23 Ways To Use Garden Cucumbers Besides Making Pickles

I planted a few cucumber seeds and now I’ve got enough to feed a neighborhood. They’re taking over the garden, the fridge and every meal I make. Instead of letting them pile up or quietly rot in the crisper drawer, I’ve been putting them to good use. These recipes have actually helped me keep up. They’re simple, cold and make cucumbers feel like more than just something you throw in a side salad.

Cucumber Melon Salad

Crisp cucumber and juicy cantaloupe come together with pickled onions for a refreshing side that actually feels like summer. It pairs easily with anything on the grill and makes a great use of extra cucumbers when they start stacking up on the counter.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Melon Salad

Cucumber Gazpacho

This chilled soup mixes cucumber with avocado and cashews for a creamy texture without any actual cream. Lime, basil, and mint keep it light and bright. It’s fast to prep and hits the spot when you’re too hot to eat real food.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Gazpacho

Creamy Cucumber Salad

This version of a classic cucumber salad skips the heavy mayo and uses quick pickled onions for extra flavor. It works well at cookouts or as a last-minute side when you’ve already run out of ideas.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Cucumber Salad

Serrano Cucumber Margarita

A little heat from the serrano balances the cooling cucumber in this cocktail that actually wakes you up. It’s easy to make and hits that perfect mix of refreshing and sharp.
Get the Recipe: Serrano Cucumber Margarita

Cucumber Bites with Tuna

These quick cucumber bites are topped with tuna and come together fast with no cooking. They’re a solid snack for summer gatherings or when you need something cold and filling without heating up the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Bites with Tuna

Cucumber Salad with Creamy Dill Dressing

Tangy yogurt and vinegar pair with dill for a sharp, cooling dressing that works perfectly with crisp cucumbers. This one belongs next to burgers or anything coming off the grill.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Creamy Dill Dressing

Cucumber Tea Sandwiches

These are fast to prep and somehow feel more put together than they are. With cream cheese and dill, they’re a light lunch or a small bite for summer get-togethers when the goal is low effort and high payoff.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tea Sandwiches

Kimchi Cucumber Salad

Crunchy, spicy, and fast to throw together, this salad goes great with rice bowls or grilled meat. The kick of heat paired with crisp cucumber keeps things balanced.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Cucumber Salad

Mast-o Khiar

This yogurt-based Persian dip mixes cucumber with walnuts and raisins for something cool and creamy with a bit of texture. It works well with grilled meats or flatbread and comes together in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Mast-o Khiar

Korean Cucumber Salad

Thin slices of cucumber tossed in a spicy dressing give you a bold, crunchy side dish that holds its own. You only need a few ingredients and about 15 minutes to pull it together.
Get the Recipe: Korean Cucumber Salad

Mango Salad with Avocado and Cucumber

This mix of mango, avocado, and cucumber is bright, sweet, and creamy all at once. It’s quick to prep and goes well with anything you’re throwing on the grill.
Get the Recipe: Mango Salad with Avocado and Cucumber

Cucumber Mojito

Mint, lime, and cucumber come together in this refreshing cocktail that’s easy to batch for summer gatherings. It’s simple and cool, just like it should be.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Mojito

Cucumber Smoothie

This three-ingredient smoothie keeps things light and fresh with pineapple and apple juice added to the cucumber. Great for mornings or when you need a break from heavy meals.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Smoothie

Easy Cucumber Carrot Salad

This crunchy salad gets tossed in a tangy, slightly sweet Asian-style dressing. It’s fast to make and keeps well in the fridge, which makes it perfect for weekday meals.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cucumber Carrot Salad

Cucumber Pico de Gallo

Cucumber adds extra crunch and coolness to this pico de gallo, giving it a slightly different spin without losing the flavor. A good topping for tacos, grilled chicken, or anything that needs a little brightness.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Pico de Gallo

Tzatziki Cucumber Salad

This one is somewhere between a dip and a salad and works either way. The mix of yogurt, cucumber, and garlic gives it a sharp kick that makes it great with pita or grilled lamb.
Get the Recipe: Tzatziki Cucumber Salad

Shirazi Salad

Chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions tossed with herbs and citrus make this fresh salad a staple for hot weather. It’s light, fast, and easy to throw together with what you already have.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad

Healthy Cucumber Salad

This version keeps things simple with just lemon, olive oil, and salt. It’s quick to slice, toss, and serve, making it one of those sides you can pull off without even thinking about it.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Cucumber Salad

Everything Bagel Cucumber Rolls

Cucumber strips filled with cream cheese and rolled up with everything bagel seasoning make a great snack when you want something crunchy and cold that doesn’t require cooking.
Get the Recipe: Everything Bagel Cucumber Rolls

Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad

Inspired by the Cracker Barrel version, this one is made with fresh cucumbers, grape tomatoes, and red onions tossed in a light dressing. It’s easy to throw together and great next to grilled food.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad

Cucumber Feta Bites

These are simple to prep and perfect for summer spreads. The saltiness of feta pairs well with crisp cucumber slices and makes an easy bite-sized appetizer that holds up in the heat.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Feta Bites

Cucumber Martini

Fresh cucumber adds just enough brightness to cut through the sharpness of the vodka. It’s a clean, cold drink that works for slower summer evenings without feeling too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Martini

Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

This Taiwanese-style salad uses thin cucumber slices marinated in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. The chili flakes give it just enough heat. It’s a great way to use up cucumbers without making the same old salad.
Get the Recipe: Easy Asian Cucumber Salad