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.
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.”
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.
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!
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.
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!”
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.”
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!”
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.
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.
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!
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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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