From crisp salads and tangy dips to chilled drinks, these healthy cucumber recipes show how versatile this hydrating, low-calorie veggie can be.
1/25
Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream
From the Recipe Creator:
It’s been a tradition at our house to serve this dish with the other Hungarian specialties my mom learned to make from the women at church. It’s especially good during the summer when the cucumbers are fresh-picked from the garden. —Pamela Eaton, Monclova, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 62 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
2/25
Cucumber Salad with Miracle Whip
From the Recipe Creator:
Cucumbers are my very favorite garden vegetable, so I use this recipe often. I got it from a friend years ago. I've heard this refreshing dish keeps very well in the refrigerator, but it goes so fast around our house, I've never found out for myself. —Karen Ann Bland, Gove, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 122 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 201mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
3/25
Strawberry, Cucumber & Honeydew Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Strawberries and cucumbers together—I just love this combination! We used to eat a lot of cucumbers growing up in upstate New York. We'd get them, along with strawberries and melons, from fruit and veggie stands to make this sweet and tangy salad. —Melissa Mccabe, Long Beach, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 56 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit.
4/25
Chickpea Cucumber Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser! My husband and I take it to parties, barbecues and other gatherings. It's a light but flavorful side dish that brings a little bit of Greek flavor to any meal. —Kristi Smith, Greenwood, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 171 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 620mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat.
5/25
Greek Beef Pitas
From the Recipe Creator:
A local restaurant that's famous for pitas inspired me to make my own Greek-style sandwiches at home. Feel free to add olives if you'd like. —Nancy Sousley, Lafayette, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 greek pita: 407 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 851mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein.
6/25
Salmon Mousse
From the Recipe Creator:
It’s so easy to top crunchy cucumber slices with a smooth and creamy salmon filling. Guests rave about the fun presentation, contrasting textures and refreshing flavor. —Barb Templin, Norwood, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 canape: 42 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 72mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
7/25
Tzatziki Shrimp Cucumber Rounds
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe with what I had on hand one night, and now it’s one of my husband’s favorites! The bacon-wrapped shrimp, garlicky sauce and burst of cool cuke flavor make this a crowd-pleaser. —Shannon Rose Trelease, East Hampton, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 30 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 64mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
8/25
Khmer Pickled Vegetable Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
I grew up as a missionary kid in Cambodia, and most of my favorite foods have a Southeast Asian background. Locals love eating this pickled salad for breakfast, but I like it as a side for lunch or dinner, especially with chicken satay. —Hannah Heavener, Belton, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 99 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 794mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
9/25
Tandoori-Style Chicken with Cucumber Melon Relish
From the Recipe Creator:
We all need a quick meal that's deliciously healthy. I marinate the chicken before I leave for work, and when I get home, I grill the chicken and make the relish. My husband loves the spicy flavor. To amp up the heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes. —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without almonds): 247 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 332mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 38g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
10/25
11/25
Cucumber Tomato Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Cucumber salad recipes are my absolute favorite! This fast, fresh salad is a winner at every get-together. It's an easygoing, healthy side dish for kabobs, chicken or anything hot off the grill. —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 90 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 356mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
12/25
Crisp Cucumber Salsa
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a fantastic way to use cucumbers. You'll love the creamy and crunchy texture and super fresh flavors. —Charlene Skjerven, Hoolpe, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 16 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 44mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 free food.
13/25
Sweet-Tart Cucumber Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
A dear friend showed me how to use cucumbers in a tangy salad. The longer it chills, the deeper the flavor. Look for lemon or pickling cucumbers. —Dian Jorgensen, Santa Rosa, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 139 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 744mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
14/25
Honeydew Salad with Lime Dressing
From the Recipe Creator:
Green is my favorite color, and this refreshing salad with grapes, cucumber and kiwi is green to the max. If you want more, add green apples and pears. —Melissa McCabe, Long Beach, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 120 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 22mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fruit.
