When the summer season hits, so does the craving for fresh produce [1]. One of the season's finest fruits happens to be the cucumber, and not just because of its refreshingly crisp qualities. Cucumbers hydrate, they're a great source of vitamin C [2] and fiber, as well as silica, which is responsible for healthy tissue, bones, and skin.
Because cucumbers are abundant in the summer, it's the perfect time to enjoy them. We made a curated list of delicious recipes [3] that all highlight the satisfying fruit. From fresh poke bowls that'll take you to a tropical paradise to fueling salads [4] that will fortify your body for any summer adventure, these recipes have all you need to make the most of the season's best produce. Ahead, check out the best cucumber recipes that'll keep you cool all summer long.
— Additional reporting by Lauren Harano and Aemilia Madden
Spicy Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl
Packed with protein and good-for-you veggies, this poke bowl will take your taste buds to a beachside paradise. Top off your fresh fish with a spicy mayo sauce if you really want to give it a kick.
Get the recipe: spicy ahi tuna poke bowl [6]
Shrimp-Stuffed Avocados
Believe it or not, these stuffed avocados can be whipped up in less than 15 minutes! With a mixture of shrimp, tomatoes, cucumber, red onions, and more, you'll be noshing on these every night of the week.
Get the recipe: shrimp-stuffed avocados [7]
Ginger Tahini Cucumber Noodle and Carrot Salad
Consisting of only two simple steps, this carrot salad is easier to make than it looks. You'll love the flavorful dressing paired with the crunchy veggies — trust us.
Get the recipe: ginger tahini cucumber noodle and carrot salad [8]
Spiced Chickpea Yogurt Bowls With Spiralized Cucumbers
Fresh, crunchy, and absolutely delightful, these yogurt bowls feature chickpeas that are spiced with simple seasonings that make them pop when roasted. They're complemented by a tangy Greek yogurt that's seasoned with fresh dill.
Get the recipe: spiced chickpea yogurt bowls with spiralized cucumbers [9]
Cucumber Sandwiches
No tea party is complete without these cucumber sandwiches! They're the perfect finger food to pair with any picnic, light lunch, or appetizer spread.
Get the recipe: cucumber sandwiches [10]
Jamaican Jerk Chicken Quinoa Bowl
This quinoa bowl is loaded with flavorful Jamaican jerk chicken and colorful fruits and veggies. Each flavor balances out one another while still giving the spiced-up chicken room to shine.
Get the recipe: Jamaican jerk chicken quinoa bowl [11]
Classic Potato Salad
Made with Yukon gold potatoes, chives, parsley, Persian cucumbers, pickles, and hard boiled eggs, this potato salad will be your go-to side dish.
Get the recipe: classic potato salad [12]
Veggie and Dill Pizza
Topped with all the veggies your heart desires, this jam-packed pizza is as tasty as ever. Add fresh cucumbers, sliced mushrooms, and Roma tomatoes to a crescent roll dough, and dinner is served!
Get the recipe: veggie and dill pizza [13]
Lemon Orzo Salad
This easy lemon orzo salad features cucumbers, radishes, and crumbled feta cheese along with fresh basil and parsley. Make it as a side dish or enjoy it as a full meal.
Get the recipe: lemon orzo salad [14]
Smoked Salmon Crostini
If you're lusting for a Philadelphia sushi roll, this crostini will kick those cravings to the curb. With avocado, cream cheese, cucumber, and sesame seeds, this tastes just as good.
Get the recipe: smoked salmon crostini [15]
Cucumber Radish Salad
With hints of lemon and dill, this zesty salad is the perfect complement to grilled fish or lean meat. Add as much or as little seasoning as you want to it.
Get the recipe: cucumber radish salad [16]
Cucumber, Tomato, and Avocado Salad
Sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, avocados, and pickled red onions make this salad a dream. Serve it with freshly grilled chicken or fish to make it a dinner that everyone will enjoy.
Get the recipe: cucumber, tomato, and avocado salad [17]
Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad
Both sweet and tangy, this veggie-packed salad is all you need to fuel up. The crispness of the cucumbers and onions makes it seriously good.
Get the recipe: cucumber, tomato, and onion salad [18]
Radish Salad With Yogurt Dill Dressing
Imagine: tender butter lettuce, blushing radishes, fresh cucumber, creamy avocados, and roasted chickpeas all mixed into one dreamy salad. That's what you get when you indulge in this hearty dish.
Get the recipe: radish salad with yogurt dill dressing [19]
Cucumber Salad
Taking less than 10 minutes to make, this light cucumber salad is just what your summer meal was looking for. Dress it with olive oil, rice vinegar, and salt and pepper to make the flavors come to life.
Get the recipe: cucumber salad [20]
Italian-style Cucumber Tomato Salad
Seasoned with a dash of lime, pink salt, and fresh basil leaves, you'll go wild for this cucumber tomato salad. It's so refreshing that you'll want to eat it all summer long.
Get the recipe: Italian-style cucumber tomato salad [21]
Cucumber Melon Salad
Firing up your grill? This fresh melon salad is the perfect addition to any barbecued meal. With pickled onions and ripe cantaloupe, you'll love having this alongside your grilled protein.
