In Season

Beyond Pickles: 10 Culinary Uses for Cucumbers 

By Sarah Harper

Indulge in the freshest cucumbers by exploring and supporting your local farms and markets. Explore the many cucumber varieties such as Salt and Pepper, Cucumber-Melon, China Jade, Lemon, and Pickling. 
Cucumbers play a prominent role in cuisines worldwide, adding flavor and texture to an array of recipes. From cucumber salads to zesty salsas to inventive appetizers, cucumbers leave their mark everywhere they go.
Below find 10 ways to enjoy cucumbers this summer.

• ​Cucumbers as a Side Dish: Minimize cooking in the heat of summer with a cool cucumber side dish. Cucumbers drizzled with a Garlic Sweet Soy Glaze bring a refreshing mix of sweet and savory to your plate. ​​

• Cucumber Salads: One of the easiest ways to use excess cucumbers is to make a simple cucumber salad. For example, make Cucumber Peach Salad, a Cucumber Chickpea Salad with Tomatoes and Feta, or a  Cucumber and Corn Salad for a taste of summer’s best.

• Use Cucumbers as a Dipper: Cutting cucumbers into dippers introduces a cool and hydrating alternative to chips or crackers. For example, enjoy green on green with cucumbers and a Creamy Cilantro Cashew Dip.
  

• Cucumbers in Salsa: Enhance your summer salsas by incorporating cucumbers. Enjoy cucumber-infused salsas like Cucumber Pico de Gallo or the enticing Mango Cucumber Salsa. 
  
• Feature Cucumbers in Grain Bowls: Elevate your grain bowls with the crisp, refreshing crunch of cucumbers. Find inspiration with Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad with Israeli Couscous or a Greens and Ancient Grains Bowl.
  

• Cucumber Noodles: Cucumber noodles are a healthy and creative twist to conventional noodle dishes. Either make a salad like this Greek Cucumber Noodle Salad or add it alongside some cold noodles for a little extra veg. 
• Smoothies and Juice: The natural coolness and subtle taste of cucumbers infuse a refreshing twist into your drinks. Begin your day with a Green Juice Smoothie or make a Lemon Cucumber Mint Ginger Water.​

• ​Sandwiches with Cucumbers: I’m not talking about dainty cucumber sandwiches (which are also delicious). Try incorporating cucumbers in sandwiches, such as a Toasted Stuffed Hummus and Roasted Cucumber Pita Sandwich.
• Cucumber Appetizers: Crafting cucumber appetizers provides a light beginning for gatherings. Try these Cucumber Dill Ricotta Cups at your upcoming event.
• Dehydrated Cucumbers (aka Cucumber Chips): Dehydrated Cucumbers are a novel and nutritious snack. The freshness of cucumbers takes on a satisfying crunch, providing a guilt-free treat that bursts with flavor.

These cucumber recipes capture the spirit of summer. So, as we enjoy the sunny days, let your culinary creativity flourish with the versatile cucumber. ​

Sarah Harper is a Registered Dietitian, creator, and one of many eaters behind The Addy Bean. She is also an avid hiker, a registered yoga instructor, and a former nursing home dietitian.
Based in Hood River, Oregon, Sarah lives with her husband Jacob, her dog Huey and her blog’s namesake – her cat Adeline.