Cooking with Mint - Cooking Light

1404 Grilled Tuna over Lemon-Mint Barley Salad

Photo: Oxmoor House

Fresh mint is great to have on hand and adds an extra dimension to dishes. Its clean, refreshing taste and cooling effect make it a welcome addition to a number of sweet and spicy dishes and drinks. The oft-overlooked herb, mint isn't a flavor solely reserved for gum. Fresh and sprightly, mint is bursting with fragrance and taste. It works well in sweet and savory dishes, and tastes great whether hot or cold. Be sure to pick your mint variety wisely when cooking. Spearmint is sweeter and more commonly used in recipes, but peppermint is also used, with a menthol-like flavor that is more pronounced. To keep fresh mint on hand year-round, you can easily grow it indoors.

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Curried Chicken Thighs with Pomegranate-Mint Sauce

Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez

View Recipe: Curried Chicken Thighs with Pomegranate-Mint Sauce

Talk about a company-worthy meal without much effort or a hefty price tag. Serve this easy and elegant entrée over a bed of couscous and with a side of the Steamed Broccoli with Garlic and Red Onion.

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Spaghetti with Pistachio-Mint Pesto and Spinach

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Spaghetti with Pistachio-Mint Pesto and Spinach

Pistachios lend deep, earthy flavors to this pasta dish that is ideal for potlucks and feeding large crowds.

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Minty Pea Soup with Parmesan Croutons

Photo: Dylan + Jeni

View Recipe: Minty Pea Soup with Parmesan Crouton

Bright mint brings a pop of freshness to this spring soup while creamy Greek yogurt adds a slight tang. Top with homemade croutons, and you’ve got a light springtime soup that’s ready in less than 30 minutes.

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Sauteed Sugar Snap Peas with Chile, Lemon, and Mint

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Sauteed Sugar Snap Peas with Chile, Lemon, and Mint

Mint adds a fresh finish to this side dish, but fresh chopped thyme or oregano leaves will also pair well with the snap peas.

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Penne With Asparagus, Pistachios, and Mint

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Penne With Asparagus, Pistachios, and Mint

Sauté the white parts of the green onions first to mellow their onion flavor. Stir the green parts in last for freshness.

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Cantaloupe Margarita with Hint of Mint

Photo: Hector Sanchez

View Recipe: Cantaloupe Margarita with Hint of Mint

Want to make a bigger batch? Doubling the melon should yield enough juice to make 6 drinks. Process and strain in 2 batches, and then mix up 3 times the rest of the ingredients in a pitcher.

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Yogurt-Cheese Tarts with Mint

Photo: Iain Bagwell

View Recipe: Yogurt-Cheese Tarts with Mint

Briny feta and rich Gorgonzola flavor these herby, creamy tarts.

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Tandoori Grilled Chicken with Mint Raita

Photo: Romulo Yanes

View Recipe: Tandoori Grilled Chicken with Mint Raita

The tandoor, India’s wood-fired clay oven, turns out fantastic barbecued chicken. An ordinary outdoor grill with a tight-fitting lid and prepared for indirect heat mimics the gentle heat of the authentic clay ovens. Tandoori chicken originated in the Punjab region of northern India and Pakistan and get its traditional red color from ground chiles.

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Watermelon-Mint Margarita

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Watermelon-Mint Margarita

Fresh mint is, without a doubt, one of our favorite flavors. Whether it's a handful left from the farmers' market or a bumper crop of your own, use leftover leaves to create a new twist on the classic margarita.

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Blueberry and Feta Bulgur Salad with Mint Dressing

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Blueberry and Feta Bulgur Salad with Mint Dressing

You can make this fresh, summery picnic dish up to two days ahead. If you'd like a fresh herb garnish, pack the leaves separately, and sprinkle onto the salad shortly before serving.

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Grilled Skirt Steak with Mint Chimichurri and Honey-Roasted Sunchokes

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Grilled Skirt Steak with Mint Chimichurri and Honey-Roasted Sunchokes

This dinner is a play on classic meat and potatoes—with amped up flavor from the herby sauce. The sunchokes are roasted with a touch of honey until tantalizingly caramelized.