15/25
Creamy Cucumber Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy cucumber salad, a Norwegian favorite, was a staple at all our family holidays. —Patty LaNoue Stearns, Traverse City, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 143 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 416mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
16/25
Cucumber Canapes
From the Recipe Creator:
I always get requests for the recipe for these canapes whenever I serve them. They're delicate finger sandwiches with a creamy herb spread and festive red and green garnishes. —Nadine Whittaker, South Plymouth, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 canape: 120 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 134mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
17/25
Tilapia with Cucumber Relish
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband isn't big on fish, but he enjoys this mild-tasting tilapia. The relish adds garden-fresh flavor and pretty color to the browned fillets. —Mary VanHollebeke, Wyandotte, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1/4 cup relish: 181 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 384mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 fat.
18/25
Fresh Cucumber Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Crisp garden-fresh cukes are always in season when we hold our family reunion, and they really shine in this simple salad. The recipe can easily be expanded to make large quantities too. —Betsy Carlson, Rockford, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 87 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 22g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
19/25
Cucumber-Ginger Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the marinated sides and salads that come with meals at Japanese restaurants and wanted to try them at home. After some research, I came up with this cool, crisp salad. —Kimberly Ludvick, Newburgh, New York
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 64 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 293mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
20/25
Chicken Tzatziki
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to make classic chicken recipes for my family, but the real fun is trying a fresh new twist. —Krisen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1/3 cup sauce: 482 calories, 27g fat (7g saturated fat), 133mg cholesterol, 737mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 41g protein.
21/25
Cucumber and Red Onion Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This cucumber and onion salad is one of the first recipes I came up with myself. It's a great salad for picnics or potlucks. I always come home with an empty bowl! —Brynn Steckman, Westerville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 31 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 151mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable.
22/25
Shrimp and Cucumber Rounds
From the Recipe Creator:
I always make these appetizers for our get-togethers. They're easy to prepare and a snappy addition to any party. —Kelly Alaniz, Eureka, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 20 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 38mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
23/25
Crisp & Spicy Cucumber Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Rice vinegar, sesame oil and cayenne create a sweet-hot Asian flavor that will light up your taste buds! —Alivia Dockery, Jensen Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup (calculated without toppings): 96 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 51mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
24/25
Pennsylvania Dutch Cucumbers
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom's side of the family was German and Irish. Settling in Pennsylvania, they adopted some of the cooking and customs of the Pennsylvania Dutch. This is a dish Mom loved, and today it's my favorite garden salad. It tastes delicious alongside a plate of homegrown tomatoes. —Shirley Joan Helfenbein, Lapeer, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 61 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 406mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
25/25
Cucumber Watermelon Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Capturing the fantastic flavors of summer, this refreshing, beautiful watermelon-cucumber salad will be the talk of any picnic or potluck. —Roblynn Hunnisett, Guelph, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 60 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 fruit, 1/2 fat.
Healthy Cucumber Recipes FAQ
What are some ways to make cucumbers more flavorful?
Cucumbers take on big flavor when you pair them with bold ingredients like fresh herbs, tangy acids or spicy seasonings. Toss sliced cucumbers with mint, dill or basil for an aromatic lift in fresh cucumber salads or add vinegar, citrus juice or soy sauce to enhance depth in slaws. Spicy additions like chili crisp, Sriracha or Tajin seasoning add heat, while roasting or grilling cucumber halves brings subtle sweetness and a smoky edge.
Can I use cucumbers for smoothies or drinks?
Yes, cucumbers work well in smoothies and drinks, thanks to their mild flavor and high water content. They blend easily into green smoothies with spinach, mint, pineapple or citrus and shine in refreshing blends like cucumber-melon smoothies made with honeydew and yogurt. Cucumbers also add a crisp, herbal twist to light cocktails like a cucumber gin smash, where they’re muddled with basil and topped with club soda. For a ready-to-pour option, cucumber vodkas offer a smooth base for simple sippers and summery cocktails. You can pair them with ginger, lime or frozen cucumber slices to chill drinks without dilution.
How long do sliced cucumbers stay fresh?
Sliced cucumbers typically stay fresh for up to three days in the refrigerator. They lose moisture quickly once cut, so the best method for storing cucumbers is to place the slices in an airtight container filled with cold water. This helps maintain their crisp texture. Change the water every few days and check for any signs of softness or discoloration.
