If you’ve found yourself with an abundance of crisp cucumbers from your summer garden or a grocery store haul, and are wondering what to do with lots of cucumbers, don’t let them go to waste! Cucumbers are incredibly versatile, and I’ve got the best ways to turn these thin-skinned delights into mouthwatering dishes that will keep you refreshed during the heat of summer.
Have you been asking yourself, “what can I do with cucumbers besides pickles?” You aren’t alone. When people have a lot of cucumbers, sometimes they just want to make something that isn’t a pickle! The good news is, there are plenty of ideas when you don’t know what to do with an abundance of cucumbers.
What to do with lots of cucumbers
1. Creamy Cucumber Salad: Whip up a deliciously refreshing creamy cucumber salad using sour cream, fresh lemon juice, and mustard seeds or try this recipe.
2. Cucumber Margarita: For a unique twist on a classic cocktail, blend cucumber juice with lime zest and a splash of tequila to make a delightful cucumber margarita. Or, if you are like me and prefer it alcohol-free, make it a cucumber mocktail.
3. Refrigerator Dill Pickles: Transform excess cucumbers into tangy refrigerator dill pickles that can add a zesty kick to your sandwiches or burgers.
4. Asian Cucumber Salad: Create an explosion of different flavors with an Asian cucumber salad featuring thinly sliced cucumbers, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
5. Cucumber Salsa: Spice up your taco night with a refreshing cucumber salsa, mixing chopped cucumber, tomatoes, lime juice, and cilantro for a delightful topping.
6. Cucumber Sorbet: Cool down on hot days with a cucumber sorbet made from cucumber puree, fresh mint, and a touch of honey.
7. Cucumber Sandwiches: Enjoy a light lunch with cucumber sandwiches, featuring thinly sliced cucumbers, cream cheese, and white wine vinegar on pita chips.
8. Cucumber Smoothies: Add a healthy twist to your favorite smoothies by blending cucumber with different fruits and vegetables for a burst of fresh flavors.
9. Summer Garden Stir-Fry: Incorporate a lot of cucumbers into a stir-fry, pairing them with various vegetables and protein for a satisfying meal.
10. Fresh Cucumber Slices: Sometimes, the simplest recipes are the best. Snack on fresh cucumber slices at room temperature for a crisp and hydrating treat.
11. Creative Cucumber Sauce: Get inventive and experiment with different ways to make a cucumber-based sauce, perfect for dressing up your dishes.
12. Cool Cucumber Soup: Combat the heat of summer with a cold cucumber soup, blending cucumbers with yogurt, lime juice, and mint for a refreshing appetizer.
13. Greek Salad with Cucumbers: Combine cucumbers with feta cheese, olives, and cherry tomatoes for a classic Greek salad bursting with fresh flavors.
14. Cucumber Lemonade: Quench your thirst with a delightful cucumber lemonade, blending cucumber juice, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of honey.
15. Butter Pickles: Savor the flavors of butter pickles made with extra virgin olive oil, garlic, and different types of cucumbers for a delicious accompaniment.
16. Cucumber and Lime Infused Water: Enjoy cucumber and lime-infused water at cool temperatures for a refreshing and vitamin C-rich hydration boost.
17. Cucumber Chips: Indulge in crispy baked cucumber chips seasoned with your favorite spices for a guilt-free snack. Make these ones with a dehydrator.
18. Cucumber Gazpacho: Blend cucumber with tomatoes, bell peppers, and garlic to create a refreshing gazpacho perfect for the heat of summer.
19. Cucumber and Cream Cheese Rolls: Roll cucumber slices with cream cheese for a delightful and easy appetizer.
20. Lime Cucumber Salad: Create a zesty lime cucumber salad with fresh herbs like cilantro and lime juice for a burst of citrusy goodness.
21. Cucumber in Different Types of Salad: Experiment with cucumbers in various salads, from Greek salads to creamy cucumber salads, for unique combinations.
22. Cucumber Butter on Hot Dogs: Replace conventional condiments with cucumber butter on your hot dogs for a cool and tasty twist.
23. Cucumber face masks: Cucumbers aren’t just for eating; they can also be used on your skin. Create a homemade cucumber face mask by blending cucumber slices with plain yogurt and aloe vera gel. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with cool water.
There you have it – a plethora of creative and delicious ways to make the most of your extra cucumbers this summer. Whether you prefer cool salads, refreshing drinks, or unique sauces, these recipes are sure to become your favorite go-to dishes during the summer months.
Enjoy the bounty of your summer garden or grocery store haul with these fantastic cucumber recipes!
What to do with too many large cucumbers?
When dealing with large cucumbers, their thicker texture and higher water content can impact the way they are used in recipes compared to smaller cucumbers. Here are some excellent ways to make the most of large cucumbers:
Scoop out the Seeds: Large cucumbers tend to have more seeds, which can make them slightly bitter. To mitigate this, scoop out the seeds using a spoon before using them in your recipe. This will ensure a milder flavor and a better overall texture.
