Cucumber Mega-List: 15 Super-Refreshing Recipes to Make ASAP

By Lauren Paige

June 4, 2021

Photo Credit: Chelsea Messy Apron

Cucumbers are one of the most underrated fruits, maybe because they’re often thought of as a vegetable? There are so many ways to enjoy crunchy, refreshing cukes and so many reasons you should. For starters, they’re 96% water, which makes them super-hydrating. They’re also low-calorie, low-carb, and a good source of nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin K, magnesium, and potassium. Ready to get noshing? Here’s our mega-list of the coolest cucumber recipes to make this summer.

Photo Credit: Simply Homecooked

Snacks, Apps, and Sides

The easiest thing to do with ripe and juicy cucumbers? Cut them up into slices or chunks, sprinkle with salt, and serve. But, if you’re looking for something a bit more creative, we have a few ideas.

Smoked Salmon Cucumber Appetizer from Simply Home-Cooked
Everything Bagel Cucumber Bites from All Day I Dream About Food
Low-Carb Pesto & Turkey Cucumber Roll-Ups from Ambitious Kitchen
Cucumber Spears from Vegetarian India
Quick Pickled Cucumbers from Bless This Mess

Photo Credit: Jo Cooks

Super Salads

Salads may be cucumber’s regular day job but these flavor and texture-filled dishes are anything but basic. We think cukes pair especially well with Asian flavors, but they also do well with summer melons, like cantaloupe and watermelon, and summer veggies, like corn and tomatoes.

Thai Cucumber Salad from Jo Cooks
Miso Smashed Cucumber and Green Bean Salad from I Am a Food Blog
Cucumber Salad from Chelsea Messy Apron
Kachumber Salad from Swasthi’s Recipes
Cantaloupe Cucumber Salad from This Healthy Table

Photo Credit: Muy Delish

Drinks & Desserts

Toss your cukes into your morning smoothie — why not? Or turn cucumber into a super-refreshing sorbet. Cucumber cocktails feel just right for summer happy hours.