Very few foods are as crisp and cool as cucumbers, which can easily be incorporated into a variety of healthy recipes. These dishes are as light and refreshing as they are delicious.
28 Healthy Cucumber Recipes
Updated on Mar. 06, 2024
Sour Cream Cucumbers
We have a tradition at our house to serve this creamy cucumber salad with the other Hungarian specialties my mom learned to make from the women at church. It’s especially good during the summer when the cucumbers are freshly picked from the garden. —Pamela Eaton, Monclova, Ohio
1/27
2/27
Cucumber Salad Boats
Total Time
10 min
From the Recipe Creator:
Scoop out the seeds and fill fresh cucumbers with your favorite salad for a crunchy and refreshing light lunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Before you check out more recipes, take a look at how to store cucumbers the right way so that you’ll never find a mushy cuke in the refrigerator again.
3/27
Cucumber Salad with Miracle Whip
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cucumbers are my very favorite garden vegetable, so I use this recipe often. I got it from a friend years ago. I've heard this refreshing dish keeps very well in the refrigerator, but it goes so fast around our house, I've never found out for myself. —Karen Ann Bland, Gove, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 122 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 201mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
4/27
Strawberry, Cucumber & Honeydew Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Strawberries 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
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 56 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit.
5/27
Chickpea Cucumber Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser! My new husband and I bring it to parties, barbecues and other gatherings. It's a light but flavorful side dish that brings a little bit of Greek flavor to any meal. —Kristi Smith, Greenwood, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 171 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 620mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat.
6/27
Greek Beef Pitas
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A local restaurant that's famous for pitas inspired me to make my own Greek-style sandwiches at home. Feel free to add olives if you'd like. —Nancy Sousley, Lafayette, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 greek pita: 407 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 851mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein.
7/27
Salmon Mousse
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
It’s so easy to top crunchy cucumber slices with a smooth and creamy salmon filling. Guests rave about the fun presentation, contrasting textures and refreshing flavor. —Barb Templin, Norwood, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 canape: 42 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 72mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
8/27
Tzatziki Shrimp Cucumber Rounds
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe with what I had on hand one night, and now it’s one of my husband’s favorites! The bacon-wrapped shrimp, garlicky sauce and burst of cool cuke flavor make this a crowd pleaser. —Shannon Rose Trelease, East Hampton, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 30 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 64mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
9/27
Khmer Pickled Vegetable Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings (3/4 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I grew up as a missionary kid in Cambodia, and most of my favorite foods have a Southeast Asian background. Locals love eating this pickled salad for breakfast, but I like it as a side for lunch or dinner, especially with chicken satay. —Hannah Heavener, Belton, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 99 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 794mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
10/27
Tandoori-Style Chicken with Cucumber Melon Relish
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We all need a quick meal that's deliciously healthy. I marinate the chicken before I leave for work, and when I get home, I grill the chicken and make the relish. My husband loves the spicy flavor. To amp up the heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes. —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without almonds): 247 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 332mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 38g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
11/27
Cucumber Party Sandwiches
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This 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
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 53 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 92mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
12/27
Cucumber Tomato Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cucumber salad recipes are my absolute favorite! This fast, fresh salad is a winner at every get together. It's an easygoing, healthy side dish for kabobs, chicken or anything hot off the grill. —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 90 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 356mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
13/27
Crisp Cucumber Salsa
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a fantastic way to use cucumbers. You'll love the creamy and crunchy texture and super fresh flavors. —Charlene Skjerven, Hoolpe, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 16 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 44mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 free food.
14/27
Sweet-Tart Cucumber Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A dear friend showed me how to use up cucumbers in a tangy salad. The longer it chills, the deeper the flavor. Look for lemon or pickling cucumbers. —Dian Jorgensen, Santa Rosa, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 139 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 744mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
15/27
Honeydew Salad with Lime Dressing
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Green is my favorite color, and this refreshing salad with grapes, cucumber and kiwi is green to the max. If you want more, add green apples and pears. —Melissa McCabe, Long Beach, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 120 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 22mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fruit.
16/27
Creamy Cucumber Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy cucumber salad, a Norwegian favorite, was a staple at all of our family holidays. —Patty LaNoue Stearns, Traverse City, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 143 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 416mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
17/27
Cucumber Canapes
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I always get requests for the recipe for these canapes whenever I serve them. They're delicate finger sandwiches with a creamy herb spread and festive red and green garnishes. —Nadine Whittaker, South Plymouth, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 canape: 120 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 134mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
18/27
Tilapia with Cucumber Relish
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband isn't big on fish, but he enjoys this mild-tasting tilapia. The relish adds garden-fresh flavor and pretty color to the browned fillets. —Mary VanHollebeke, Wyandotte, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1/4 cup relish: 181 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 384mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 fat.
19/27
Fresh Cucumber Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Crisp garden-fresh cukes are always in season when we hold our family reunion, and they really shine in this simple salad. The recipe can easily be expanded to make large quantities too. —Betsy Carlson, Rockford, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 87 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 22g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
20/27
Sesame-Ginger Cucumber Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I 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
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 64 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 293mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
21/27
Chicken Tzatziki
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to make classic chicken recipes for my family but the real fun is trying a fresh new twist. —Krisen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1/3 cup sauce: 482 calories, 27g fat (7g saturated fat), 133mg cholesterol, 737mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 41g protein.
22/27
Cucumber and Red Onion Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cucumber and onion salad is one of the first recipes I came up with myself. It's a great salad for picnics or potlucks. I always come home with an empty bowl! —Brynn Steckman, Westerville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 31 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 151mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable.
23/27
Shrimp & Cucumber Rounds
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I always make these appetizers for our get-togethers. They're easy to prepare and a snappy addition to any party. —Kelly Alaniz, Eureka, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 20 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 38mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
24/27
Crisp & Spicy Cucumber Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Rice vinegar, sesame oil and cayenne create a sweet-hot Asian flavor that will light up your taste buds! —Alivia Dockery, Jensen Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup (calculated without toppings): 96 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 51mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
25/27
Pennsylvania Dutch Cucumbers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom's side of the family was German and Irish. Settling in Pennsylvania, they adopted some of the cooking and customs of the Pennsylvania Dutch. This is a dish Mom loved, and today it's my favorite garden salad. It tastes delicious alongside a plate of homegrown tomatoes. —Shirley Joan Helfenbein, Lapeer, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 61 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 406mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
26/27
Cucumber Watermelon Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Capturing the fantastic flavors of summer, this refreshing, beautiful watermelon-cucumber salad will be the talk of any picnic or potluck. —Roblynn Hunnisett, Guelph, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 60 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 fruit, 1/2 fat.
27/27
Chicken with Peach-Avocado Salsa
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This 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 of time. —Shannon Roum, Cudahy, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1/2 cup salsa: 265 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 536mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 36g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
