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27 Vegan Cucumber Recipes: Cucumber Salads, Soups, Sandwiches, and More!

By Lisa Esile, MS,

Crisp, mild-flavored, and hydrating, cucumber has a refreshing coolness that appeals to people of all ages. This delicious collection of vegan cucumber recipes includes some of our favorite salads, pickles, grain bowls, sandwiches, wraps, and chilled summer soups. Whether you’ve got a bumper crop of cukes in the garden or a straggler lurking in the back of the fridge, this superb collection will inspire fresh-tasting meal ideas. All these recipes are free of added oil and heavily processed ingredients, so they’re healthy as well as yummy.

greek salad board with chopped veggies, pita bread, and bowls of hummus on a wooden serving board

Greek Salad Board

Dripping with Mediterranean goodness, this wholesome veggie plate features thinly sliced cucumber, fresh tomatoes, tangy red onion, and colorful mini bell peppers. Serve with pita bread and oil-free hummus for an appetizing starter guaranteed to drive those hunger pangs away. Feel free to include other in-season vegetables, such as fresh asparagus or celery. And if you want to make it extra special, make your own pita bread and hummus.
White Bean Wraps with Pickled Cucumber and Mint on a white tray

White Bean Wraps with Pickled Cucumber and Mint

Prep your pickles the night before, and these standout wraps are ready in 20 minutes. Take your favorite whole grain tortilla and dollop on a generous portion of cannellini bean and mint mash. Add red onion and cucumber pickle for zingy flavor, pile on salad greens, and wrap! A fan writes, “One of those outstanding recipes that goes into the tried and true family recipe box.”
Shawarma Sweet Potato-Quinoa Bowl in a white ceramic bowl with a side of pita bread

Shawarma Sweet Potato-Quinoa Bowl

Ready in just 30 minutes, this hearty sweet potato bowl is a winning option next time you need a satisfying meal in a hurry. This single-serve recipe pairs an earthy quinoa base with tender roasted sweet potato, cooling cucumber, and tangy tomatoes. Homemade shawarma seasoning gives the roasted sweet potatoes a warm-smoky Middle Eastern flavor, and a drizzle of creamy lemon-dill sauce finishes it off perfectly. If you’re cooking for more than one person, be sure to adjust the amounts.
summer celebration fruit bowls

Summer Celebration Fruit Bowls

It’s hard to beat a fresh fruit salad to satisfy those sweet and thirsty cravings on a warm day. Watery cucumber adds a juicy crunch without overpowering the delicate sweetness of the fruit, and lime juice and fresh mint add refreshing herb flavor. Tajin seasoning—a blend of chili, salt, and dehydrated lime juice—tastes fantastic sprinkled on top for extra flavor as desired. Serve this festive fruit salad in a bowl or, for fancy presentation, in a scooped-out watermelon!
Cantaloupe Cucumber Soup

Cantaloupe-Cucumber Soup

Calling all cantaloupe lovers! When you’ve got a cantaloupe sitting on the counter and a cucumber in the fridge, this sweet blended soup is worth making. Almond milk lends a subtle creaminess, fresh ginger delivers a floral woody flavor, and lime juice gives a harmonizing brightness that makes you want to slurp it right up! Top with snipped basil and extra cucumber for a sensational summer soup perfect for entertaining.
Kid-Friendly Edible Flower Salad on a whitte ceramic plate against teal tile background

Kid-Friendly Edible Flower Salad

Cucumber is the ultimate kid-friendly veggie and features in this edible flower salad, packed with a colorful medley of nuts, veggies, and dried fruits that young taste buds will enjoy. Nasturtiums, calendulas, violets, and dandelions work well here, but any edible flowers will do. A tasty dressing comes together quickly and features hummus, maple syrup, white wine vinegar, and everything bagel seasoning.
Spring Greens Soup: Two bowls of bright green chilled soup, topped with matchstick-cut radishes

