Have you ever found yourself with an abundance of cucumbers after a successful visit to the farmer’s market or a generous harvest from your garden? Cucumbers are a versatile and refreshing addition to your culinary repertoire, but using up a surplus can sometimes be a challenge.
With the help of our tips and tricks for using up your extra cucumbers, you’ll discover new ways to enjoy this humble yet fantastic veggie that goes beyond garnishing your next salad or Gin and Tonic. But first, let’s dive into all the wonderful possibilities that those extra cucumbers have in store for you!
Creative Cucumber Recipes
In this section, we will explore some innovative cucumber dishes, ranging from refreshing beverages to delicious mains and tasty snacks. Grab your cucumbers, and let’s get started!
Refreshing Beverages
Cucumber Smoothies: Give your traditional fruit smoothie a refreshing twist by adding cucumber. Blend cucumber with your favorite fruits like strawberries, mango, or pineapple and a splash of yogurt to create a nutritious and delicious smoothie.
Cucumber Juice: For a revitalizing drink, try making cucumber juice. Juice your cucumbers and add a touch of lemon, mint, and honey to enhance the flavors. You can even mix cucumber juice with soda water or use it as a base for your next cocktail.
Delicious Mains
Gazpacho: This classic Spanish soup is a fantastic way to enjoy cucumbers in a chilled, savory dish. Combine cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions with a mix of vinegar, olive oil, and garlic, then blend until smooth. Chill and enjoy on a hot summer day.
Cucumber Tomato Salad: A simple yet delightful salad showcasing the freshness of cucumbers and tomatoes. Combine sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions with a zesty Italian dressing. If you’d like, you can add feta cheese and olives to give it a Mediterranean twist.
Stir Fry: Add a touch of crunch to your next stir fry by including cucumbers. Slice the cucumbers thinly and toss them in with your other vegetables as you stir fry. This works particularly well with Asian-inspired flavors like soy sauce and ginger.
Tasty Snacks
Tzatziki: This Greek yogurt-based dip is a delightful way to enjoy cucumbers. Grate cucumbers and mix them with Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, dill, and a touch of olive oil. Tzatziki is perfect for dipping pita chips or fresh vegetables.
Cucumber Sandwiches: For a light and elegant snack, try cucumber sandwiches. Spread cream cheese on slices of white or whole-wheat bread and layer thinly sliced cucumbers on top. You can even add thin slices of smoked salmon or fresh dill for an extra touch of flavor.
Fresh Salsa: Upgrade your classic salsa by adding diced cucumbers to the mix. Combine cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, jalapenos, cilantro, and lime juice for a fresh and flavorful twist.
Embrace the versatility of cucumbers and try these innovative recipes next time you find yourself with an abundance of this refreshing vegetable. Your taste buds will thank you!
Preserving Your Extra Cucumbers
Pickling and Canning
If you have an abundance of cucumbers, one of the best ways to preserve them is by pickling and canning. Not only does this process turn your excess cucumbers into delicious pickles, but it also prolongs their shelf life. To make pickles, combine equal parts vinegar and water with a little salt and sugar. Optionally, you can also add spices like dill, garlic, or even red pepper flakes. Then, simply follow these steps:
- Wash and slice cucumbers: Be sure to thoroughly clean your cucumbers and cut them into your desired shape (spears, slices, or even whole).
- Prepare jars: Sterilize your canning jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes.
- Fill jars: Pack your cucumbers tightly into the jars, leaving some space at the top for the brine.
- Pour brine: Carefully pour your vinegar mixture over the cucumbers, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Seal jars: Place a sterilized lid on top and screw the band securely.
- Process jars: Boil your sealed jars in a canning pot for 10-15 minutes, then remove and let them cool.
You can also make a tasty pickle relish by finely chopping your cucumbers and following the same pickling and canning process.
Creating Refreshing Infused Water
Another great way to use up extra cucumbers is by creating delicious and refreshing cucumber-infused water. Not only is this a healthy alternative to sugary beverages, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. Simply follow these steps:
- Wash and slice cucumbers: Thoroughly clean your cucumbers and thinly slice them.
- Fill pitcher: Place your cucumber slices in a large pitcher, filling it about 1/3 of the way.
- Add water: Fill the pitcher with water and stir gently to combine.
- Chill: Let your cucumber water sit in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, allowing the flavors to infuse.
You can also get creative by adding other fruits or herbs to your cucumber water, such as lemon, lime, or mint.
Freezing for Frozen Treats
If you’re in the mood for a cold and refreshing treat, consider turning your surplus cucumbers into homemade popsicles. All you need is some sugar and water to create a simple syrup:
- Make simple syrup: Combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan, heating until the sugar dissolves.
- Puree cucumbers: In a blender, combine your washed and sliced cucumbers with the simple syrup and blend until smooth.
- Freeze: Pour the cucumber mixture into popsicle molds and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
Additionally, you can always dice your cucumbers, spread them out on a baking sheet, and freeze them to use later in smoothies or other recipes. Just be sure to transfer your frozen cucumbers to an airtight container after they’re fully frozen to avoid freezer burn.
More Ways To Use Extra Cucumbers
Healthy and Fun Snacks for Diet
Cucumber chips: Slice your cucumber into thin rounds, pat them dry, and bake them at a low temperature until crispy. These refreshing chips are perfect for when you’re craving a crunchy snack but want to stick to your diet.
Cucumber bites: A simple and healthy snack idea is to scoop out the seeds of cucumber slices and fill the hollow with your favorite protein – chicken, tuna, or cottage cheese all make great options. Enjoy these cucumber bites as a tasty and nutritious treat.
Enjoy the Benefits of Cucumber Skin Care
Cucumbers are not only refreshing but also offer numerous health benefits. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, cucumbers can be used to create a soothing face mask that can hydrate your skin and reduce inflammation. To make the mask, puree half a peeled cucumber, add a tablespoon of honey, and apply the mixture to your cleansed face. Leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse with cold water.
Another great use for cucumber is to help reduce puffiness around your eyes. Simply place a chilled cucumber slice on each closed eyelid for 10-15 minutes and let the cooling sensation work its magic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some delicious cucumber salad recipes?
There are many refreshing and delicious cucumber salad recipes you can try! Some popular options include:
- Greek cucumber salad: Combine sliced cucumbers, Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and feta cheese. Toss with a dressing made of olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano.
- Asian cucumber salad: Mix sliced cucumbers, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Dress with rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and a touch of sugar.
- Creamy cucumber salad: Combine sliced cucumbers and thinly sliced red onion. In a separate bowl, mix sour cream, apple cider vinegar, and dill. Toss the cucumbers and onions with the dressing.
Can I make cucumber salsa or relish?
Absolutely! Cucumber salsa and relish are both great ways to use up extra cucumbers. To make cucumber salsa, mix diced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, jalapeños, and cilantro. Season with lime juice, salt, and pepper. For cucumber relish, finely chop cucumbers, onions, and sweet bell peppers. Combine the veggies with vinegar, sugar, and pickling spices, and cook until they reach a relish-like consistency.