Whether you’re looking for crunchy cucumber salads, tangy pickles, or refreshing cucumber soup, these refreshing cucumber recipes celebrate one of my favorite summer vegetables!
My Baba’s way of Stay cool as a cucumber
Growing up, my father was responsible for all the “extras” that made up a meal, and that almost always included cucumber salad in one form or another. He loved making a chopped salad with cucumber, tomato, parsley and a little lime juice. Once the vegetables had released their juice into the bowl, he would collect the leftover liquid, which he called “salad whiskey.” He would then drink a juicy glass of flavorful vegetable “whiskey” with pearls of extra virgin olive oil skimming the surface. I inherited the same love for whiskey and cucumber salads, and now no warm weather dinner is complete without one!
Cucumbers are, for me, a year-round grocery store staple, but they absolutely shine in the summer. People across the Mediterranean rely on cooling cucumbers to beat the heat, because the Mediterranean sun is no joke during the summer months!
Because they’re loaded with water, they rival even watermelon as a particularly thirst-quenching ingredient. They are fresh, crunchy and versatile. Even better? In season, they’re inexpensive and easy to find, a great way to add a hydrating element to almost any meal, including breakfast.
We have so many delicious recipes where cucumbers are an essential ingredient (hello horiatiki!), but in these recipes, they are the star. Sliced, diced, mashed, pickled or blended, these refreshing cucumber recipes will keep you cool and hydrated all summer long!
Crunchy cucumber salads
Mediterranean cucumber and tomato salad
This is my Baba’s favorite “whiskey salad” and where I grew up in Egypt it is simply called salad. I grew up eating it with almost every meal, and it’s as easy and satisfying as cooking. Cucumber, ripe tomatoes and red onion are accompanied by a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon. Use it as a topping for quinoa bowls or a refreshing accompaniment to grilled chicken kofta.
Creamy cucumber salad
My most popular cucumber salad recipe! This creamy salad combines cucumber slices in a tangy Greek yogurt and garlic dressing. Some key tips for keeping cucumbers perfectly crisp and crunchy, not soggy! It’s especially wonderful with anything a little spicy, like this grilled harissa chicken.
Mediterranean cucumber salad
I make this four-ingredient salad on repeat all summer. The combination of cucumbers, shallots, radishes and fresh dill in a light citrus vinaigrette made with good Greek extra virgin olive oil tastes a bit like a fresh pickle, so it’s endlessly versatile. Tuck it into a pita stuffed with chicken shawarma or spoon it over grilled seafood.
Crushed cucumber salad with lemon and feta
A few summers ago I went crazy for crushed cucumber salads. The rough edges make the cucumber even more crunchy and refreshing. Plus, they keep the dressing. This version, with zesty fried lemon slices in olive oil, creamy feta and fresh parsley, makes an elegant and unexpected salad.
Cucumber and radish salad
The refreshing cucumber goes wonderfully with equally crunchy radishes and celery. A generous handful of herbs—fresh mint, chives, and dill—add layers of bright flavor, and a touch of creamy goat cheese gives it just the ideal finishing richness. Pack it with pan bagnat for a picnic, or serve it with tender salmon sandwiches or juicy shrimp skewers.
Refreshing Cucumber Dips and Sauces
Tzatziki
I probably make this cucumber recipe more often than any other! My recipe for this Creamy Greek Cucumber and Yogurt Sauce includes Yiayia-approved tips that make all the difference in getting the right texture and flavor. Use it to sauce chicken gyros, Greek potatoes, and almost anything you can think of! Avoid dairy products? Try this vegan version!
Cucumber Salsa
Fresh, fresh cucumber is the star of this easy salsa, one of my favorite accompaniments to easy seared fish. Pistachios bring a welcome crunch and Mediterranean vibe, while Aleppo pepper adds depth with its sunny heat. The result is a herbaceous and refreshing ready-to-eat garnish.
Persian Cucumber and Yogurt Dip (Mast O’Khiar)
Although it shares a similar spirit with tzatziki, this Persian yogurt dip gets its own character from lime and dried mint. It’s a staple of Persian family gatherings, a perfect condiment for Joojeh Kabob (Persian saffron chicken skewers); or with Persian rice dishes like Adas Polo or Baghali Polo (rice with dill and beans). It’s also a delicious dip for potato chips or pita chips as a healthier option!
More benefits of cucumber
Cold cucumber soup
On the hottest days of summer, sometimes just a bowl of cold soup is enough – and this cold Persian cucumber soup, known as Ab Doogh Khiar, is the most refreshing reset I’ve ever had. Think of it as cucumber gazpacho. One sip and the heat of the day simply melts away. For dessert, opt for something equally refreshing, like this Strawberry Pudding.
Cucumber sandwiches
Forget soggy tea sandwiches, these cucumber sandwiches are in a completely different league. The secret is labneh, a creamy and very thick yogurt. Tossed with fresh herbs – parsley, dill and basil – and spread generously on soft white bread, they make a delicious lunch for Mother’s Day, graduation, tea parties, bridal showers or baby showers.
Quick pickled cucumbers
Pickles are having a moment! This style of pickles, which are not cooked, retains all that mouth-watering crunch and tangy flavor. Once you try them, you won’t be able to go back to store-bought products! Store a jar in the fridge to add to mint feta turkey burgers or lamb burgers all summer long.
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