Cucumbers bring a crispy crunch to all sorts of salads and snacks. Find out why seeding a cucumber is sometimes necessary—and how to get the job done.
How to Seed a Cucumber
Updated on Dec. 19, 2023
Fresh cucumbers are fantastic to snack on, seeds and all, but seeding a cucumber is sometimes a key step when cooking. If a recipe calls for a seeded cucumber, it’s aiming for a light, earthy, refreshing taste—for example, this cucumber melon smoothie.
Why? Like tomato and pepper seeds, cucumber seeds add excess moisture to recipes if they’re left intact. This can cause your crunchy cucumber salad boats or cheese-stuffed cuke snacks to get soggy.
2 Easy Ways to Seed a Cucumber
Here are two methods that will have your cucumbers seed-free in no time flat.
Method 1: Halves
Thoroughly rinse the cucumber in cool water. Lay the cucumber on a cutting board and cut the cucumber in half lengthwise with a sharp knife. Gently scoop out the seeds by gliding the tip of a spoon or a butter knife across the length of the flesh. Be careful to only remove the seeds and not too much of the flesh.
Method 2: Quarters
Just like in the above method, rinse the cucumber with cool water and cut it in half lengthwise with a sharp knife. Then, after the cucumber is cut in half, lay the halves flesh side down on the cutting board. Once more, cut the cucumber halves down the middle lengthwise, creating four quarters in total. Using the tip of a spoon or butter knife, carefully remove the seeds with a gliding motion.
Pro Tip: After removing the seeds, the cucumber can be sliced, diced, cut into straws or peeled. If a recipe calls for peeled cucumber, be sure to use a sturdy, ergonomic vegetable peeler to get the job done.
But Wait—Here’s a Reason to Keep the Seeds
After you remove a cucumber’s seeds, think before you ditch ’em! Cucumber seeds are packed with plenty of proteins, minerals and healthy fats. As a matter of fact, the seeds and skin of cucumbers are the most nutrient-rich parts of the cucumber. They offer all kinds of health and beauty benefits, including the power to hydrate thirsty skin, keep your digestive system moving and more.
So if you’re just snacking, keep the seeds in.
Seeds or No Seeds, Use Your Cucumbers to Make These Cool Recipes
Cucumber Party SandwichesThis is one of my favorite appetizers. We have lots of pig roasts here in Kentucky, and these small sandwiches are perfect to serve while the pig is cooking. —Rebecca Rose, Mount Washington, Kentucky
Cucumber Salad with Miracle WhipCucumber salad with Miracle Whip, or Kansas cucumber salad, is a generations-old recipe that's a hit at picnics, potlucks and barbecues.
Authentic German Potato SaladThe most popular salad at the table? Hot German potato salad with smoky bacon and a sweet-tangy dressing.
Watermelon CupsThis lovely appetizer is almost too pretty to eat! Sweet watermelon cubes hold a refreshing topping that showcases cucumber, red onion and fresh herbs. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Fresh Veggie PocketsOne summer I worked at a health food store that sold sandwiches. We were close to a college campus, so I made lots of these fresh-filled pitas for the students. Crunchy with crisp vegetables and nutty sunflower kernels, they're a fast-to-fix lunch when you're on the go.
-Linda Reeves, Cloverdale, Indiana
Chicken with Mango-Cucumber SalsaI put this dish together after looking for something quick and easy without too much indoor cooking. My husband prefers this moist grilled chicken a tad spicy. —Linda Tringali, Monroe Township, New Jersey
Sesame-Ginger Cucumber SaladI love the marinated sides and salads that come with meals at Japanese restaurants and wanted to try them at home. After some research, I came up with this cool, crisp salad. —Kimberly Ludvick, Newburgh, New York
Greek Shrimp CanapesGreek shrimp canapes make an eye-catching contribution to a party spread, with spirals of shrimp nestled in cream cheese piped onto a crisp cucumber base.
Cheeseburger BowlMeet our new favorite bunless burger option: the cheeseburger bowl! Whether you are cutting carbs, eat gluten-free or forgot to buy buns, you'll love this take on a burger.
Greek SaladIt only takes a handful of ingredients to make a bright, refreshing and incredibly flavorful Greek salad.
