Cool As A... 13 Ways to Use Cucumbers

Have you ever written or said the word cucumber over and over? While writing this post, we realized what a bizarre word it is. Cucumber. Kind of a bumbling mouthful for a simple little fruit. Which is appropriate, really, because there are so many things you can do with this crunchy, mellow, summery, green food.

Our favorite way to use cucumbers may be in drinks—and we've got quite a few options here. Plus some beautiful salads, easy appetizers, and one awesome popsicle with a kick of chile.

TOP ROW
• 1. Sour Cream Cucumber Salad with Mustard Seeds
• 2. Sesame Cucumber Salad
• 3. Cooked Cucumber Noodles!
• 4. Cool Shrimp and Cucumber Crackers
• 5. Simple Appetizer Idea: Cucumber Cups

MIDDLE ROW
• 6. Easy Japanese Pickled Cucumber
• 7. Cucumber Sauce for Sandwiches and Vegetables
• 8. Simple Pleasure: Cucumber Water
• 9. How to Make Cucumber Juice
• 10. Summer Cocktail: The Cuke

BOTTOM ROW
• 11. Summer Cooler: Cucumber Punch
• 12. Cucumber Gimlets
• 13. Cucumber Ice Pops with Lime and Chile

Comments (14)

Cucumber is the only veggie my husband will eat (i know, childish) so I definitely appreciate this post. Thanks!

Great! I'm always looking for ways to use the huge amount of cucumbers I receive in my veg basket and from my neighbors :-)

I love gin and cucumber. Just that. Nothing else.

I also love Jamie Oliver's Evolution cucumber salad. In fact, I had it today: cucumbers seeded, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. To make it "evoluate", add: mint, fresh chili, Kalamata olives and Greek yogourt. Yummy.

I recently threw together an impromptu cucumber raita that turned out delish. Combine chopped cucumbers, regular yogurt, ground cumin, honey, lemon juice, salt and pepper for a flavorful Indian side dish.

I also recently made an Armenian Cucumber Infused Vodka:

http://www.kitchenkonfidence.com/2010/07/armenian-cucumber-infused-vodka/

I'll be testing out cocktails this weekend. I recently had a basil gimlet that was amazing. I'm wondering if a cucumber basil gimlet would be tasty...

Thanks!
Brandon

Ooooo that gimlet sounds great! I love cucumbers, they are so refreshing. This post gives me so many good ideas =D

http://www.twohealthyplates.com

The Old Ebbitt Grill in DC has a fabulous cucumber and grapefruit cocktail that I wheedled the recipe for and have enjoyed all summer. I also love to make a super-quick pickle with rice wine vinegar and cayenne, as well as a raita-like salad with yogurt for lunch. I'll definitely try more ideas from this post with my garden haul!

I love cucumbers. They can be quickly "pickled" by sprinkling slices with a bit of salt and pepper and rinsing after 30 minutes. But even better is this vinegary salad with toasted almonds and a little chilli.

i love to eat cucumber with lemon and tajin MMMMM so deliciuos!!

How is Swedish cucumber salad not on this list?! Isn't it a classic that everyone loves? Or is it just Minnesota?

Some original ideas here but I love a fresh cucumber, tomato and feta salad.

I love bread and butter pickles and will be making this recipe again soon:
http://coldcerealandtoast.com/2010/07/19/a-jar-of-spirit-sweet-pickles/

I really dig a simple sandwich with cucumber slices, chive & onion cream cheese, and maybe a bit of havarti and/or avocado. Cucumbers also go very nicely with Pimm's cocktails. :)

One of life's simple pleasures:
Thin slices of cucumber with cream cheese spread on top. Very refreshing!

I had cucumbers in my water for the first time at a cafe in Downtown Denver and loved it! It was very refreshing! Then I saw Hint Water that was Cucumber flavored so I bought it and it was horrifyingly gross. I will just stick to fresh slices in my water.

The Swedish Cucumber Salad mentioned by a previous poster is very similar to a concoction that my midwestern grandmother called colleraymorbis (who knows where the word came from) Has anyone ever heard that name before?