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50+ Cool as a Cucumber Recipes

50+ Cool as a Cucumber Recipes

By Cooking Light

April 24, 2019

Antonis Achilleos

Cucumbers are delicious in salads, but why stop there? They're also perfect for pickling, pureeing for soup, tucking into sandwiches, and piling over toast. These healthy cucumber recipes showcase the green-skinned veggie (or fruit, if you're following the technical definition) at its very best.

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Chicken and Cucumber Salad With Parsley Pesto

Caitlin Bensel

View Recipe: Chicken and Cucumber Salad With Parsley Pesto

This hearty supper salad is a lean-protein powerhouse thanks to chicken, chickpeas, and edamame; the parsley pesto delivers bone-boosting vitamin K. Pick up frozen shelled edamame to make this meal extra speedy.

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Cucumber-Fennel Salad

Caitlin Bensel

View Recipe: Cucumber-Fennel Salad

Any cucumber will do in this salad, but we love the thin-skinned English variety—no peeling or seeding is required.

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Greek Chicken Nachos

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Greek Chicken Nachos

Dinner doesn’t get much easier, or more fun, than sheet pan nachos. The pan does double duty: Toast the chips first, then pile high with toppings and return to the oven to melt the cheese and heat everything through. Here the Mexican classic takes a detour to Greece with pita chips, a shredded Greek salad, and crumbled feta. Rotisserie chicken breast makes this meal even easier, though this dish is a great use for any leftover cooked chicken. Bring the whole pan to the table and cut into servings, like you would a square pizza.

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Cucumber-Jalapeño Margaritas

Jamie Vespa

View Recipe: Cucumber-Jalapeño Margaritas

This refreshing summertime sipper has sweet-citrus flavor and nuanced heat from jalapeño-infused tequila. In place of triple sec or Cointreau (orange-flavored liqueur), we save big on calories and added sugar by using fresh orange juice instead. In addition to being crisp and cooling, cucumbers offer up lots of vitamin C and vitamin K—important for overall heart health.

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Strawberry and Cucumber Tabbouleh

Caitlin Bensel

View recipe: Strawberry and Cucumber Tabbouleh

Strawberries stand in for tomatoes in this fresh salad. Add rinsed chickpeas to transform this spring side into a satisfying meatless supper.

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Crunchy Cucumber, Feta, and Almond Salad

Photo: Greg Dupree

View Recipe: Crunchy Cucumber, Feta, and Almond Salad

Crunchy and crisp vegetables signify freshness—they taste as vibrant as they look. Fewer ingredients let you enjoy every kind of crunch, from crisp romaine to crunchy almonds, without overwhelming the palate.

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Cucumber Kimchi

Caitlin Bensel

View Recipe: Cucumber Kimchi

Spicy, zingy fermented cukes deliver plenty of probiotics. The double-sealed water bag helps keep them submerged so they ferment thoroughly.

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Tichi's Gazpacho

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Tichi's Gazpacho

High-quality olive oil will make a big difference here. You can find Spanish extra-virgin olive oil at reasonable prices at Trader Joe's, but any flavorful variety you have on hand will work.

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Tuna Poke Bowls with Brown Rice and Kale

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Tuna Poke Bowls with Brown Rice and Kale

Upgrade summer's coolest dish, poke, with whole grains, heart-healthy fats, and crisp kale. Want to go beyond the bowl? Serve this 10-minute mixture over mixed greens or with crunchy brown rice crackers, or tuck into corn tortillas.

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Shaved Cucumber Greek Salad

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Shaved Cucumber Greek Salad

Besides looking crisp and cool, cukes offer up lots of vitamin C.

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Banh Mi Pizza

Photo: Greg Dupree

View Recipe: Banh Mi Pizza

If you're craving extra protein, try cracking two eggs over the cheese just before baking.

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Tahini-Marinated Chicken Thighs With Cucumber-and-Tomato Salad

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Tahini-Marinated Chicken Thighs with Cucumber-and-Tomato Salad

Adding tahini to the marinade makes the chicken buttery tender without an overwhelming amount of sesame flavor in the finished dish. It also helps the chicken to char nicely on the grill.

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Tuna-Quinoa Toss

Photo: Colin Price

View Recipe: Tuna-Quinoa Toss

A whole-grain protein bowl is the perfect solution for when lunch needs to be quick—as well as tasty, filling, and healthy. Cook quinoa ahead of time (or buy precooked, available in pouches near the rice). To complete the lunch, serve with 1/2 cup steamed green beans as shown. Dairy-free option: Use 2 teaspoons toasted chopped walnuts instead of feta cheese.

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Dilly Cucumber Salad with Yogurt

Photo: Caitlin Bensel

We give the classic cucumber, tomato, and red onion combo a hit of grassy dill for more vibrance.

