Cool Cucumber Recipes

Wonder what to do with that cuke in the crisper? Make one of these cucumber recipes from classic pickles and grandma-approved cucumber salad to authentic Greek tzatsiki and healthy cucumber juice!

From paper thin slices to thick spears cucumbers star in so many of our favorite dishes. These cucumber recipes are simple and easy to make, and have one thing in common ~ they’re all super refreshing!

Why I rarely buy classic cucumbers anymore

Classic cucumbers (or slicing cucumbers) are the dark green thick skinned cukes I grew up with but never buy. Why? They tend to be watery, with tough skins and large seeds. They are often waxed to extend their shelf life, too. There are much better options:

English Cucumbers (Hothouse Cucumbers):

• Aka seedless or European cucumbers, these are long, slender, and usually shrink-wrapped in plastic. They have a thin skin so you never need to peel them, and very few seeds.

Persian Cucumbers:

• Smaller and thinner than slicing cucumbers, Persian cucumbers have a crisp texture and are sweet with a mild flavor. They’re common in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. I find them packaged in groups of 4-6 in my grocery store. I use these for pickles, and salads.

Pickling Cucumbers:

• Shorter and bumpier than slicing cucumbers, these are primarily used for making pickles. They have a firm flesh that holds up well during the pickling process. These are most often found in the summer season.

favorite cucumber salad recipes

Japanese Cucumber Salad

The most popular cucumber salad on my site, and for good reason, the Asian flavors are fabulous. Slice small cucumbers on the bias, not too thin, so they can absorb more of the fabulous dressing but not become mushy.

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Corn and Cucumber Salad

I love this cucumber recipe because the sweet corn makes it so much more hearty and satisfying than most cucumber salads. This is the perfect end of summer salad.

Cucumber Melon Salad

This cucumber salad is as fun to make as it is to eat. Little Persian cucumbers are the perfect size for the checkerboard styling with cherry tomatoes, melon, and cheese. The trick is getting everything the same chunky height for this most elegant of cucumber recipes.

Creamy Cucumber Salad

The classic cucumber salad recipe grandma made. The sharp red onions and sour cream + dill dressing keep it from being bland.

Shirazi Salad (Persian Cucumber Tomato Salad)

This Middle Eastern salad is all about the crunch so I thickly dice my cukes into half or quarter moon shapes. Lots of fresh herbs and a lime and olive oil dressing make this a favorite of mine.

Lentil Cucumber Salad with Mint

In this lentil salad diced cucumbers add a fresh crunch to the soft earthy beans.

More cucumber recipes

Easy Dill Pickles

My quick pickling technique turns a plain cucumber into dill spears in no time. Quickles are the perfect small batch pickle recipe ~ and because you’re not canning them you can feel free to get creative with the ingredients.

Old Fashioned Relish

This is one of those aha moments ~ small batch cucumber relish will be the hit of your next cookout! I add a bit of heat to mine.

Greek Tzatziki Dip

Move over hummus, there’s a new healthy dip in town! This traditional Greek cucumber recipe can be used as a dip, a sauce for lamb or chicken, and as a salad dressing. I just love it with warm wedges of pita bread.

Cucumber juice or cucumber water

The simplest of all cucumber recipes, cucumber juice (or water) offers several health benefits due to its high water content, essential nutrients, and low-calorie profile. Here are some of the key benefits to this uber simple cucumber recipe (according to Healthline and Medical News Today)

1. hydration:

• Cucumber juice is made up of about 95% water, making it an excellent way to stay hydrated, especially during hot weather or after exercise.

2. antioxidants:

• Cucumber juice contains antioxidants like vitamin C and beta-carotene, which help combat oxidative stress and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

3. healthy skin:

• The nutrients in cucumber juice, particularly silica and vitamin C, support skin health by promoting collagen production.

4. weight control:

• Cucumber juice is very low in calories, making it a great option for those looking to manage their weight without consuming excessive calories.

5. detoxing:

• Cucumber juice has diuretic properties that can help flush out toxins from the body, supporting kidney function and overall detoxification.

6. healthy digestion:

• The water and small amounts of fiber in cucumber juice can help encourage healthy digestion and prevent constipation.

7. lowers blood pressure:

• Cucumber juice contains potassium, which is known to help regulate blood pressure by balancing sodium levels in the body.

8. alkalizing effect:

• Cucumber juice has an alkalizing effect on the body, which can help balance the body’s pH levels and reduce acidity.

9. anti-inflammatory:

• Compounds in cucumbers called cucurbitacins have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body which can lead to disease.