Every year I grow cucumbers. Some years more successfully than others, it has to be said. And this year we are enjoying a prolific harvest, as you may have seen on my Twitter recently. But there are only so many vitamin-packed fresh cucumbers we can eat as a stand alone fruit (cucumbers are fruits not vegetables) at any one time. So, I thought I’d share my nine favourite fast fresh cucumber recipes for those of you who have a glut too, or just love the long, juicy, green things as well.
9 Favourite Fast Fresh Cucumber Recipes
Firstly though, a word about my cucumbers. I’m growing a variety from seed called “Burpless Tasty Green” F1 Hybrid * (yes, really!) because previous experience has shown them to be the easiest and yummiest to grow. This year I’m trialling both indoor and outdoor cucumbers, and both sets have delivered the goods so far. As far as fresh cucumbers go, nothing beats growing your own. They have masses more flavour and crunch, not at all like the tasteless watery things you have to buy from the supermarkets. And if you’re going to try some delicious fast fresh cucumber recipes, it makes sense to use the best ingredients you can get your hands on, doesn’t it? So, without more ado, here are my nine favourite recipes you need to try.
Cold cucumber soup
A refreshing summer soup that needs absolutely no cooking? Yes please! You can have it on the table in less than 10 minutes, what could be simpler?
Tzatziki or Raita
Usually made with cucumber, yoghurt, mint, salt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic (tzatziki) or without the lemon juice, oil, salt and garlic (raita). Either way, it’s deliciously cool and refreshing on a hot day, or as an accompaniment to spicy food.
Cucumber, watermelon, feta salad
Is there anything more mouthwatering than the combination of sweet watermelon, salty feta, and crunchy cucumber? Not to mention how gorgeous it looks on the plate? Summer is served, for me at least.
Cucumber sandwiches
OK, strictly speaking, this isn’t a recipe, but this is my blog so my rules. Imagine picking a fresh cucumber, slicing it up, sprinkling a little salt on it, and sliding a few slices between some freshly baked beer bread. I’m just going to leave that thought there… you’re welcome.
Cucumber lime and ginger popsicles
One for the kids this time (although quite a few adults I know would love this zingy and refreshing treat on a hot day too). The ginger and lime really complement and lift the cucumber.
Strawberry and cucumber salad
I’d argue this is more of a dessert than a salad, especially with the delicious cardamom and lemon cream. However you choose to classify it though, it’s a winner, and really easy to make.
Cucumber gin cocktail
Because it’s summer. And I love gin. I’d swap the Prosecco for Cava, but otherwise this is my perfect gin cocktail. The only other addition would be some borage ice cubes (edible borage flowers also from our garden).
Strawberry, lime, mint and cucumber infused water
We all know we need to drink plenty of water, and especially when it’s hot. But plain old water gets very boring, doesn’t it? So why not liven it up with some fresh fruits and herbs – also good for as a non-alcoholic alternative to the aforementioned gin cocktail.
Cucumber face mask
Credit – Cucumber Growers Association
And as fresh cucumbers aren’t just for eating and drinking 🙂 why not try this DIY skincare mask recipe from the Cucumber Growers Association? Cucumber slices aren’t just for your eye bags, they’ve got lots more skin benefits too. Good for dry, dehydrated, sensitive, or oily skin, and even sunburn, they really are a miracle fruit.
Bonus tip – more uses for your shop bought cucumbers
Because if you’ve gone to all the trouble of growing your own fresh cucumbers then you won’t want to waste them, will you? Your shop-bought cucumbers can be used in lots of ingenious ways: such as a replacement for WD40, a quick shoe polish and shine, and a bathroom mirror de-fogger!
Delicious, healthy, and good for you. What more can you ask from any fruit? Obviously these are only my nine favourite fast fresh cucumber recipes, there are hundreds more out there. But I hope they’ve given you some ideas on what to do with this fabulous seasonal produce. And that you might even be inspired to give growing your own a go too. Because I promise, once you taste your first home grown cucumber, you’ll never not grow them again. Bon appétit!