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Greek Tomato Salad

Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez

View Recipe: Greek Tomato Salad

This light, summery salad is a guaranteed crowd pleaser for any gathering this season. Macerate the tomatoes with a little salt before building this salad and you’ll be amazed at the difference. The salt concentrates the tomato flavor and helps loosen the tomato juices, which are great in addition to the tangy dressing.

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Cuke and Tomato Yogurt

Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez

View Recipe: Cuke and Tomato Yogurt

Tomatoes and cucumber for breakfast? Yes, please! Stirring these beauties into 2% reduced-fat Greek yogurt along with toasted walnuts and olive oil will cut 23g of added sugar from your day.

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Cucumber, Carrot, and Orange Salad

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Cucumber, Carrot, and Orange Salad

To get wide, even strips from all sides, slightly rotate the cucumber and carrot after you remove each ribbon with a vegetable peeler. Thinly slice the slender cores and add to the salad for more crunch.

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Third Meal: Falafel, Feta, and Tomato Salad

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Falafel, Feta, and Tomato Salad

Think of chopped falafel as a tasty, protein-packed crouton—it adds texture to the salad and instantly turns a simple side into a substantial main dish. We chose a Mediterranean theme here, but you could use any nuts, cheeses, or vegetables you like.

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Cucumber-Lox Toast

Photo: Iain Bagwell

View Recipe: Cucumber-Lox Toast

The loaded deli bagel works perfectly as an instant toast topper: Greek yogurt has the same tang and richness as cream cheese, and you don't have to wait for it to soften. Greek yogurt also contains more protein compared to cream cheese. Plus, our version of the traditional bagel sandwich is significantly lower in fat, calories, carbohydrates, sugars, and cholesterol. To keep the bread from getting soggy, pack the components of this open-faced sandwich separately. Sprinkle with additional chives for more punch. From sandwiches to scrambled eggs, smoked salmon makes a great addition to a variety of recipes. Need ideas on how to use up leftover Greek yogurt? We have lots of creative ways to put this healthy staple to good use.

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Yellow Bell Pepper Gazpacho

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Yellow Bell Pepper Gazpacho

This soup just screams "summer" with its bright, refreshing flavor and cool temperature. You can make the soup a day ahead and keep it chilled; just give it a good whisk or another turn in the blender before serving.

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Cucumber-Lime-Lavender Spritzer

Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Cucumber-Lime-Lavender Spritzer

This effervescent, nonalcoholic mocktail refresher offers the perfect balance of floral, tangy, and sweet flavors. If you’d like to turn it into a tipple, try adding a splash of gin or vodka. While we call for dried lavender, if you have access to fresh, steep a few sprigs of it in place of the dried herb—and garnish each drink with a fresh sprig, too, for a lovely, fragrant touch. You can make the syrup and cucumber-lime mixture up to a day ahead; stir in club soda just before serving.

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Shrimp Panzanella

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Shrimp Panzanella

Who says salad has to be boring? Not us. This shrimp-laced salad is everything but. Toss homemade croutons, shrimp, and basil into arugula and cucumber for a sensational salad tonight.

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Pea and Cucumber Cooler

Caitlin Bensel

View Recipe: Pea and Cucumber Cooler

Celebrate spring’s sweetest vegetable in a refreshing cocktail that delivers more than 15% of your daily vitamin C goal—and bonus points for the vibrant green color. Anise notes from the tarragon balance the sweetness of the elderflower liqueur. Club soda adds an effervescent finish.

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Sesame Shrimp With Smashed Cucumber Salad

Photo: Victor Protasio

View Recipe: Sesame Shrimp With Smashed Cucumber Salad

A bright and tangy Asian cucumber salad makes a crisp compliment to quick sauteed shrimp. Gently smashing fresh cucumber slices helps them absorb more vinaigrette, almost as if they've been marinating overnight. It’s a popular technique in many parts of Asia because cucumbers take on sweet, sour, and spicy flavors so well.

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Greek Farro and Chickpea Salad

Photo: Iain Bagwell

View Recipe: Greek Farro and Chickpea Salad

Farro is a quick-cooking, rich, and nutty grain, often found in Italian and Mediterranean dishes as an alternative to rice, barley, couscous, and quinoa. Packed with fiber, protein, and nutrients like Vitamin B3, farro’s satisfying chewy texture will have you falling head-over-heels in no time. Chickpeas are a delicious low-fat, plant-based protein option that's filled with fiber. Be sure to opt for the unsalted canned chickpeas to lower sodium. For Sunday prep, omit the arugula and make enough farro mixture for the week. Stir in the greens just before you head out the door. Try our Whole-Grain Salads for more make-ahead, quick-to-serve lunches and dinners.

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Chicken Gyro Bowls

Photo: Hector Sanchez

View Recipe: Chicken Gyro Bowls

Flip a gyro into a whole-grain bowl layered with kale, veggies, herbs and chickpeas. Then we top it with lean, spice-packed chicken, feta cheese, and tahini-spiked yogurt. It's everything you want from the hearty Greek platter with less than 400 calories—a sum of parts you feel good about finishing.