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Lamb Burgers with Feta-Mint Spread

Photo: Whitney Ott

View Recipes: Lamb Burgers with Feta-Mint Spread

We combine ground lamb with lean ground sirloin for a less fatty patty; you can also use all sirloin. Try our grilled asparagus spears in place of fries: They get deliciously charred in the pan.

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Watermelon + Cucumber + Mint

Photo: Teresa Sabga

Bite into a sweet slice of melon and savor the juice running down your chin in pure bliss. Reap the benefits of its cooling forces while chilling by the poolside or soaking up the sun at a picnic.

Make This Water:

7 watermelon cubes
5 cucumber slices
2 mint sprigs

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"Royal Blueberry" Gazpacho with Lemon and Mint

Photo: Johnny Autry

View Recipe: "Royal Blueberry" Gazpacho with Lemon and Mint

This twist on gazpacho is an unexpected first course, a new idea for brunch, or a great summer dessert. Keep it simple by topping it with grated lemon zest and fresh mint, or add drama and texture with flake salt and finely diced honeydew.

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Cucumber-Mint Limeade Pops

Illustration: Christina Harrison

View Recipe: Cucumber-Mint Limeade Pops

Tangy yet sweet, with the refreshing addition of cucumbers and mint, this pop will cool down even the hottest of summer days.

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Avocado Citrus Salad with Mint

Photo: Rachel Johnson

View Recipe: Avocado Citrus Salad with Mint

You'll be pleasantly surprised at the beautiful pairing between citrus and avocado. The acid from the citrus keeps the avocado from browning and adds a refreshing, tropical taste. Garnished with mint, this salad is light, simple, and irresistible. A sprinkle of pomegranate seeds seals the deal.

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Frozen Mint Margaritas

Photo: Lee Harrelson

View Recipe: Frozen Mint Margartias

We use silver or clear tequila in this mint margarita recipe. For an appealing presentation, rub the rims of the glasses with lime wedges and dip the rims in a half-and-half mixture of kosher salt and sugar. Serve with fresh lime wedges as a garnish, if desired.

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Watermelon with a Hint of Mint Smoothie

Photo: Oxmoor House

2 cups seedless watermelon + 2 tablespoons fresh mint + 1/3 cup 2% plain Greek yogurt

Blend all ingredients together.

142 Calories

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Fresh Pea Soup with Mint

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Fresh Pea Soup with Mint

Serve warm or at room temperature for a first course or with a salad for a light meal.

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Beets with Couscous, Mint, and Almond

Photo: Brian Woodcock

View Recipe: Beets with Couscous, Mint, and Almond

You can use red or golden beets. Try one of our variations: Beet and Blood Orange Salad; Beets with Shallot Vinaigrette; or Beets with Toasted Spices.

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Breaded Fish Sandwiches with Mint-Caper Tartar Sauce

Photo: Romulo Yanes

View Recipe: Breaded Fish Sandwiches with Mint-Caper Tartar Sauce

Spiking tartar sauce with mint and capers improves the classic fish sandwich deliciously. Cutting the fish into a square shape helps it fit the bun better. Be sure to use a sweet onion, and soak it in ice water so that you get the crunch but no harsh bite.

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Greek Lamb Chops and Mint Yogurt Sauce

Photo: Iain Bagwell

View Recipe: Greek Lamb Chops and Mint Yogurt Sauce

Give lamb chops a Greek twist with the addition of fresh oregano and a minty yogurt sauce. If you have trouble finding the right size lamb loin chops, ask the butcher to cut them to the size you need. For a thicker sauce, use Greek-style yogurt.

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Mint Margarita Slushie

View Recipe: Mint Margarita Slushie

Mint + lime = tequila time. Bright in color and flavor, our low-calorie Mint Margarita Slushie is so satisfying, you'll never know it's actually light.

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Bulgur, Mint, and Parsley Salad

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

View Recipe: Bulgur, Mint, and Parsley Salad

Light, herby, and vibrant tasting, this salad makes a fine addition to a meze spread. Make up to two hours ahead so flavors can meld.

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Fettuccine with Pistachio-Mint Pesto and Tomatoes

Photo: Johnny Autry

View Recipe: Fettuccine with Pistachio-Mint Pesto and Tomatoes

We love this dish with pistachios, but for a less expensive alternative, try walnuts. Save the smallest mint leaves for a pretty, delicate garnish.

