15 Fresh Cucumber Recipes To Cool You Down This Summer

Stay cool this summer and enjoy these cucumber recipes that make the most of the refreshing produce.

By

Alana Al-Hatlani

Updated on May 28, 2024

Southern Living Cucumber Tea Sandwiches on a serving platter with a small plate of sandwiches beside — Photo:
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

From crunchy salads to cool and refreshing cocktails, cucumbers are exactly what we reach for in the summer as the temperature climbs. The versatile vegetable is of course great pickled, but also serves as the base for creamy spreads and silky sauces. Beat the heat and enjoy these fresh cucumber recipes that make the most of the summer produce.

01 of 15

Cucumber-And-Onion Dip

Southern Living Cucumber and Onion Dip in a blue bowl to serve with potato chips on the side — Greg Dupree; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray

This recipe is the perfect medley of onion dip and cucumber salad that is better than store-bought. Add some zesty freshness to the appetizer table with this crowd-pleaser!

02 of 15

Cucumber-Tomato-Avocado Salad

Southern Living Cucumber Avocado Tomato Salad in a bowl to serve topped with feta — Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

This rustic summer salad is a stunning addition to any meal this season. Filled with tanginess from the feta and the shallot dressing then sweetness from the cucumbers and tomatoes, you can enjoy this recipe on its own as a side or with grilled chicken to make it more of a main course.

03 of 15

Cucumber Tea Sandwiches

Southern Living Cucumber Tea Sandwiches on a serving platter with a small plate of sandwiches beside — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

It doesn't have to be tea time to serve these pretty little sandwiches. While trimming the crusts may seem a little fussy, it's that extra special touch that makes them feel a little fancy.

04 of 15

Cucumber-Mint Mojitos

Cucumber-Mint Mojitos — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Let us introduce you to your new favorite summer drink. This garden-fresh green mojito is packed with fresh lime juice, mint, and ribbons of cucumber for a fun spin on the classic.

05 of 15

Cucumber-and-Vidalia Onion Salad

Cucumber-and-Vidalia Onion Salad — Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christina Daley

Sweet and mild Vidalia onions go great with refreshing slices of crunchy cucumber. This straightforward recipe comes together with just a few ingredients (most are pantry staples), so it's a good one to have in your back pocket.

06 of 15

Cucumber Salsa

cucumber salsa — Photographer: Antonis Achilleos, Prop Stylist:Christine Keely Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

Mix things up with this tomato-less salsa. Cucumber serves as the base, adding a crisp and refreshing bite that balances the heat of the jalapeño. Granny Smith apple adds a touch of sweetness and a little tart crunch for a well-rounded salsa that's great on chips or served as a condiment on fish or chicken.

07 of 15

Marinated Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad

Marinated Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad — Hannah Zimmerman/Southern Living

The hardest part of this salad is waiting for it to marinate overnight. Don't skip the marinating however, it's the key step that draws out the tomatoes' natural juices and slightly pickles the onions and cucumbers for a tangy side dish.

08 of 15

Quick-Pickle Cucumbers and Onions

Quick-Pickled Cucumbers and Onions — Sheri Castle

This condiment is a summer staple, from topping burgers and hot dogs as a relish to serving alongside sandwiches, the jar won't last long. You can even reuse the brine for other recipes!

09 of 15

Open-Faced Tomato Sandwiches with Creamy Cucumber Spread

Open-Faced Tomato Sandwiches with Creamy Cucumber Spread — Alison Miksch

These savory sandwiches are great for a casual summer cocktail party. Just slice in half to make handling just a bit easier—especially if guests are also juggling a cocktail glass. Always use a serrated knife, which cuts through the tomato's skin without damaging flesh and losing juice.

10 of 15

Watermelon, Cucumber, And Feta Salad

Watermelon, Cucumber, and Feta Salad — Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Toni Brogan

A salad that has it all: crunch from the cucumbers, sweetness from the watermelon, and a salty tang from the crumbled feta. Dress the salad right before serving to ensure the cucumbers and melon don't water down the vinaigrette's flavor.

11 of 15

Greek Meatballs with Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce and Rice

Greek Meatballs with Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce and Rice — Greg DuPree

Cucumber may not be the star of this dish, but it makes a delicious creamy sauce for this Greek-inspired dish. Grated cucumber and tangy Greek yogurt beautifully cut through the richness of the meatballs.

12 of 15

Floating Salad

a large bowl beside two bowls filled with cucumber, onion, and bell peppers — Emily Laurae/Southern Living

Floating salad is a deliciously super-tart, super-sharp combo of sliced cucumbers and onions "floating" in a vinegar brine that's not softened with any water, just straight vinegar with a little oil. It packs a puckering punch, in the best way possible.

13 of 15

Benedictine Spread

benedictine spread dip — Photographer: Antonis Achilleos, Prop Stylist:Christine Keely Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

The historic recipe for Benedictine spread was originally created by Jennie Carter Benedict, an iconic Kentucky restauranteur, cookbook author, and philanthropist. Our version skips the green food dye but includes lots of freshly grated cucumber and a lovely oniony flavor.

14 of 15

Cucumber Cooler

Southern Living Cucumber Cooler in the glass to serve — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell

A little lemon, a lot of cucumbers, and a splash of gin or tequila make this one of summer's most refreshing drinks.

15 of 15

Smashed-Cucumber Salad

Southern Living Smashed Cucumber Salad in a bowl to serve — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Smashing cucumbers exposes their interiors, allowing them to soak up any flavorful dressing or marinade.

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