4 Cool Cucumber Recipes

Spring Veggie Wedges

Made with a tube of crescent roll dough, herby cream cheese and fresh vegetables, this is a fancied-up version of a classic Midwest party app. Cut it into slim wedges for a crowd, or try it as an easy dinner that won't weigh you down.

Cucumber Kimchi

Kimchi is usually made of salted, fermented cabbage or Korean radish. The method used here is actually a quick pickle that boasts all the same bold flavors.

Cucumber Paloma

Cucumber and grapefruit juice combine for ultimate refreshment in this happy hour cocktail. Jalapeño adds just a hint of heat.

Basil Fruit Salad with Cottage Cheese

This salad is a sleeper hit. You may not have thought to put these ingredients together before now, but here's your new favorite lunch (or breakfast) meal.

Test Kitchen Tips for Cucumbers

VARIETY SHOW No shade to the classic American cuke, but we prefer English or Persian (mini) cucumbers. They're less seedy and have thinner skin.

FRESH PICK Look for cucumbers that are uniformly green with no soft spots. Inspect packages of Persians carefully. Keep up to five days in the fridge.

MULTITASKER A cousin to melons, cucumbers offer more than crunch in a salad. They freshen breath and sooth puffy eyes—and their skin erases marks on walls!