.
2. Drain the cucumber mixture and squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a paper towel or clean cloth.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the yogurt, sriracha sauce, and lemon juice until smooth.
4. Add the drained cucumber mixture to the yogurt mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
6. Serve chilled with pita chips, vegetables, or crackers.
Cooking Time: None! This dip is best served cold.
Grilled cucumber with garlic butter
Elevate your outdoor gatherings with this simple yet impressive side dish that combines the sweetness of grilled cucumbers with the richness of garlic butter. Perfect for hot summer days, this recipe is easy to make and sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 cucumbers
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Slice the cucumbers into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter and minced garlic until well combined.
4. Brush both sides of the cucumber slices with the garlic butter mixture.
5. Place the cucumber slices on the grill or grill pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until slightly charred.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cucumber and mint lemonade
A refreshing twist on classic lemonade, this recipe combines the cooling flavors of cucumber and mint for a perfect summer drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1 cup sugar
– 4 cups water
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine lemon juice and sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
2. Add sliced cucumber to the pitcher and muddle gently with a spoon to release its flavor and aroma.
3. Add fresh mint leaves to the pitcher and stir to combine.
4. Add water to the pitcher and stir well.
5. Chill in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve over ice and garnish with additional mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (not including chilling time)
Stuffed cucumber boats with tuna
Cool off with these easy-to-make cucumber boats filled with tuna salad and perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 large cucumbers
– 1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
– 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Cut the cucumbers in half lengthwise and scoop out some of the insides to create “boats”.
2. In a bowl, mix together tuna, mayonnaise, parsley, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff each cucumber boat with the tuna mixture, dividing it evenly among the four boats.
4. Squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the top of each boat and serve immediately.
Cooking Time:
– Prep time: 10 minutes
– Total time: 15 minutes
Cucumber and feta bruschetta
This light and flavorful appetizer is perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a quick snack. The combination of cool cucumber, tangy feta, and crispy bread will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 baguette slices
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the baguette into 1-inch thick rounds and toast until crispy.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Add sliced cucumber to the bowl and toss to coat with the dressing.
4. Top toasted bread slices with crumbled feta cheese, then spoon the cucumber mixture over the cheese.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pickled cucumber spears with ginger
Add a tangy and refreshing twist to your meals with these easy-to-make pickled cucumber spears infused with the warmth of ginger.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 cucumber spears
– 1/2 cup (120 ml) white vinegar
– 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
– 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Slice the cucumber into thin spears.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, water, grated ginger, and sugar. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Pack the cucumber spears into a clean glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the cucumbers, leaving about 1/2 inch (1 cm) headspace.
4. Seal the jar and let it cool to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cucumber and coconut smoothie
Beat the heat with this light and revitalizing smoothie that combines the cooling properties of cucumber with the creamy richness of coconut.
Ingredients:
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and chopped
– 1/2 cup frozen coconut milk
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes (optional)
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add the chopped cucumber, coconut milk, Greek yogurt, and honey to a blender.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness or consistency if desired.
4. Add ice cubes if you prefer a thicker, colder smoothie.
5. Pour into glasses and garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes
Serves: 1-2
Baked cucumber chips with sea salt
Elevate your snack game with this refreshing and healthy recipe, perfect for a quick pick-me-up or as a crunchy accompaniment to your favorite dips.
Ingredients:
• 4-6 cucumbers
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sea salt
• Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or other seasonings of your choice
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 200°F (90°C).
2. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds, about 1/16 inch thick.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the cucumber slices in a single layer.
4. Drizzle the olive oil over the cucumber slices and sprinkle with sea salt. Toss to coat evenly.
5. If desired, add your preferred seasonings (e.g., garlic powder or paprika) and toss again.
6. Bake for 2-3 hours, or until the cucumbers are crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Cucumber and hummus wraps
These wraps are a perfect combination of cool and creamy, making them a great snack or light lunch option for hot summer days. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and healthy wrap that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 large tortilla wraps
– 1 large cucumber, sliced
– 1/2 cup hummus
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Lay out a tortilla wrap on a flat surface.
2. Spread 2-3 tablespoons of hummus onto the center of the wrap, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Arrange sliced cucumber on top of the hummus.
4. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the cucumber.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Fold the bottom half of the wrap up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll the wrap up tightly.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (all ingredients are raw)
Cucumber and lime agua fresca
This refreshing drink is perfect for hot summer days. With the cooling combination of cucumber and lime, it’s a great way to quench your thirst and recharge.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups water
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
– Juice of 2 limes (about 2 tablespoons)
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the water and sliced cucumber. Let it infuse in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the cucumber flavor to meld with the water.
2. Remove the pitcher from the refrigerator and squeeze in the lime juice.
3. Stir well to combine the flavors.
4. Fill glasses with ice and pour the agua fresca over the ice.
5. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (infusing time)
Cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches
Transform plain sandwiches into a refreshing treat with the perfect combination of cool cucumber slices and creamy cheese.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh dill leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Lay out the bread slices.
2. Spread a tablespoon of cream cheese on each slice.
3. Arrange 2-3 cucumber slices on top of the cheese.
4. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Top with another bread slice to create a sandwich.
6. Cut off the crusts, if desired.
7. Garnish with fresh dill leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Assemble the sandwiches just before serving.
Enjoy your refreshing Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwiches!
Stir-fried cucumber with sesame oil
This simple recipe brings out the natural sweetness of cucumbers and pairs it with the nutty flavor of sesame oil, making for a perfect side dish or light snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium-sized cucumbers, sliced into thin rounds
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for 10 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the sliced cucumbers and stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes, or until they start to soften.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
6. Serve hot, or let it cool down to room temperature.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cucumber and tomato gazpacho
This Spanish-inspired soup is a perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day, with the sweetness of tomatoes and cucumbers blended together in a refreshing and light broth.
Ingredients:
– 2 large ripe tomatoes, diced
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and seeded, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Water, as needed
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine tomatoes, cucumber, parsley, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil.
2. Blend until smooth, adding water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None! This gazpacho is served cold, making it a perfect side dish or light lunch.
Cucumber and basil infused water
Refreshing Cucumber and Basil Infused Water Recipe
Quench your thirst with this light and revitalizing infused water recipe that combines the cooling essence of cucumber with the bright flavor of basil. Perfect for hot summer days or as a healthy alternative to soda.
Ingredients:
• 4 cups water
• 1 large cucumber, sliced into thin rounds
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the sliced cucumber and fresh basil leaves.
2. Pour in the water and stir gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Serve the infused water over ice cubes, if desired, and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None! Simply assemble the pitcher and chill.
Cucumber and peanut butter bites
A refreshing twist on traditional appetizers, these bite-sized treats combine the crunch of cucumber with the creaminess of peanut butter.
Ingredients:
– 1 large cucumber, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole wheat crackers, broken into pieces
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together peanut butter and honey until smooth.
2. Arrange cucumber slices on a flat surface.
3. Spread a small amount of the peanut butter mixture onto each cucumber slice.
4. Top with a piece of cracker, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: None! These bites are best served fresh and chilled.
Cucumber and shrimp summer rolls
Beat the heat with these light and flavorful summer rolls packed with succulent shrimp, crisp cucumber, and fragrant herbs.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of rice paper wrappers (about 20-22 sheets)
– 1/2 cup cooked and peeled shrimp
– 1 large cucumber, sliced into thin strips
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Fill a large bowl with warm water.
2. Place a rice paper wrapper in the water for about 10-15 seconds, until it becomes pliable and easy to handle.
3. Remove the wrapper from the water and place it on a clean surface.
4. Arrange 2-3 shrimp pieces, a few cucumber strips, and some cilantro leaves in the center of the wrapper.
5. Fold the bottom half of the wrapper up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up to form a tight cylinder.
6. Repeat with remaining ingredients and wrappers.
7. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 2 hours.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (preparing ingredients)
Summary
Cool off with these 18 refreshing cucumber recipes that go beyond the classic salad! From savory sushi rolls to sweet lemonade, get creative with cucumbers in dishes like creamy soup, spicy dip, grilled boats, and more. Try stuffing them with tuna or feta for a satisfying snack, or blend them into a smoothie with coconut milk. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a refreshing summer treat, these cucumber recipes have got you covered.