15 refreshing cucumber recipes to get you through the summer season

Summer is right around the corner, and we bet that you’ve been invited to at least one picnic or BBQ already. If you’re looking to bring something besides fruit salad (no offense to fruit salad!) to your next occasion, consider one of these refreshing cucumber recipes as your new go-to.

Cucumbers are super-versatile and can be enjoyed as an appetizer, a side dish or a main. They’re also key players in some pretty tasty cocktails!

So get ready to impress your guests with these delicious, out-of-the-box cucumber recipes.

1. Cucumber Salsa

Add a summer feeling to classic salsa by incorporating diced cucumbers. This is great on its own with chips or as a topping for fish tacos. Find the full recipe at The Weary Chef.

2. Cucumber Hummus

Add the refreshingly subtle taste of cucumber to homemade hummus and be prepared to enjoy it with chips, crackers, celery and other veggies all season long. Get the recipe at Vegan Family Recipes.

3. Cucumber Bruschetta

Family pizza night just got a summery upgrade. Serve up this cucumber bruschetta as an appetizer or entrée and you surely won’t hear any complaints from your dinner guests! Get the recipe at Spend With Pennies.

4. Strawberry, Lime, Cucumber And Mint-Infused Water

It’s important to stay hydrated during the summer months, but plain old water can get a little boring. So, infuse your water with light cucumber flavor and add a burst of fruity taste with this zingy concoction. Get the recipe at Wholefully.

5. Cucumber Quinoa Salad

Cucumber, red onion and lemon vinaigrette combine to add delicious flavor to quinoa in a stunning side dish or as a healthy main meal. Get the recipe at Gimme Some Oven.

6. Cucumber Tuna Sandwich

Swap bread for cucumbers with this keto-friendly take on the classic tuna sandwich and enjoy as a lunch or crowd-pleasing appetizer all summer long. Get the recipe at KetoVale.

7. Cucumber Noodles

Move over spaghetti squash — there’s a new spiralized faux-noodle in town! These cucumber noodles are a healthy alternative to actual pasta, and they’re sure to pair well with any entrée. They would also be great on their own with sesame oil and vinegar. Get the recipe at Perry’s Plate.

8. Cucumber And Basil Cocktail

Cucumber and basil come together to make the most refreshing summer spritzer that you’ll want to sip poolside or while grilling. Get the recipe at BS’ In The Kitchen.

9. Blackened Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites

This recipe may just inspire you to forget serving appetizers on crackers! Pair slices of avocado and cooked shrimp with cucumbers to mix things up this summer. Get the recipe at Closet Cooking.

10. Cucumber And Strawberry Poppyseed Salad

This isn’t your average fruit salad! This cucumber, strawberry and poppyseed salad is the perfect mix of savory and sweet. Get the recipe at With Salt & Wit.

11. Watermelon And Cucumber Cocktail

This cocktail is like summer in a glass. Watermelon and cucumber make for a balanced, fruity beverage that’s not too sweet. Serve it at all of your summer parties! Get the recipe at Creative Culinary.

12. Chicken Skewers With Cucumber And Garlic Yogurt Sauce

If you’re grilling up meats and veggies, you’ll want a delicious sauce to go on top. This cucumber and garlic yogurt sauce will be the perfect thing to serve with chicken, steak, or mushrooms without being too overpowering. Get the recipe at Diethood.

13. Spicy Sriracha Crab And Cucumber Salad

There’s nothing quite like fresh seafood in the summertime, and this recipe offers up the best way to enjoy crab and avocado. Yum! Serve up crab meat on a bed of spiral sliced cucumber noodles for a light, seasonal meal. Get the recipe at Peas and Crayons.

14. Baked Cucumber Chips

These baked cucumber chips will be a healthy alternative for you and the kids to snack on this summer. Besides being crisp and tasty, they’re also super easy to make. Get the recipe at Karissa’s Vegan Kitchen.

15. Mango, Cucumber And Mint Smoothie

This low-calorie smoothie will be a refreshing snack or meal replacement to give you a boost of refreshing mint, cucumber and fruity flavor when you need it most. Get the recipe at Oat & Sesame.

So, who’s ready to add more cucumbers to the mix this summer?