Garden-fresh cucumbers are the main attraction in these summery salads, side dishes, salsas and more. Try these cucumber recipes for your next summer gathering, or on a hot summer day.
32 Cucumber Recipes to Make This Summer
Crisp Cucumber Salsa
Here’s a fantastic way to use cucumbers. You’ll love the creamy and crunchy texture and super fresh flavors. —Charlene Skjerven, Hoolpe, North Dakota
Before you check out more recipes, take a look at how to store cucumbers the right way so that you’ll never find a mushy cuke in the refrigerator again.
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Cucumber Party Sandwiches
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my favorite appetizers. We have lots of pig roasts here in Kentucky, and these small sandwiches are perfect to serve while the pig is cooking. —Rebecca Rose, Mount Washington, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 53 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 92mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
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Cucumber Salad with Miracle Whip
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cucumbers are my very favorite garden vegetable, so I use this recipe often. I got it from a friend years ago. I've heard this refreshing dish keeps very well in the refrigerator, but it goes so fast around our house, I've never found out for myself. —Karen Ann Bland, Gove, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 122 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 201mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
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Authentic German Potato Salad
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This authentic German potato salad recipe came from Speck’s Restaurant, which was a famous eating establishment in St. Louis from the 1920s through the ‘50s. I ate lunch there almost every day and always ordered the potato salad. When the owner learned I was getting married, he gave me the recipe as a wedding gift! —Violette Klevorn, Washington, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 344 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 719mg sodium, 63g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
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Watermelon Cups
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
This lovely appetizer is almost too pretty to eat! Sweet watermelon cubes hold a refreshing topping that showcases cucumber, red onion and fresh herbs. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 7 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
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Fresh Veggie Pockets
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One summer I worked at a health food store that sold sandwiches. We were close to a college campus, so I made lots of these fresh-filled pitas for the students. Crunchy with crisp vegetables and nutty sunflower kernels, they're a fast-to-fix lunch when you're on the go.
-Linda Reeves, Cloverdale, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
2 filled pita halves: 434 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 571mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 8g fiber), 14g protein.
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Chicken with Mango-Cucumber Salsa
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings (4 cups salsa)
From the Recipe Creator:
I put this dish together after looking for something quick and easy without too much indoor cooking. My husband prefers this moist grilled chicken a tad spicy. —Linda Tringali, Monroe Township, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1 cup salsa: 285 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 547mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 3g fiber), 36g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
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Sesame-Ginger Cucumber Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the marinated sides and salads that come with meals at Japanese restaurants and wanted to try them at home. After some research, I came up with this cool, crisp salad. —Kimberly Ludvick, Newburgh, New York
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 64 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 293mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
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Greek Shrimp Canapes
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I grew up by the ocean and then moved to a landlocked state. I wanted to show people in my area how to easily cook seafood, and this is the recipe I came up with. I think it’s safe to say it has become a neighborhood favorite. —Amy Harris, Springville, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 canape: 68 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 139mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
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Cheeseburger Bowl
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is a lighter way to enjoy an American summer staple. You can try a version of the dressing with 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard and 1 tablespoon of ketchup. —Laurie Rogerson, Ellington, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups salad mixture with 2 tablespoons dressing: 374 calories, 21g fat (8g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 1099mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
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Greek Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The heart of a Greek salad recipe is in the olives, feta, cucumbers and tomatoes. Dress it with olive oil and vinegar, then add more olives and cheese. —Arge Salvatori, Little Ferry, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 148 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 389mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
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Fresh Cucumber Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Crisp garden-fresh cukes are always in season when we hold our family reunion, and they really shine in this simple salad. The recipe can easily be expanded to make large quantities too. —Betsy Carlson, Rockford, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 87 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 22g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
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Turkey Gyros
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Greek seasoning, feta cheese and dill-cucumber sauce give this gyro an authentic taste. It was my family's introduction to how really good pita bread can be. Instead of feta cheese, we'll sprinkle on cheddar or Monterey Jack if we have it. —Donna Garvin, Glens Falls, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 307 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 422mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
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Kohlrabi, Cucumber and Tomato Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chilled, refreshing salad is wonderful on hot days. It has a nice crunch and a delicious balance of sweet and spicy flavors. —Kristina Segarra, Yonkers, New York
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 59 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 372mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
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Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It’s been a tradition at our house to serve this dish with the other Hungarian specialties my mom learned to make from the women at church. It’s especially good during the summer when the cucumbers are fresh-picked from the garden. —Pamela Eaton, Monclova, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 62 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
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Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Besides being tasty, these little tomato poppers are extra awesome because you can make them ahead of time. At parties, I often triple the recipe because they disappear fast. —Christi Martin, Elko, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed tomato: 25 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 18mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 fat.
