Fresh Ways to Use Up All Those Summer Cucumbers

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Summer cucumbers are showing off—and not just in salads. This roundup has it all, from light bites to indulgent sips, with crisp, cool cucumbers leading the charge. Cool down with a Cucumber Collins, snack on Cottage Cheese Toast, or pile up a plate of Tomato Chickpea Cucumber Salad. Go Southern with Egg Salad Sandwiches with Cucumber Dill Spread, or dive into a Mediterranean mood with Greek Tzatziki Without Dill and a colorful Israeli Salad. Whether you’re grazing healthy or going bold, there’s a cucumber-packed recipe here with your name on it.

Mediterranean Tuna Salad

Mediterranean Tuna Salad in a bowl foodiecrush.com
Photo credit: Foodie Crush

This Mediterranean tuna salad is a vibrant and healthy take on a classic. Packed with fresh ingredients like capers, roasted red peppers, cucumbers, and olives, it’s perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Tuna Salad

Spicy Watermelon Salad (True Food-Inspired!)

Platter of spicy watermelon salad drizzled with mango vinaigrette
Photo credit: Minimalist Baker

This Spicy Watermelon Salad is inspired by True Food Kitchen’s popular dish and is a refreshing and flavorful combination of sweet watermelon, spicy peppers, and creamy avocado. It’s a quick and easy no-bake recipe that’s perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or summer dinner. Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and can be made in one bowl!
Get the Recipe: Spicy Watermelon Salad (True Food-Inspired!)

Egg Salad Sandwiches with Cucumber Dill Spread – Southern Luncheonette Recipes

featured image 1 for Egg Salad Sandwiches with Cucumber Dill Spread
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

These Egg Salad Sandwiches with Cucumber Dill Spread are a Southern classic and a perfect recipe for lunch. This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for any party!
Get the Recipe: Egg Salad Sandwiches with Cucumber Dill Spread – Southern Luncheonette Recipes

Grilled Halloumi Salad

Grilled Halloumi Salad
Photo credit: Gimme Some Oven

This Grilled Halloumi Salad is a fresh and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish. It combines grilled halloumi cheese with arugula, veggies, mint, farro, and a zippy lemon dressing, making it a perfect vegetarian main dish or side salad.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Halloumi Salad

Pumpernickel Sandwich

A halved stacked sandwich on dark brown pumpernickel bread filled with a white sauce and cucumber slices.
Image Credit: Erika Piper for The Veggie Yaya

Sink your teeth into this hearty pumpernickel sandwich layered with a creamy, herb-packed spread and cool, crisp slices of freshness. A simple yet flavorful upgrade to your quick lunch routine.

Get the recipe: Pumpernickel Sandwich

Israeli Salad

Israeli salad made from tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion and herbs in a white bowl.
Photo credit: Downshiftology

This vibrant Israeli Salad is a refreshing and simple side dish that comes together in minutes. Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and colorful bell peppers are tossed with fresh herbs and a tangy lemon vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch or a complement to any Middle Eastern-inspired meal!
Get the Recipe: Israeli Salad

Korean Cucumber Salad

Cucumber salad in a bowl, topped with green onion and sesame seeds.
Image Credit: Jacqueline Piper for PiperCooks

Enjoy a mix of crisp textures and bold flavors in this easy side salad. Smashed cucumbers soak up a sweet, spicy, and tangy sauce, finished with fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch. A refreshing addition to any meal.

Get the recipe: Korean Cucumber Salad

Greek Tzatziki Without Dill

A bowl of white dip beside french fries covered in cucumber, tomato, and feta cheese.
Image Credit: Jacqueline Piper for PiperCooks

Versatile and full of flavor, this Greek tzatziki without dill pairs perfectly with everything from gyros and Greek burgers to loaded Greek fries. Made with just a few ingredients and shredded cucumbers, it comes together fast for a creamy, refreshing dip.

Get the recipe: Greek Tzatziki Without Dill

Cucumber Sandwich Recipe

Cucumber Sandwich recipe stacked on top of each other.
Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

These Cucumber Sandwiches are a light and refreshing meal option! Cream cheese is seasoned with ranch dressing and spread on white bread, then topped with crisp cucumbers. Add fresh herbs and cracked pepper for even more flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Sandwich Recipe

Greek Cucumber Salad Recipe with Marinated Feta

featured image 2 for Greek Cucumber Salad Recipe
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This Greek cucumber salad is a crisp, colorful side dish that comes together quickly and disappears just as fast. With marinated feta, Kalamata olives, and a medley of fresh vegetables, it hits all the right notes—creamy, salty, and tangy. A standout for any spring or summer spread!
Get the Recipe: Greek Cucumber Salad Recipe with Marinated Feta

