18 Cucumber Recipes

By Southern Living

Crisp and refreshing cucumbers star in these cool recipes. 

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Sesame, Tomato, and Cucumber Salad

Alison Miksch

Recipe: Sesame, Tomato, and Cucumber Salad

The vinaigrette is made with salty soy sauce, but before serving, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt to add texture to the fresh tomatoes. This is probably the easiest side dish you'll come across this summer, but don't let its ease fool you—it's absolutely packed with fresh, seasonal flavor. 

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Open-Faced Tomato Sandwiches with Creamy Cucumber Spread

Alison Miksch

Recipe: Open-Faced Tomato Sandwiches with Creamy Cucumber Spread

Always use a serrated knife, which cuts through the tomato's skin without damaging flesh and losing juice. These savory sandwiches are great for a casual summer cocktail party. Just slice in half to make handling just a bit easier—especially if guests are also juggling a cocktail glass. 

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Granitas

Alison Miksch

Recipe: Cucumber-Basil Granita

Recipe: Raspberry Limeade Granita

Recipe: Chocolate Milk Granita

Recipe: Orange Cream Granita

These fresh and fruity shaved ice desserts are a breeze to make. Throwing a party? Add your favorite spirit for slushy cocktails. 

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Brisket Tacos with Summer Salsa

Alison Miksch

Recipe: Brisket Tacos with Summer Salsa

Slow-cooker beef brisket and crunchy fruit summer salsa make these tacos a perfect blend of savory and sweet.

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Cucumbers with Ginger, Rice Vinegar, and Mint

Photo: Helen Norman

Recipe: Cucumbers with Ginger, Rice Vinegar, and Mint

Season with salt and pepper.

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Icebox Cucumber Pickles

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Icebox Cucumber Pickles

Make these classic pickles from Fun, Food & Flowers the night before a picnic or barbecue for a sweet-tart side. 

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Creamy Basil-Black Pepper Cucumbers

Photo: Helen Norman

Recipe: Creamy Basil-Black Pepper Cucumbers

Prepare and chill for up to 24 hours before serving.

 

 

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Flank Steak and Cucumber Salad

Photo: Jacob Snavely

Recipe: Flank Steak and Cucumber Salad

This steak recipe shows off Asian flavors with chili paste, lime, soy sauce, and sesame oil.

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Mini Crab Cakes with Pineapple-Cucumber Salsa

Photo: Jim Franco

These crowd-pleasing mini cakes make impressive small bites for your outdoor party. 

 

Recipe: Mini Crab Cakes with Pineapple-Cucumber Salsa

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Cucumber-and-Sugar Snap Salad

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Cucumber-and-Sugar Snap Salad

Almost any raw veggie works in this cucumber salad. Try using bell peppers, jicama, or fresh corn kernels.

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Salmon-Cucumber Tea Sandwiches

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Salmon-Cucumber Tea Sandwiches

Make pretty mosaics with our all-purpose cream cheese spread and layering method. Salmon and cucumber make for a refreshing and delicious pairing.

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Cucumber-Basil Dressing

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Tomatoes, meet a new best friend.

 

Recipe: Cucumber-Basil Dressing

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Scallion-and-Benne Cucumber Noodles

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Slice the cucumbers just until you reach the seeds, but no farther or the noodles become raggedy. Pair with fish or shrimp.

 

Recipe: Scallion-and-Benne Cucumber Noodles

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Cucumber Gin & Tonic

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Cucumber Gin & Tonic

Fresh cucumber and a lime wedge give this refreshing sipper a pretty presentation.

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Crisp Cucumber Salad Recipes

Photo: Charles Walton IV

Recipe: Tomato-Cucumber Salad

When it comes to finding a healthy way to start a meal, nothing works better than the cool, fresh flavors of cucumber salad.

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Cucumber-and-Charred Red Onion Relish

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Chop the veggies as finely or coarsely as you like; spoon over grilled meat.

 

Recipe: Cucumber-and-Charred Red Onion Relish

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Korean Cabbage Wraps with Sweet-and-Sour Cucumber Salad

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Korean Cabbage Wraps with Sweet-and-Sour Cucumber Salad

A robust cousin of Sriracha, gochujang is a spicy-sweet fermented chili paste used in Korean dishes. Here it adds depth of flavor to a Korean-style barbecue sauce. Find it in the Asian section of supermarkets or Walmart.

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Cucumber-Ginger Limeade

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Cucumber-Ginger Limeade

Try this cooler with gin, vodka, rum, or tequila.

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