Spring Greens Soup

Sweet peas, creamy avocado, and fresh cucumber add lush flavor to this packed-with-greens soup. Aside from soaking the frozen peas in boiling water, no cooking is required. For the best flavor and to avoid bitterness, use a mix of different spring greens. When you’re ready to serve this chilled soup, sprinkle with a quick and easy green sauce featuring fresh parsley and match-sticked radishes. A commenter writes, “It’s a wonderful soup. I absolutely loved the flavor. What a great way to eat a ton of greens!”
Cucumber and Glass Noodle Salad in a light pink serving bowl with gold metal tongs

Cucumber and Glass Noodle Salad

Crisp, juicy cucumbers stand front and center in this refreshing noodle salad, which is perfect for a hot day. Delicate glass noodles keep things light, while brown rice vinegar lends tang, and sesame seeds provide a subtle richness. Garnish with chopped parsley (or another herb) for added color and an aromatic pop of flavor. For a complete meal, serve with a side of spring rolls or marinated silken tofu.
Pineapple Cucumber Salad

Pineapple Cucumber Salad

With stellar ingredients such as juicy pineapple and crisp cucumber, this easy three-ingredient salad shows how good simple can be. Add a few snips of mint, season with salt and pepper, and prepare to devour this lush salad. A commenter shares, “Everyone at a church potluck enjoyed this and thought it was really good.”

Spicy Tempeh Mango Spring Rolls

Sweet mango and umami-rich marinated tempeh give these party-worthy spring rolls a delectable flavor that’ll make your guests want to gobble them right up. Cucumber adds a subtle crunch, and a spicy lime-ginger dipping sauce makes them simply irresistible. Not just for parties, these fresh spring rolls are a fun meal to brighten your weekly rotation. A commenter writes, “This meal was an absolute winner; my taste buds swooned with every bite. Definitely a make-again meal!”

Asian Cucumber and Sea Vegetable Salad

This light and refreshing salad from sisters and vegan food writers Jenny Engel and Heather Goldberg is a great way to use excess cucumbers. Shredded carrots and sliced cucumbers deliver crisp, sweet flavor, while dried seaweed adds an appealing savory richness. Top with a ginger-infused lemon vinaigrette and toasted sesame seeds for a sensational side dish that tastes even better the next day.
Chickpea Wraps with Homemade Spinach Tortillas on a wood tabletop

Chickpea Wraps with Homemade Spinach Tortillas

Sick of trying to find oil-free tortillas at the store? Now you can make your own. As one fan says, "I'm so excited that I successfully made my own tortillas. It was fun, and they were delicious!" Almond flour and whole wheat flour create a pliable dough with a mild flavor, which is what you want in a wrap. For a hunger-busting meal, top with mashed chickpeas, a crunchy assortment of veggies, and a drizzle of lemon-infused cashew sauce.
Quinoa Salad

Middle Eastern Quinoa Salad

This golden salad features the classic flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine in one delicious grain bowl. Quick-cooking quinoa gets this salad on the table in record time (25 minutes!) and pairs well with light veggies such as crisp cucumber and sweet red bell pepper. Tomato adds a juicy tang, fresh basil lends fragrant herbal notes, and powdered cumin and turmeric provide a yellow tinge and a grounding earthiness. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste. Want a heartier meal? Just add grilled slabs of tofu!
Filipino Cucumber Salad (Ensaladang Pipino) in a glass mason jar

Filipino Cucumber Salad (Ensaladang Pipino)

Ensaladang pipino is a Filipino cucumber salad commonly paired with grilled food. Cucumber, carrot, daikon radish, and red onion add crunch and color to this tantalizing pickle salad, while garlic and black pepper boost the flavor. Pop everything into a Mason jar and allow it to chill overnight (or for at least 8 hours). Keep your fridge stocked with this versatile condiment and add it to salads, grain bowls, sandwiches, and burgers. It's a great way to punch up the flavor of just about anything.
Sunshine Gazpacho topepd with apple slices and mint in blue bowls on a peach colored tabletop