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Sweet Tea Mint Juleps

Photo: Squire Fox

View Recipe: Sweet Tea Mint Juleps

Chill your glasses while the tea mixture chills. You can also shake the cocktail with ice before serving, but strain the ice before you pour.

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Mint Gremolata Zucchini with Sea Salt

Photo: John Autry

View Recipe: Mint Gremolata Zucchini with Sea Salt

Grilled zucchini is great with olive oil and sea salt, but take the extra step and serve with this mint, parsley, and lemon gremolata. Mint and zucchini are a smart pairing in recipes, too, since both are such prolific producers in the garden.

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Chocolate-Mint Bars

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Leigh Ann Ross

View Recipe: Chocolate-Mint Bars

You’ll love these if you’re a big fan of the Girl Scouts' Thin Mint cookies. The dense base layer is like a rich, fudgy brownie, so don’t overcook it or the dessert bars will be dry. Refrigerating the mint bars allows the chocolaty top layer to set properly. You can make the dessert up to one day ahead.

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Cucumber-Mint Tequila Tonic

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Cucumber-Mint Tequila Tonic

This is the perfect warm weather cocktail. Made with fresh min, cilantro leaves, and chopped cucumber, it's refreshing and fabulous.

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Bulgur with Peaches and Mint

Photo: Iain Bagwell

View Recipe: Bulgur with Peaches and Mint

This beautiful dish may just become a new summertime favorite.

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Raspberry-Mint Ice Pops

Photo: Marcus Nilsson

View Recipe: Raspberry-Mint Ice Pops

Fresh and tart, these pops are the best way to up your fruit intake in the summertime.

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Curried Vegetable Samosas with Cilantro-Mint Chutney

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Curried Vegetable Samosa with Cilantro-Mint Chutney

Spicy, herby chutney complements the delicately seasoned samosas.

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Chunky Fish Fingers with Pea and Mint Puree

Photo: John Autry

View Recipe: Chunky Fish Fingers with Pea and Mint Puree

This kid-friendly entrée pairs flaky fish sticks with sweet, herby mashed peas.

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Mint and Pistachio Tabbouleh

Photo: Jason Wallis

View Recipe: Mint and Pistachio Tabbouleh

If you don't want to use pistachios, sub in almonds instead.

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Fennel Soup with Almond-Mint Topping

Photo: Iain Bagwell

View Recipe: Fennel Soup with Almond-Mint Topping

We were blown away by the rich flavor of this fast soup. Fennel gently cooks until it has a faint lick of licorice, then gets pureed with white beans for a silky texture.

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Mussels with Peas and Mint

Photo: Brian Woodcock

View Recipe: Mussels with Peas and Mint

Enjoy fresh mussels any night of the week with this simple recipe that is bursting with the flavors of spring.

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Cucumber, Apple, and Mint Cooler

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

View Recipe: Cucumber, Apple, and Mint Cooler

Drink this to boost your daily veggie count: Each serving of this smoothie offers a half-cup of vegetables, plus a little fruit.

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Cucumber, Black Olive, and Mint Salad

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Cucumber, Black Olive, and Mint Salad

Ripe cucumbers and fresh mint create a light and easy summer side. This portable dish also packs well for a picnic.

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Fresh Mint Ice Cream

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

View Recipe: Fresh Mint Ice Cream

Mint is twice as refreshing in ice-cream form. The trick to getting your preferred mint flavor is in choosing spearmint or peppermint. Sweet mint, also labeled as spearmint, tastes sweeter when muddled for recipes, while peppermint has a faint menthol flavor. Or try some of the flavored varieties like chocolate, apple, or citrusy orange mint.

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Minted Watermelon and Lemon Ice Pops

Photo: Gentl & Hyers

View Recipe: Minted Watermelon and Lemon Ice Pops

Boasting just 82 calories and a boatload of vitamin C, these double-decker popsicles feature a sweet-tart lemon layer topped with a minty watermelon layer. If you prefer one flavor over the other, double the amount of ingredients required for each layer and make single flavored pops.

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Shaved Yellow Beets and Mint

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Shaved Yellow Beets and Mint

Serve this colorful, healthier alternative to scalloped potatoes. The sweetness of the beets complements the cool flavor of fresh mint.