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Spicy Tomato-Cucumber Salad

Caitlin Bensel

View Recipe: Spicy Tomato-Cucumber Salad

This tomato cucumber salad is summer in a bowl. Sunshine-yellow and ruby-red wedges of juicy tomato anchor this cucumber salad recipe with a hefty dose of lycopene, a heart-helping, cancer-fighting antioxidant. Remember—summer tomatoes are extra juicy, so plan to serve this salad soon after making it for the most concentrated flavor.

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Tomato and Cucumber Salad

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Tomato and Cucumber Salad

Tomatoes are a summer superstar. Enjoy them in a refreshing salad or simply sliced. Sweet peach dressing amps up the summery deliciousness in this simple salad.

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Cucumber-Lime Infused Gin and Tonic

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Cucumber-Lime Infused Gin and Tonic

Make the gin mixture ahead or let stand at room temp 3 hours. When entertaining, keep an ice bucket, extra utensils, and plenty of napkins handy so guests can help themselves—and so you won't have to be in and out of the kitchen.

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Burger Patty Salad

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Burger Patty Salad

We love the richness that a little ground lamb offers, but you can use all beef or even ground turkey instead.

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Tomato-Cucumber Salad With Whipped Ricotta

Greg DuPree

View Recipe: Tomato-Cucumber Salad With Whipped Ricotta

“I’ve always been inspired by the phrase ‘what grows together goes together,’ ” says Ana Sortun, chef of Oleana in Cambridge MA, among other places. “This salad is a wonderful way to enjoy what the end of summer offers.”

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Coconut-Lemongrass Chicken Bowls

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Coconut-Lemongrass Chicken Bowls

Marinated chicken simmered in an aromatic coconut broth = flavor building at its finest. This Southeast Asian-inspire bowl is all about big flavor with minimal effort. When working with lemongrass, give the stalk a couple of whacks with the back of a knife before chopping to release its flavorful oils.

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Tracy Singleton's Sprouted Quinoa with Marinated Veggies

Photo: Christopher Testani

View Recipe: Sprouted Quinoa with Marinated Veggies

Sprout a grain like quinoa (it takes time but almost no attention) for a pleasing bite and a nutrient boost. Add veggies and nasturtiums and marigolds (flowers optional) for a peppery kick.

This raw-food dish needs planning and patience, but the payoff is a salad that pops with each crunchy bite. Tracy Singleton (owner of Birchwood Cafe) says using cooked and cooled quinoa instead of sprouted quinoa is a fine shortcut, but the salad won't be 100% raw.

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Bee-Utiful Summer Salad

Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez

View Recipe: Bee-Utiful Summer Salad

Not all produce needs honeybees for pollination, but their sheer numbers and tenacity make bees powerhouse pollinators. If a plant is not wind-pollinated (like corn), you can probably thank honeybees for the produce. All of the ingredients in this recipe (except salt) depend on bees for pollination. Fresh citrus juice, sweet honey, and tangy mustard combine for a finger-licking-good dressing to pour atop melons and cucumber.

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Chopped Israeli Salad

Photo: Christopher Testani

View Recipe: Chopped Israeli Salad

The longer this Mediterranean-inspired cucumber salad sits, the better it gets. A fine dice allows the salt and lemon to penetrate the vegetables and draw out their juices. Serve this with a stunning grilled leg of lamb or as a cooling side to grilled flank steak.

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Korean Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Photo: Justin Walker

Think of gochujang as Korean steak sauce, adding savory depth to the chicken. You can find it at many supermarkets, or substitute equal parts Sriracha and white/yellow miso (soybean paste).

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50+ Cool as a Cucumber Recipes

1 of 55

Chicken and Cucumber Salad With Parsley Pesto

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Cucumber-Fennel Salad

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Greek Chicken Nachos

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Cucumber-Jalapeño Margaritas

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Strawberry and Cucumber Tabbouleh

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Crunchy Cucumber, Feta, and Almond Salad

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Cucumber Kimchi

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Tichi's Gazpacho

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Tuna Poke Bowls with Brown Rice and Kale

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Shaved Cucumber Greek Salad

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Banh Mi Pizza

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Tahini-Marinated Chicken Thighs With Cucumber-and-Tomato Salad

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Tuna-Quinoa Toss

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Dilly Cucumber Salad with Yogurt

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Greek Tomato Salad

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Cuke and Tomato Yogurt

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Cucumber, Carrot, and Orange Salad

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Third Meal: Falafel, Feta, and Tomato Salad

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Cucumber-Lox Toast

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Yellow Bell Pepper Gazpacho

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Cucumber-Lime-Lavender Spritzer

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Shrimp Panzanella

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Pea and Cucumber Cooler

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Sesame Shrimp With Smashed Cucumber Salad

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Greek Farro and Chickpea Salad

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Chicken Gyro Bowls

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