Fresh Cucumber SaladThis easy, fresh cucumber salad is the perfect summer side dish—light, flavorful and packed with hydration. Make this if you're ready to serve up some cool, crisp goodness at your next gathering!
Turkey GyrosGreek seasoning, feta cheese and dill-cucumber sauce give this gyro an authentic taste. It was my family's introduction to how really good pita bread can be. Instead of feta cheese, we'll sprinkle on cheddar or Monterey Jack if we have it. —Donna Garvin, Glens Falls, New York
Kohlrabi, Cucumber and Tomato SaladThis chilled, refreshing salad is wonderful on hot days. It has a nice crunch and a delicious balance of sweet and spicy flavors. —Kristina Segarra, Yonkers, New York
Cucumber Salad with Sour CreamCucumber salad with sour cream is the side dish you need. It is cool and creamy—the perfect way to use all those cucumbers from your garden!
Stuffed Cherry TomatoesCream-cheese-stuffed cherry tomatoes are a simple yet delicious vegetarian appetizer that's an excellent accompaniment to a party spread of charcuterie and crudités.
Cucumber Watermelon SaladRefreshing cucumber watermelon salad combines crisp cucumbers, juicy watermelon, fresh herbs and a tangy vinaigrette for an unforgettable burst of summery flavor.
Ginger Salmon with Cucumber Lime SauceLime with ginger is a favorite flavor combo for me, especially with grilled salmon. So good. Even with the cucumber sauce, this recipe is easy, too. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Creamy Cucumber SaladThis creamy cucumber salad, a Norwegian favorite, was a staple at all of our family holidays. —Patty LaNoue Stearns, Traverse City, Michigan
Cucumber CanapesThese cucumber canapes layer a seasoned cream cheese spread with crisp cucumbers and sweet pimientos for a fresh, retro-inspired bite.
Crisp & Spicy Cucumber SaladRice vinegar, sesame oil and cayenne create a sweet-hot Asian flavor that will light up your taste buds! —Alivia Dockery, Jensen Beach, Florida
Garden Tomato SaladFor as long as I can remember, Mom made a salad of tomatoes and cucumbers. Now I make it whenever beautiful tomatoes are in reach. —Shannon Arthur, Upper Arlington, Ohio
Shrimp & Cucumber RoundsI always make these appetizers for our get-togethers. They're easy to prepare and a snappy addition to any party. —Kelly Alaniz, Eureka, California
Cucumber and Red Onion SaladIf you need to quickly make a dish for a potluck or gathering, you can make this cucumber and red onion salad in just a few minutes. Even if you don't have time to let it sit so that the flavors can fully meld, it will still taste cool and refreshing.
Cucumber Tomato SaladFrom the colors alone, you can tell this cucumber tomato salad will be bursting with fresh flavors. The feta cheese adds a layer of tang and creaminess. Chilling time aside, this recipe is ready in a matter of minutes.
Chicken with Peach-Avocado SalsaThis super fresh dinner is pure summer—juicy peaches, creamy avocado, grilled chicken and a kick of hot sauce and lime. To get it on the table even quicker, make the salsa ahead. —Shannon Norris, Cudahy, Wisconsin
Strawberry, Cucumber & Honeydew SaladStrawberries and cucumbers together—I just love this combination! We used to eat a lot of cucumbers growing up in upstate New York. We'd get them, along with strawberries and melons, from fruit and veggie stands to make this sweet and tangy salad. —Melissa Mccabe, Long Beach, California
Mint-Cucumber Tomato SandwichesI jazzed up the quintessential teatime cucumber sandwich to suit my family's tastes. This was my absolute go-to sandwich last summer when I was pregnant. It hit all the right spots! —Namrata Telugu, Terre Haute, Indiana
Chopped Garden SaladThis recipe is always requested by my children for their birthday meal or any other get-together. The flavor combination is so yummy.—Anna Sutherland, Camp, Arkansas
Dill Garden SaladI love to cut up whatever fresh vegetables I have on hand and toss them with this delicious dressing and fresh dill. This salad shows up on our table regularly during the summer. —Bethany Martin, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania
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