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Favorite Cucumber Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Add a fresh-tasting touch to your menu with this favorite salad. The crunchy cucumbers are tossed with onion, green pepper and a sweet-tart dressing seasoned with celery seed.—Mary Lou Boyce,Wilmington, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 183 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 713mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (42g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
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Cucumber Watermelon Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Capturing the fantastic flavors of summer, this refreshing, beautiful watermelon-cucumber salad will be the talk of any picnic or potluck. —Roblynn Hunnisett, Guelph, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 60 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 fruit, 1/2 fat.
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Ginger Salmon with Cucumber Lime Sauce
Total Time
40 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Lime with ginger is a favorite flavor combo for me, especially with grilled salmon. So good. Even with the cucumber sauce, this recipe is easy, too. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 327 calories, 20g fat (4g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 372mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
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Creamy Cucumber Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy cucumber salad, a Norwegian favorite, was a staple at all of our family holidays. —Patty LaNoue Stearns, Traverse City, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 143 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 416mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Cucumber Canapes
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I always get requests for the recipe for these canapes whenever I serve them. They're delicate finger sandwiches with a creamy herb spread and festive red and green garnishes. —Nadine Whittaker, South Plymouth, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 canape: 120 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 134mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Crisp & Spicy Cucumber Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Rice vinegar, sesame oil and cayenne create a sweet-hot Asian flavor that will light up your taste buds! —Alivia Dockery, Jensen Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup (calculated without toppings): 96 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 51mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
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Garden Tomato Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For as long as I can remember, Mom made a salad of tomatoes and cucumbers. Now I make it whenever beautiful tomatoes are in reach. —Shannon Arthur, Upper Arlington, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 92 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 155mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
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Shrimp & Cucumber Rounds
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I always make these appetizers for our get-togethers. They're easy to prepare and a snappy addition to any party. —Kelly Alaniz, Eureka, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 20 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 38mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Cucumber and Red Onion Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cucumber and onion salad is one of the first recipes I came up with myself. It's a great salad for picnics or potlucks. I always come home with an empty bowl! —Brynn Steckman, Westerville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 31 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 151mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable.
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Cucumber Tomato Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cucumber salad recipes are my absolute favorite! This fast, fresh salad is a winner at every get together. It's an easygoing, healthy side dish for kabobs, chicken or anything hot off the grill. —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 90 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 356mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
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Chicken with Peach-Avocado Salsa
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This super-fresh dinner is pure summer—juicy peaches, creamy avocado, grilled chicken and a kick of hot sauce and lime. To get it on the table even quicker, make the salsa ahead of time. —Shannon Roum, Cudahy, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1/2 cup salsa: 265 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 536mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 36g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
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Strawberry, Cucumber & Honeydew Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Strawberries and cucumbers together—I just love this combination! We used to eat a lot of cucumbers growing up in upstate New York. We'd get them, along with strawberries and melons, from fruit and veggie stands to make this sweet and tangy salad. —Melissa Mccabe, Long Beach, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 56 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit.
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Mint-Cucumber Tomato Sandwiches
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
I jazzed up the quintessential teatime cucumber sandwich to suit my family's tastes. This was my absolute go-to sandwich last summer when I was pregnant. It hit all the right spots! —Namrata Telugu, Terre Haute, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 286 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 631mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein.
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Chopped Garden Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is always requested by my children for their birthday meal or any other get-together. The flavor combination is so yummy.—Anna Sutherland, Camp, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 32 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 218mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable.
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Dill Garden Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to cut up whatever fresh vegetables I have on hand and toss them with this delicious dressing and fresh dill. This salad shows up on our table regularly during the summer. —Bethany Martin, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 75 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 260mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
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Cucumber-Melon Smoothies
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My cool honeydew and cucumber smoothie has only five ingredients. I sometimes add a small avocado to make it extra creamy.—Crystal Schlueter, Babbitt, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 155 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 48mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