Have you ever grown your own cucumbers? Do you like the look of any of these recipes? What’s your favourite way to eat fresh cucumbers?
* This post features affiliate links but all opinions are my own (see my disclaimer).
That strawberry and cucumber salad looks amazing!
Honestly, it’s such a lovely combination!
Hi Lisa. Some great ideas in that list. By coincidence, we tried something very similar to the cucumber, watermelon, and feta recipe and it was delicious (and I say that as a die-hard meat-eater!).
By the way, have you got any growing tips for cucumbers? We’ve had one half-decent one and that’s about it – the rest of them are about the size of my little finger!
Thank you, I’m a fan of quick and easy! It depends what type of cucumber you’re growing and where – Burpless are super easy to grow ,either in a gro-bag in the greenhouse or outside in a raised bed with plenty of compost. But you need to water them a LOT. Like a good drink at least every two days, more in a heatwave. They need nutrients (compost) and water otherwise they won’t grow. You could also try a liquid tomato feed once you’ve got a few baby cukes setting. Feel free to message me and let me know what your set up is and I’ll see if I can help more!
Hii lisa i loved your cucumber recipes!! And im definitely trying the Cucumber sandwiches thank you <3
Ah, thank you – and yes, simple is best, I think!
Thanks for sharing, I have not grown cucumbers before, as I would not have the space or conditions, the recipes all lokk very yummy indeed 🙂
Nic | Nic’s Adventures & Bakes
Indeed they are – hopefully you’ll be able to grow some one day 🙂
That cucumber watermelon salad looks SO good!! Perfect for lunch on a hot summer day. All of these recipes ideas are really creative, I never know what to do with so much cucumber!
It’s completely delicious, so refreshing, one of my faves. And the soup is yummy too – thank you, Kalin, although I can’t take credit for all of them, but I’m glad they’re helpful!
I love cucumbers, and a raita is so perfect on hot summer days! 🙂
It really is, so cooling and refreshing 🙂
All are delicious recipes. I love cucumbers. Thank you for sharing, Lisa.
You’re very welcome, I’m glad you love cucumbers too 🙂
Some great recipe suggestions here! Cucumber is so refreshing in summer and I love adding it to water and salads – it tastes so delicious with watermelon and feta!
Thank you, Serena, I completely agree!
Who knew that there were so many recipes involving cucumber?! I love cucumber, it’s probably my favourite part of a salad, I love the look of the cucumber, watermelon and feta salad! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Ha, there are a lot more than this, you can cook with it too! But thank you, I’m glad you love cucumbers as well 🙂 x
Cucumbers are the best! These recipes all sound pretty good – I really want to try the cucumber and watermelon salad, it sounds lush xx
You won’t be disappointed, it’s delicious! x
These are some great recipes. I love Tatziki, although I’ve never tried to make it from scratch before.
Fresh Tzatziki is great, I love being able to adjust how much garlic goes in!
Tzatziki or Raita is one of my all-time loves for cucumber! I make it with some raisins thrown in for a little sweetness against the tang of the yogurt. Cold cucumber soup is also deliciously refreshing on a hot day, but those ginger cucumber popsicles are new to me and sound lovely.
Love that you have shared drinks and masks as well as food. 🙂
Oooh, added raisins, that sounds nice! And yes, do try the popsicles, they’re so refreshing, and the little kick is the perfect addition. Ha, thank you, Jaya 🙂
I looooooove cucumber! I didn’t know one could make so many different recipes with them. I’ll definitely be trying some of these!
Oh there are masses of recipes out there – but these are my favourites because they’re quick and easy!
I love cucumbers but always go for the most basic cucumber salad. I honestly didn’t even think that there are so many different options. Deffinitely going to try them out. Thank you for sharing!