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Grilled Lamb Chops and Mint Chimichurri

Photo: Ellie Miller

View Recipe: Grilled Lamb Chops and Mint Chimichurri

Compliment pan-grilled lamb chops with chimichurri, a sauce made of fresh herbs, garlic, and olive oil.

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Sautéed Snap Peas with Ricotta Salata and Mint

Photo: Iain Bagwell

View Recipe: Sautéed Snap Peas with Ricotta Salata and Mint

Floral lemon zest (but no tart juice) allows the sweet pea flavor to shine. Chop mint, grate lemon rind, and crumble cheese while the peas cook. Serve with panini or other sandwiches, grilled chicken, or pork chops.

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Halibut and Shrimp with Minted Broth

Photo: Brian Woodcock

View Recipe: Halibut and Shrimp with Minted Broth

The fish fillets should fit rather snugly in the pot with enough room for some shrimp to slip between the crevices. The braising liquid is a nifty mixture of chicken broth, white wine, and Thai green curry paste–available in most supermarkets these days.

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Steamed Green Beans with Lemon-Mint Dressing

Photo: Johnny Autry

View Recipe: Steamed Green Beans with Lemon-Mint Dressing

Instead of mint, tarragon or basil would be equally delicious. If desired, top with fresh lemon rind for a little extra zing. Try one of our variations: Red Pepper and Pesto Green Beans, Ginger-Sesame Green Beans, or Green Beans with Stewed Tomatoes and Spices.

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Grilled Corn with Mint Butter

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

View Recipe: Grilled Corn with Mint Butter

Grilling is the best way to cook corn on the cob; boiling just doesn't deliver the same intense sweetness. This recipe's tangy herbal butter adds layers of flavor to that sweet base. Try this alongside just about any summer entrée.

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Swordfish Skewers with Cilantro-Mint Pesto

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

View Recipe: Swordfish Skewers with Cilantro-Mint Pesto

Although imported swordfish is endangered, the population for North American species is healthy. Check with your fish seller to make sure the fish you purchase was caught in the United States or Canada.

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Mint Recipes

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Curried Chicken Thighs with Pomegranate-Mint Sauce

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Spaghetti with Pistachio-Mint Pesto and Spinach

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Minty Pea Soup with Parmesan Croutons

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Sauteed Sugar Snap Peas with Chile, Lemon, and Mint

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Penne With Asparagus, Pistachios, and Mint

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Cantaloupe Margarita with Hint of Mint

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Yogurt-Cheese Tarts with Mint

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Tandoori Grilled Chicken with Mint Raita

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Watermelon-Mint Margarita

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Blueberry and Feta Bulgur Salad with Mint Dressing

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Grilled Skirt Steak with Mint Chimichurri and Honey-Roasted Sunchokes

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Lamb Burgers with Feta-Mint Spread

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Watermelon + Cucumber + Mint

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"Royal Blueberry" Gazpacho with Lemon and Mint

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Cucumber-Mint Limeade Pops

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Avocado Citrus Salad with Mint

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Frozen Mint Margaritas

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Watermelon with a Hint of Mint Smoothie

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Fresh Pea Soup with Mint

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Beets with Couscous, Mint, and Almond

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Breaded Fish Sandwiches with Mint-Caper Tartar Sauce

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Greek Lamb Chops and Mint Yogurt Sauce

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Mint Margarita Slushie

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Bulgur, Mint, and Parsley Salad

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Fettuccine with Pistachio-Mint Pesto and Tomatoes

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Sweet Tea Mint Juleps

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Mint Gremolata Zucchini with Sea Salt

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Chocolate-Mint Bars

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Cucumber-Mint Tequila Tonic

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Bulgur with Peaches and Mint

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Raspberry-Mint Ice Pops

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Curried Vegetable Samosas with Cilantro-Mint Chutney

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Chunky Fish Fingers with Pea and Mint Puree

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Mint and Pistachio Tabbouleh

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Fennel Soup with Almond-Mint Topping

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Mussels with Peas and Mint

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Cucumber, Apple, and Mint Cooler

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Cucumber, Black Olive, and Mint Salad

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Fresh Mint Ice Cream