Cucumber Recipes - Cooking Light

Photo: Joseph De Leo

Get Creative with Cucumbers

Cucumbers are a delightful product of summer but must be chosen wisely. If the weather has been hot and dry, some cucumber varieties can become bitter. When in doubt, taste a cucumber before using it in one of our delicious, light recipes. (See our Guide to Cucumbers.)

First up is our Cucumber Gazpacho with Shrimp Relish. Chilled cucumber gazpacho is so refreshing in the heat of summer. We recommend English cucumbers because they have fewer seeds and thin skin that doesn’t require peeling. Blending them into a creamy summer soup is a breeze.

View Recipe: Cucumber Gazpacho with Shrimp Relish

Photo: Romulo Yanes

Herby Cucumber Salad

Creamy and tangy, this simple side comes together in a flash. Don't make the salad ahead--the cucumbers will release too much water.

View Recipe: Herby Cucumber Salad

Photo: Johnny Autry

Cucumber-Lime Granita

We know cucumbers are cool, and sweet shaved ice is the quintessential summer refreshment. Together, the two make an ideal treat from the garden.

View Recipe: Cucumber-Lime Granita

Photo: Johnny Autry

Sesame-Miso Cucumber Salad

Miso is a thick soybean paste with a salty, slightly sweet flavor. Look for it in the refrigerated part of the produce section or with the dairy products, or substitute soy sauce.

View Recipe: Sesame-Miso Cucumber Salad

Photo: Randy Mayor

Watermelon and Cucumber Tonic

A reinterpretation of the familiar gin and tonic, this cocktail includes fresh watermelon and cucumber juices for a refreshing taste.

View Recipe: Watermelon and Cucumber Tonic

Photo: Johnny Autry

Smoked Salmon in Cucumber Boats

This recipe is perfect for a quick party appetizer. You can make the salmon mixture up to a day in advance. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a more finished look.

View Recipe: Smoked Salmon in Cucumber Boats

Photo: Randy Mayor

Flank Steak with Cucumber-Pepperoncini Relish

Serve a simple steak dinner topped with a peppery veggie-and-cheese relish. Pepperoncini peppers are yellow, wrinkled, and slightly spicy; we use both the chopped pickled pepper and pickling liquid to flavor the crunchy relish.

View Recipe: Flank Steak with Cucumber-Pepperoncini Relish

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Cucumber, Apple, and Mint Cooler

Each serving of this low-calorie smoothie offers a half-cup of vegetables, plus a little fruit. This refreshing sipper will soon be a favorite.

View Recipe: Cucumber, Apple, and Mint Cooler

Photo: Johnny Autry

Curried Quinoa Salad with Cucumber-Mint Raita

This Indian-inspired dish features quinoa, a high-protein grain that cooks relatively quickly. We like the heat that Madras curry powder brings, but use regular curry powder if you prefer.

View Recipe: Curried Quinoa Salad with Cucumber-Mint Raita

Photo: Johnny Autry

Hoisin-Glazed Salmon Burgers with Pickled Cucumber

Quick-pickled cukes give these burgers tart crunch. Panko and egg white hold the patties together. Use cilantro leaves on the burgers as you would lettuce for herby freshness.

View Recipe: Hoisin-Glazed Salmon Burgers with Pickled Cucumber

Photo: Johnny Miller

Cucumber Salad

Ready in just 10 minutes, this simple side salad is the perfect addition to a variety of meat-based main dishes.

View Recipe: Cucumber Salad

Photo: Johnny Miller

Cucumber Pimm's Cup

A traditional Pimm's Cup may include slices of lemon and orange, mint, and sometimes rosemary or thyme, along with cucumber spears. We steeped the lemonade overnight with cucumber slices to bring out their flavor.

View Recipe: Cucumber Pimm's Cup