Sunshine Gazpacho

This golden gazpacho gets its hue from yellow heirloom tomatoes and is the perfect dish to cool down a warm summer evening. Gazpacho originated in Spain and combines summer vegetables—typically tomato, onion, and cucumber—with fresh herbs. If you live in a hot climate, make an extra batch, as the flavor is always better the next day. And if you don't have yellow tomatoes, regular red tomatoes work, too. For more gazpacho recipes, check out Classic Strawberry Gazpacho and 15-Minute Watermelon Gazpacho—because it’s not summer without a good gazpacho!
Indian-Spiced Potato Salad in a blue bowl with metal serving spoon

Indian-Spiced Potato Salad

Cool cucumbers and sweet bell peppers are tossed with creamy potatoes in this texturally rich potato salad that's ideal for your next picnic or BBQ. This satisfying salad skips the creamy dressing found in most potato salads. Instead, Chef Darshana calls on dried cumin, zesty lime juice, fresh cilantro, and fresh jalapeño for a rich depth of flavor you don’t tire of. A reviewer writes, "It is tangy, fresh, and full of flavor. It will be in my regular rotation."
Quick-Pickled Japanese Cucumbers in a ceramic dish on a red table with lotus chips in the corner

Quick-Pickled Japanese Cucumbers

Cucumber is the quintessential pickle ingredient, absorbing the pickling juices while retaining their crunch. These quick-pickled cucumbers are free of highly processed sugar; instead, they rely on brown rice vinegar, lemon juice, and maple syrup for a healthier twist on a classic condiment, which can add bright flavor to all sorts of meals. Toasted sesame seeds round out the flavors. For best results, allow 30 minutes to chill and for the pickle flavors to be absorbed.
Spiced-Couscous Cucumber Bites on a white ceramic tray with a bowl of extra filling to the right

Spiced-Couscous Cucumber Bites

Cucumber rounds are a novel way to serve the spiced couscous topping in these festive hand-held appetizers. Mild-flavored whole grain pearl barley pairs well with more flavorful ingredients such as tangy dried apricots and fresh mint. Seasoned with lemon juice and the warm, earthy flavors of ras el hanout, a North African spice blend, these mini munchies won’t last long!
Quinoa Tabbouleh with Pomegranate Seeds in a blue dish with a gold metal spoon and a side of crackers

Quinoa Tabbouleh with Pomegranate Seeds

This gluten-free tabbouleh features quinoa instead of bulgur wheat and is excellent as a light lunch or served alongside other Middle Eastern favorites such as falafel and hummus. Every bite offers juicy, fresh flavors with jewel-like pomegranate arils adding extra pizzazz. No need for a fancy dressing, just drizzle with lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. A reviewer shares, “Mouthwateringly delicious and a gorgeously colorful recipe! I've varied the amounts of parsley, scallions, and lemon juice in this. One of my favorites!”
Green Wraps with Tahini Bean Spread

Spinach-Tomatillo Wraps with Hearty Tahini Spread

Ready in just 20 minutes, these green-hued wraps explode with flavor. Whole wheat tortillas are slathered with a creamy cilantro-chickpea spread, then topped with slices of tangy tomatillos and juicy cucumber. If you don’t have tomatillos, feel free to use regular tomatoes. These winning wraps are perfect for a make-and-take lunch, quick meal, or satisfying snack. For another delicious cucumber-containing wrap, check out these Israeli Breakfast Salad Wraps.
Tuscan Panzanella with Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette on a white platter being held in a woman's arms

Tuscan Panzanella with Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette

Crunchy croutons steal the show in this classic Mediterranean bread salad, which is perfect for lunch or dinner. Chow down on a big plate of fresh veggies dotted with pine nuts and crispy croutons. Every forkful dances with flavor thanks to an oil-free, sun-dried tomato vinaigrette that is as delicious as it is simple to make!
Super Green Goddess Bulgur Bowl in a white ceramic bowl against a white countertop