Get the recipe: cucumber melon salad [22]
Creamy Cucumber Salad With Pickled Red Onions
A healthier twist on the traditional creamy cucumber salad, this recipe features flavorful pickled red onions and plain Greek yogurt. Serve it as a side to complete any summer feast.
Get the recipe: creamy cucumber salad with pickled red onions [23]
Watermelon-Bowl Salad
Colorful and perfect for summer, this delicious veggie-packed salad is best served in a hollowed-out watermelon half! The scooped-out flesh (which is your source of healthy carbs) will be put to good use in the dressing, with chunks mixed in alongside the lettuce, bell peppers, cucumbers, and tofu.
Get the recipe: watermelon-bowl salad [24]
Tomato Salad With Chickpeas, Avocado, and Cucumber
Red and yellow cherry tomatoes are the star of this healthy salad. Cucumbers, avocados, and chickpeas work together to give this as much flavor as you could wish for.
Get the recipe: tomato salad with chickpeas, avocado, and cucumber [25]
Summer Quinoa Salad Jars With Lemon Dill Dressing
These mason jar salads are filled with all the good stuff: quinoa, tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, and a tangy dill dressing. You can stock up your fridge and grab one every day for a week.
Get the recipe: summer quinoa salad jars with lemon dill dressing [26]
Greek Chickpea, Cucumber, Tomato, and Farro Salad
This ravishing salad is about as gorgeous as they come. With light cucumbers, hearty chickpeas, and juicy tomatoes, you'll want to eat this for every meal of the day.
Get the recipe: Greek chickpea, cucumber, tomato, and farro salad [27]
Chilled Cucumber Mint Soup
Detox and cool off with this doubly refreshing cucumber mint soup. Cooling cucumbers, mint, and yogurt serve as the base, while garlic, chives, and a touch of lemon add bright flavor.
Get the recipe: chilled cucumber mint soup [28]
Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
Watch out! The best summer veggies of all teamed up to make this colorful and healthy salad. With crumbled feta cheese and chopped cilantro, you'll be scraping your bowl for more.
Get the recipe:: cucumber tomato avocado salad [29]
Thai Beef Salad
If you've ever been timid about making your own Thai food in the kitchen, this healthy salad is the perfect starter recipe for you. Cucumber and romaine will help you hydrate, while the beef offers over 34 grams of lean and hearty protein. These leftovers are delicious for lunch the next day.
Get the recipe: Thai beef salad [30]
Cucumber Caprese Salad
Summer crops are full of tomatoes and cucumbers, so make the most of these nutritious treats with this salad. For only 250 calories, it offers 10 grams of protein, and over five grams of fiber, meaning it's healthy and filling!
Get the recipe: cucumber caprese salad [31]
Sweet and Sour Cucumbers
The perfect complement to a sunny outdoor barbecue? Thinly sliced cucumbers, lightly pickled in sugar, vinegar, and dill. This recipe for sweet and sour cucumbers will stand up to all your grilled meats and veggies while still being a light and refreshing side.
Get the recipe: sweet and sour cucumbers [32]
Southeast Asian Tomato Cucumber Salad
This light and simple tomato cucumber salad has hints of freshly squeezed lime juice and a dash of dark brown sugar that make it taste oh so good.
Get the recipe: southeast Asian tomato cucumber salad [33]
Sesame-Soy Cucumber Salad
Beat the heat with this crunchy and flavorful salad! It's a great way to enjoy traditional flavors of Chinese cuisine without the extra calories.
Get the recipe: sesame-soy cucumber salad [34]
Cucumber Corn Salad
Crafted with simple whole produce and beans, this satisfying salad has just 274 calories per serving. Store it covered in the refrigerator and wait to dice up and fold in the avocado until just before you eat.
Get the recipe: cucumber corn salad [35]
Moroccan Cucumber Salad
This deliciously simple cinnamon and citrus cucumber salad is a refreshing and slightly sweet dish that's great for snacking on or eaten as a healthy side to lighten up a heavy meal.
Get the recipe: Moroccan cucumber salad [36]
Mango Cucumber Watermelon Salad
For a fresh spin on a summer salad, mix sweet fruits with refreshing cucumber and jalapeño for a savory fruit salad with a deliciously spicy kick.
Get the recipe: mango cucumber watermelon salad [37]
Cucumber Raita
Temper the heat of Indian fare with cucumber raita, a cooling condiment. Leftovers taste great as a dip for crudité.
Get the recipe: cucumber raita [38]
Cucumber Quinoa Salad
This refreshing cucumber quinoa salad is a little like a heartier version of tabbouleh; packed with fiber, protein, and vitamin C, it's an ideal light lunch for a hot day.
Get the recipe: cucumber quinoa salad [39]
Cucumber Cups With Tapenade
For a light appetizer that tastes rich and delicious, snack on these cucumber cups. Each serving comes in at under 90 calories!
Get the recipe: cucumber cups with tapenade [40]