Antonia || Sweet Passions
Oh there are lots of ways to use cucumber, these are just my favourites because they’re quick and easy! I hope you enjoy all of them if you try them out 🙂
Ahhh these look delicious!! I don’t tend to like cucumber on its own but I LOVE it in raita so I will definitely have to try making that myself. The watermelon salad also looks very interesting, so unique! Thanks for sharing x
I know what you mean but fresh cucumber you grow yourself tastes completely different, I promise! Good luck with the raita, yum! x
I would love to be able to grow my own cucumbers! I definitely will in the future 😍 also I loveee cucumbers but I didn’t really think about how many different recipes you could make with them! Normally I just have it with my salad, so thank you for sharing these yummy recipes!
Oh you should definitely do it, you won’t regret it! And yes, they’re a very versatile fruit, lots of yummy ways to eat and use them in skincare too 🙂
All sound delicious
Thank you 🙂
Oh! I never thought of cucumber sandwiches made on beer bread! We’ll have to try that!
We love our fresh cucumbers (and our pickled cucumbers, too)!
Oh yes, it’s a delicious combination – and I love pickled cucumbers too, you can’t beat a good gherkin!
Great post! Thank you for sharing! I love cucumbers so these recipes sound very nice!
You’re welcome, they are all yummy 🙂
Your pictures and recipes are mouthwatering!
They’re not mine, but thank you!
Honestly my favourite is a cucumber and watermelon salad! Love this post.
Thank you – and this is a really delicious recipe 🙂
Thanks for this Lisa! I loveeee cucumber, I eat it pretty much every day but when it comes to salads and things, my diet is pretty boring. Cucumber and hummus is about as lively as it gets hahah! xxx
There is nothing boring about cucumber and hummus, it’s one of my staples – and Flora’s too! But it’s always fun to jazz it up a little too 🙂 xxx
Oooo sign me up for the ice lollies! I love cucumber for salads, drinks or just for dip!
They are so yummy – I’m sure your little one would love them as well! 🙂
Cucumber is my favourite veg I have it with everything! I adore it with feta! Such great summer recipes!
Rosie
Thank you – these are especially yummy, I’m glad you approve!
Oooh I have never heard of cucumber soup!
It’s delicious, highly recommended!
I absolutely LOVE cucumber. And earlier this year I tried a gin drink with cucumber in it that was absolutely divine. I also tested a cold cucumber salad that was delicious. I’ll have to experiment with a few of the recipes you shared here. The watermelon, cucumber, feta dish sounds amazing!
It’s such a yummy fruit, and so amazingly versatile, I had no idea until I realised I needed some ideas for our current glut! The feta/melon salad is delicious 🙂
Ooh I love the idea of a mask!
I love cucumbers in a lot of my “adult beverages” too.
Adult beverages – love that! 🙂
That watermelon salad looks INCREDIBLE. We eat a lot of watermelon during the summer and I’m always looking for fun ways to present it. I’m definitely going to give that one a try. Thanks for sharing!
It’s really delicious, you definitely won’t be disappointed!
My whole house LOVES cucumber but other than putting it in my Gin I never use it any other way than boring salad!
I love these ideas Lisa, I will definitely try some of these out. Thank you for the yummy inspiration x
You’re so welcome, and TBH I had no idea about all the things you can create with cucumbers, I’ve been very pleasantly surprised! x
These look great! I feel like I cucumber is such a great summer veggie – can’t wait to try them 🙂
I hope you enjoy some or indeed all of them!
All of these recipes sound delicious, although I would be a little hesitant with the cold soup! Its amazing what cucumber goes with, and I love how it can be in a savoury dish, as well as something a bit sweeter.
Thanks for sharing Lisa!
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics
I don’t like gazpacho or vichyssoise but the cucumber soup is actually really nice, I was surprised! And yes, I know, maybe it’s because it’s a fruit that it goes with sweet things as well as savoury 🙂 x
I’ve never grown cucumbers but we’ve been planning a vegetable (or fruit haha) garden for our new house and this might have to go on the list! I love the idea of the ice lollies, they sound so unique and flavourful. But obviously my favourite ideas are the gin and the face masks – preferably at the same time!