Grate for Salads: Grate large cucumbers and use them in salads. The smaller pieces will blend well with other ingredients and provide a refreshing crunch. You can make Greek salads, coleslaws, or even combine them with grated carrots for a vibrant side dish.
Chunky Cucumber Salsa: Dice large cucumbers into chunky pieces and make a refreshing cucumber salsa. Combine them with diced tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, cilantro, and lime juice. This versatile salsa pairs well with grilled meats, fish, or tortilla chips.
Cucumber Boats: Hollow out large cucumbers and create cucumber boats. Fill them with chicken or tuna salad, hummus, or a medley of vegetables for a creative and nutritious dish.
Cucumber Smoothies: Large cucumbers work well in smoothies. Peel and seed them before blending with other fruits and vegetables for a hydrating and nutrient-packed drink.
Cooked Dishes: Try using large cucumbers in cooked dishes like stir-fries or sautés. Slice or chop them into bite-sized pieces, and cook them until slightly softened but still crisp. They pair well with various proteins and Asian-inspired sauces.
Cucumber Relish: Grate or finely chop large cucumbers to make a delicious cucumber relish. Mix with onions, vinegar, sugar, and spices for a tasty topping on burgers, hot dogs, or sandwiches.
Cucumber Infused Water: Slice large cucumbers into rounds and use them in cucumber-infused water. Their size makes them perfect for adding a refreshing flavor to your water.
Marinated Cucumbers: Slice large cucumbers thinly and marinate them in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and herbs. This creates a tasty side dish or topping for sandwiches and burgers.
Cucumber Soups: Blend large cucumbers with yogurt, herbs, and spices to create chilled cucumber soups. These are perfect for hot summer days and offer a cooling sensation.
Remember, even though large cucumbers may require a bit of extra preparation, their versatility allows you to use them in a wide range of dishes which is incredibly helpful when you are wondering what to do with too many cucumbers, no matter the size.
Whether you prefer them raw, marinated, or cooked, large cucumbers are a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire.
Can You Freeze Cucumbers Whole?
Freezing vegetables is a great way to preserve their freshness and extend their shelf life, but fresh cucumbers pose a unique challenge due to their high water content. Once you put crunchy cucumbers in the freezer, they lose their crunchiness.
Cucumbers have a high water content, causing a mushy and unappetizing texture when thawed. However, there are ways to freeze cucumbers successfully if you plan to use them in specific recipes.
1. Sliced or Chopped Cucumbers: Before freezing, it’s a good idea to slice or chop the cucumbers. This will help preserve their texture and make them easier to use in various dishes like salads and smoothies.
Simply wash the cucumbers, cut them into your desired shapes, and store the pieces in an airtight container or freezer bag.
2. Blanched Cucumber Slices: Blanching involves briefly boiling the cucumber slices before freezing them. This process helps retain the cucumbers’ color, texture, and nutritional value.
To blanch cucumber slices, bring a pot of water to a boil, drop in the slices for 1-2 minutes, then transfer them to an ice water bath to cool quickly.
Pat them dry and freeze them in a single layer before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
3. Pickled Cucumbers: Pickling cucumbers before freezing can be an excellent option. Pickling changes the texture of cucumbers, making them less susceptible to becoming mushy when frozen and thawed.
Prepare your favorite pickling brine, submerge the cucumber slices or spears in it, and store them in the refrigerator for a few days to absorb the flavors. Once pickled, you can transfer them to the freezer for longer storage.
4. Frozen Cucumber Cubes: If you plan to use cucumbers in smoothies or drinks, consider freezing them in the form of cucumber cubes. To do this, blend peeled cucumbers with a little water until smooth, pour the mixture into ice cube trays, and freeze.
Once frozen, transfer the cucumber cubes to a freezer bag for easy access whenever you need them.
5. Cold Soups or Gazpacho: If you love cold soups, cucumbers can be a great addition to dishes like gazpacho. You can prepare the soup, including cucumber slices, and freeze it in portions. Thaw the soup in the refrigerator before serving, and it will retain its delicious flavors and textures.
While freezing cucumbers whole is not recommended due to their high water content, there are several other ways to freeze cucumbers effectively depending on how you plan to use them.
By following the methods mentioned above, you can enjoy the fresh taste of cucumbers even during off-seasons or when you have an abundance of cucumbers from your garden.
Just remember to label and date the containers to keep track of their shelf life in the freezer. Enjoy the convenience of having cucumbers readily available for your favorite recipes throughout the year!
Now you know how to use up Cucumbers
Having an abundance of cucumbers can be a delightful predicament, as there are numerous creative and delicious solutions to explore.
From refreshing cucumber salads and soups to homemade pickles and cucumber sushi rolls, these versatile vegetables can be used in a variety of exciting ways.
Embrace the bounty of cucumbers and enjoy the delightful flavors and textures they bring to your table. Whether you’re experimenting with new recipes or using cucumbers for beauty treatments, the options are endless when it comes to making the most of too many cucumbers.
