Cool as a Summer Cucumber

Have you ever heard the term “cool as a cucumber”? This term is said to have derived from the cucumber’s potential ability to cool the temperature of the blood. How utterly cool is that?  Cucumbers are a member of the gourd family and are technically a fruit in the botanical sense as they contain seeds inside.… Read More »

Cucumber and Chick Pea Salad

Ingredients: 1 medium cucumber, striped, seeded, and diced 1-15 oz. can chickpeas drained and rinsed 1/2 medium-large red onion, cut into large chunks 1 jalapeño pepper, minced 1/4 red bell pepper, chopped 1 – 2 garlic cloves 3-4 T chopped Chives 1/3-1/2 c Mint leaves Juice of 1/2 fresh lime 2 t apple cider vinegar… Read More »

Quick Pickled Cucumbers

1-2 cucumbers from the share 1/2 cup white vinegar 1 tablespoon coconut sugar 2 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill leaves 1 T fresh parsley leaves minced, (optional) 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Cut cucumber crosswise into very thin slices. In a bowl whisk together remaining ingredients until sugar is dissolved and… Read More »

Black Bean Burgers with Spicy Cucumber and Red Pepper Relish

Relish: 2/3 cup finely chopped peeled cucumber 1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 1 tablespoon honey 1 teaspoon finely chopped dill 1/8 teaspoon salt Dash of ground red pepper Burgers: 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained 1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs 1/4… Read More »

Sparkling Cucumber-Basil Limeade

1 cup sugar 1 tablespoon lime zest, plus 1 cup fresh lime juice (4 to 6 limes) 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, lightly packed 1 medium English cucumber, halved and thinly sliced 2 cups chilled sparkling water In a small saucepan, bring the sugar, lime zest + 1 cup water to a simmer over medium… Read More »

Japanese Cucumber Salad

2 medium cucumbers, or 1 large English cucumber 1/4 cup rice vinegar 1 teaspoon sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted (see Tip) Peel cucumbers to leave alternating green stripes. Slice the cucumbers in half lengthwise; scrape the seeds out with a spoon. Using a food processor or sharp knife, cut into very… Read More »

Salmon and Cucumber Boats

1 large orange 6 ounces smoked salmon, cut into 1/2-inch squares 1 large tomato (about 1/4 pound), diced 2 green onions, thinly sliced 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon salt 8 Kirby (or Persian) cucumbers, peeled, halved lengthwise and seeded 1 1/4 cup reduced-fat… Read More »