How to Make Healthy, and Affordable, Cucumber Recipes at Home

Summary of What You’ll Discover About Cucumber

This article will give you reasons to buy cucumbers and ideas on how to use them in many ways in the kitchen. Some of the recipes you can discover here include:

• Asian Cucumber Salad 
• Black Bean and Corn Salad With Cucumbers (and lots of other goodies)
• Cucumber Tea Sandwiches (good at any time!)
• Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad
• Chilled Cucumber Soup

The Power of the Mighty Cuke

Cucumbers are a favorite ingredient in all types of cuisine, from those from the Deep South, to across the Mediterranean, in China, India, throughout Europe, and well, just about everywhere. There are several varieties, including the common slicing cucumber, English cucumbers (somewhat sweeter and with fewer seeds), and also the small, sweet Persian cucumber, which packs a powerful crunch.

Cukes are fast-growing vegetables, so you might try your hand at raising a few yourself. Cool cucumber slices do double-duty as a favored pick-me-up beauty treatment–just place one on top of tired eyelids and kick back and rest for a few.

With just a scant 16 calories in a cup of crunchy, raw cucumber, you can get some potassium, fiber, and vitamin C, along with a wee bit of vitamin A, vitamin K, magnesium, potassium, and manganese. 

Also, cucumbers are healthy food, quick and easy to fix, as well as easy on the budget. 

Dive in to enjoy some cucumber recipes!

Black Bean and Corn Salad

This is a great potluck or picnic pick, especially during the summer. You don’t have to include every single ingredient below; just pick your favorites!

Ingredients

• 1 15-oz. can black beans 
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed 
• 1 large cucumber
• 1/3 cup finely diced red onion 
• 1/2 cup chopped, loosely packed cilantro
• 2 Tbsp olive oil 
• 2 Tbsp crumbled feta or cotija cheese
• 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar 
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin 
• 1/4 tsp salt 
• 1/8 tsp garlic powder
• Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  

Instructions 

1. Soak red onions in ice water for 5-10 minutes to mellow the flavor. 
2. Rinse and drain the black beans. 
3. Dice the cucumber and then the red onion.
4. Coarsely chop cilantro.
5. Combine olive oil, vinegar, and dry seasonings. 
6. Mix black beans, cucumber pieces, red onion, cilantro, and cheese in a large bowl. Coat with the dressing and gently but thoroughly mix. 
7. Refrigerate for several hours before serving for the best flavor.

Thai Cucumber Salad

This refreshing Thai Cucumber Salad recipe will bring you to rave reviews. Make sure the cucumber salad vinegar you use is rice vinegar to make it authentic, and slice the cucumbers thinly for best flavor. You might serve along with some crispy spring rolls or other savory Thai side dishes or appetizers.

Ingredients

• 2 large cucumbers  
• 3 green onions  
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts 
• 1/3 cup rice vinegar
• 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/3 tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions 

1. Combine the rice vinegar with sugar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and salt. Set the dressing aside. 
2. Peel and then slice the cucumber and place it in a large bowl.
3. Slice the green onions and combine them with the dressing, chopped peanuts, and sliced cucumbers. Stir and refrigerate until ready to eat.
   

Optional Add-In Ingredients

• Diced red or green bell pepper (fresh or roasted)
• Jalapeño
• Diced tomatoes
• Small cubes of avocado
• Pineapple
  

Simple, Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad

Refreshing and sure to be a family favorite. Make sure you use fresh dill; it’s essential!

• 2 large cucumbers
• 1 medium red onion
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 Tbsp. white vinegar
• 1 Tbsp. minced fresh dill
• 1 tsp. sugar
• ½ tsp. salt
• ¼ tsp. garlic powder

Instructions 

1. Combine sour cream, white vinegar, dill, sugar, salt, and garlic powder. Stir well.
2. Peel and thinly slice the cucumbers (you should have about 3 cups) and combine with thinly sliced red onion (about 1 cup).
3. Combine all ingredients, cover, and let stand in the refrigerator at least two hours before serving.

Cucumber Tea Sandwiches

This is classic and very elegant. Plan on sampling a few as you make them; they are delicious!

Ingredients

• 1 8-oz. package cream cheese- softened
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 packet ranch dressing/seasoning
• 1 loaf cocktail rye or thin-sliced sandwich bread with crusts removed and then cut in quarters
• 2 English cucumbers, thinly sliced
• Fresh dill

Instructions 

1. Combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Ranch seasoning mix. Cover and let stand in the refrigerator for half an hour.
2. Assemble open-face sandwiches by topping each piece of bread with the cream cheese mixture and a cucumber slice. Garnish each with a small sprig of fresh dill.

Cold Cucumber Soup

You can garnish this cold soup with a sprig of fresh mint for an extra bit of pizzazz. 

Ingredients

• 2 large cucumbers 
• 2 Tbsp chopped onion
• ½ cup buttermilk
• ¼ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
• 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 Tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Fresh ground black pepper

Instructions 

1. Peel the cucumbers and remove seeds (unless you use English cucumbers). Chop coarsely. 
2. Chop the onion and dill.
3. Place all ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth and creamy.
4. Chill soup until ready to serve.