Super Green Goddess Bulgur Bowl

Eating your greens is easy when they taste as good as this hearty grain bowl. Chewy bulgur and hefty chickpeas form a robust base and ensure you stay full long after you’ve finished. (Feel free to substitute any grain you have on hand for the bulgur.) Steamed zucchini and thinly sliced napa cabbage and cucumber provide a green garden of flavor. The homemade goddess dressing uses a clever blend of cashews and steamed potatoes for a low-fat base, infused with lemon juice and a bouquet of fresh herbs. Don’t be surprised if you want to devour this immediately.
Greek Salad with Sun-Dried Tomato Tofu Feta in a white serving bowl on a wooden tabletop

Greek Salad with Sun-Dried Tomato Tofu Feta

This oil- and dairy-free Greek salad from author and plant-based powerhouse Ashley Madden is one to take note of. To make the feta, press the tofu for a few minutes, then marinate with sun-dried tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and other tasty seasonings while you finish the rest of the salad. Toss tender greens with olives, cucumber, red onion, and tomato slices, and top with the tangy homemade feta. Drizzle with a creamy sunflower kernel vinaigrette for a top-shelf dish worthy of any gathering.
Close-up shot of a vegan sandwich with homemade hummus, pepperoncinis, and cucumbers, stacked between two pieces of whole grain bread

Greens and Things Sandwiches with Carrot Hummus

In this crowd-pleasing sandwich, pickled pepperoncini peppers add an acidic pop of flavor that contrasts nicely with the sweet carrot hummus. Cucumber and salad greens lighten things up and work well with the weightier whole grain bread. A fan writes, “This is my favorite vegan sandwich!” Another writes, “I am delighted to be introduced to carrot hummus. It is sweet and delicious, and no tahini is needed.” For another sensational sandwich to turn heads, check out Stacked Vegetable Sandwiches with Cilantro Chutney
Mini Bell Pepper Vegan Poppers

Mini Bell Pepper Poppers

Steamed mini bell peppers make a cute and colorful serving vessel for this mango salad, which also features finely chopped cucumber, tomatoes, and scallions. Add lemon juice, maple syrup, and tajín seasoning to the mix and these supremely munchable bites are ready to go. A commenter shares, “Simply wonderful, and we will definitely make them again! They're like a perfect little handheld salad with a delicious mix of sweet and savory flavors.”

Kimchi Noodle Salad

Spicy cabbage kimchi adds flavor and nutrients in equal measure to this refreshing 30-minute noodle salad. Brown rice noodles provide a hearty base, while scallions, kimchi, and gochujang boost the flavor. (gochujang is a spicy paste used in Korean cooking.) Top with fresh cucumber rounds and this date-night-worthy noodle salad is ready to go! A commenter writes, “This is a family favorite! We make our own kimchi.”
Refreshing Vietnamese Noodle Salad in a white bowl on a green tile background

Refreshing Vietnamese Noodle Salad

This finger-licking-good Vietnamese-inspired salad features smooth brown rice noodles and chewy wild rice in one big salad. Carrots, cucumber, and radish add crunch, while green peas provide sweetness. Top with a homemade sweet chili dressing, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon juice for an easy Asian-style dish to satisfy your takeout cravings.

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About the Author

Headshot of Lisa Esile, MS

About the Author

Lisa Esile, MS

As an author, Do Nothing meditation instructor, and wellness coach, Lisa Esile combines her love for food and nutrition with her mental health background and delights in helping people find a stress-free way to make lasting lifestyle changes. Esile has a master’s degree in human nutrition and is the co-author/illustrator of Whose Mind Is It Anyway? Get Out of Your Head and Into Your Life. Learn more at lisaesile.com.
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