I think a gin and a face mask sound ideal, the perfect way to celebrate a cucumber – I like your style, Beth! x
They all look so tasty and refreshing! perfect for a hot day… I am so obsessed with cucumber you’d have thought I’d done a few of these but unfortunately I’ve only ever had the infused water! Definitely adding these to my list of bits to make 🙂 Thanks for sharing xxx
Until I started looking around I had no idea you could do so much with cucumbers either – but I hope you enjoy any of the ones you try! xx
What a selection of great recipes! Thanks for sharing – I can’t wait to try a few of them!
I hope you enjoy them as much as me!
My mouth is literally watering! YUM!! They all look so refreshing!
Ha, that’s so good to hear!
I’m really not a fan of cold soups usually but that one looks so delicious in the photo, it might actually be worth a try. I love the look of the salad with the strawberries too, it looks so delicious and refreshing. I’ve just realised I hardly ever eat cucumbers even though I’m a big fan, I need to do soemthing about that…x
Sophie
I don’t like cold soups normally either (maybe it’s the garlic) but this is yummy. I can’t believe you don’t eat cucumbers very often, I would have thought you’d be snacking on them all the time, haha x
All of these cucumber recipes look so delicious. I love fresh cucumbers straight from the garden, there’s nothing better! I will have to attempt to make some of these later! Thanks for sharing!
You can’t beat home grown, can you? I hope you enjoy any of these recipes you try, they’re all yummy 🙂
I love the sound of a cucumber cocktail, especially with gin, haha! And tzatziki is one of my favourite dips, but I always buy it. I’m definitely going to try and make that from home. Lovely post!
Anika
Cucumber and gin are a match made in heaven 🙂 And yes, do try home made tzatziki, it’s really easy and you can adjust to your own taste!
Wow what a vast choice, I wonder how the soup tastes and ice-cream..
They are delicious, you should try them 🙂
The cucumber, watermelon and feta salad sounds right up my street! Wow, I need to make that ASAP xx
It’s so yummy, I’m sure you’d love it! x
The cucumber, watermelon and feta salad sounds like an absolute treat, something you’d get on holiday! Thanks for sharing these 🥰
My thoughts exactly – even on a staycation! xx
OMG, I am salivating reading this. I love cucumbers, and there are so many options I never would have thought of (a dessert salad?? Oh H*ll yes). Also, I make beer bread all the time, I never would have thought to use them for cucumber sandwiches. Will definitely be making most of the recipes on this list, thanks!
And that is exactly the response I was hoping for! I didn’t know you made beer bread too – I promise, it works a treat with cucumbers 🙂 Hope you enjoy some of the other recipes!
I’m loving the sound of those cucumber lime and ginger popsicles! I’m attempting to grow cucumbers for the first time. the plant is growing fairly well so far, but I’m waiting for the fruit. Can’t wait to try some of these recipes!
They are lovely – and yay, that’s great, when you taste your first homegrown cucumber you’ll never look back!
All of these look so delicious and refreshing and photos are amazing.
Thank you – not my photos, sadly, but yes, they are!
I absolutely love homemade raitia!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
It’s the best 🙂
I love tzatziki & infused water! My daughter loves cucumber, watermelon & cheese so she would probably love that salad! & I also want to try making the cucumber mask!
Homemade tzatziki is the best – I love that you can adjust the amount of garlic to your own taste 🙂
Is there anything better than Tzatziki, to be completely honest? I have not tried to make it at home yet, but one of my absolute fav dips! x
I know, and fresh Tzatziki is amaaaaaazing, I bet you’d make a fab one with your own twist too! x
honestly, cucumbers have been one of my favourite veggies since I was a kid! Raitas is so tasty and am jotting down some of the recipes. That strawberry and cucumber salad sound tasty!! I didn’t know you could make cucumber masks! x
They are so versatile aren’t they? And yes, cucumber skincare works a treat – not sure you’d want to eat it afterwards though! x
oh I gotta try this cold soup! Thanks for sharing.
It’s delicious, hope you enjoy it 🙂