Coconut Shrimp Salad

Overhead view of Coconut Shrimp Salad
Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

This Coconut Shrimp Salad is a delightful mix of textures and flavors, featuring crispy coconut shrimp, sweet honey mango, and crunchy coconut cashews. Drizzled with a citrusy orange-honey dressing, this salad is a quick, easy, and healthy meal option perfect for a light dinner or lunch. Add crispy chow mein noodles for an extra crunch!
Get the Recipe: Coconut Shrimp Salad

Orzo Pasta Salad with Lemon Basil Dressing

This Orzo Salad is tossed with a lemon basil dressing, with fresh cucumbers, tomatoes and arugula. A healthy, vegan, pasta salad that can be made ahead for midweek lunches or potlucks. Keep it vegan or add feta! 
Photo credit: Feasting at Home

This bright and summery Orzo Pasta Salad is bursting with fresh flavors, thanks to a zesty Lemon Basil Dressing. It’s packed with cucumbers, tomatoes, and arugula, making it a delicious and healthy option for lunch, potlucks, or easy entertaining. Plus, it’s easily adaptable to be vegan!
Get the Recipe: Orzo Pasta Salad with Lemon Basil Dressing

Tomato Chickpea Cucumber Salad

A bowl of chickpeas and chopped tomatoes and cucumbers.
Image Credit: Jacqueline Piper for PiperCooks

This vibrant tomato chickpea cucumber salad combines hearty chickpeas, juicy Roma tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers for a refreshing bite. Brightened with lemon juice and a sprinkle of Za’atar, it’s an easy, flavor-packed dish fit for lunch, a side, or your next cookout.

Get the recipe: Tomato Chickpea Cucumber Salad

Fattoush Salad

Presenting a delicious Fattoush Salad
Photo credit: Gimme Some Oven

This Fattoush Salad recipe combines fresh greens, veggies, and herbs with crispy pita chips and a zesty lemon dressing. It’s a delightful mix of textures and flavors that make for a refreshing and satisfying meal. Perfect as a light lunch or a vibrant side dish!
Get the Recipe: Fattoush Salad

Charleston Flash Pickles

Top down look into a jar of cucumber slices in liquid.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average.

These Charleston flash pickles are made with just 3 ingredients. These quick pickles perfectly complement sweet barbecue and grilled dishes with their mildly sweet and slightly sour taste.

Get the recipe: Charleston Flash Pickles

Vegan Cucumber Sandwich

Hands holding a halved sandwich filled with cucumber and greens.
Image Credit: Erika Piper for The Veggie Yaya

This easy vegan cucumber sandwich delivers freshness, crunch, and simplicity in every bite. Crisp cucumber slices, perfectly seasoned, are layered on soft, buttered bread and finished with a touch of peppery arugula—a light, satisfying option for any quick meal.

Get the recipe: Vegan Cucumber Sandwich

Cottage Cheese Toast

A slice of toast covered with cottage cheese, cucumber slices, lemon zest, and fresh dill.
Image Credit: Jacqueline Piper for PiperCooks

Cottage cheese toast is a high-protein base just waiting for fresh toppings. Layer it with cool cucumber slices, a sprinkle of dill, and crunchy toast for a refreshing bite that works as breakfast, a snack, or a light summer appetizer.

Get the recipe: Cottage Cheese Toast

Authentic Raita

An authentic recipe for Raita- a creamy Indian yogurt sauce with cucumber, mint and cilantro. Cooling and refreshing, serve this with spicy Indian dishes to help cool the palate.
Photo credit: Feasting at Home

This authentic Raita recipe is a cooling and refreshing Indian condiment made with yogurt, cucumber, and mint. It’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for serving alongside spicy dishes to balance the flavors. You can customize it with red onion, cilantro, or your favorite herbs and spices.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Raita

Quinoa Spring Rolls with Cashew Dipping Sauce

Platter of Quinoa Spring Rolls with a bowl of Cashew Dipping Sauce
Photo credit: Minimalist Baker

These Quinoa Spring Rolls with Cashew Dipping Sauce are a fresh and healthy meal option! Filled with quinoa, colorful veggies, and fresh herbs, they’re perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The cashew dipping sauce adds a creamy and flavorful touch that will leave you wanting more.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Spring Rolls with Cashew Dipping Sauce

Cucumber Collins

Top down look at a cocktail with a cucumber swirled around a cocktail pick topped with fresh mint leaves.
Image Credit: Jacqueline Piper for PiperCooks

Beat the heat with this crisp twist on a classic Collins. Cool cucumber and smooth vodka come together in a light, refreshing cocktail—ideal for patio lounging or backyard barbecues on warm summer days.

Get the recipe: Cucumber Collins

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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