Summer eats: cool down with these 3 refreshing cucumber recipes

Summer is in full force, and it is heating up. Amid the pool hangs, beach days, and parties, now is the time for meals and appetizers that are light, crisp, and full of fresh flavor. One of the most refreshing ingredients is the long, healthy, and delicious cucumber. Whether you’re craving a colorful salad, a sushi-inspired bowl, or a protein-packed dish, these three cucumber recipes have you covered. Each one is simple to make, packed with summer energy, and guaranteed to keep you cool and satisfied.

1. Cucumber, watermelon & feta salad

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Some people think it's weird, but a watermelon and cucumber salad will pleasantly surprise you. This combo pairs the sweetness of watermelon, the crunch of cucumber, and salty crumbled feta cheese. Fresh basil leaves elevate the dish while a drizzle of balsamic glaze ties everything together.

Ingredients:

• 2 diced cucumbers
• 3 cups diced watermelon
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh torn basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a large bowl, toss the diced cucumbers and watermelon, making sure to keep their texture intact. Add the crumbled feta and torn basil leaves, letting the herbs soak together with the fruit. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and season lightly with salt and pepper. The feta adds saltiness, so taste it before you go too hard with salt. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

2. Cucumber & tuna sushi bowl

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Sushi is delicious, but can be expensive or time-consuming to make at home. But this cucumber & tuna sushi bowl brings the same delicious flavors with minimal effort. If you have access to sushi-grade tuna, go for it, but your everyday can will be fine too.w

Ingredients:

• 2 cucumbers (diced or thinly sliced)
• 6 oz sushi-grade diced tuna or canned 
• 1 diced avocado
• 1 cup cooked sushi rice (cooled)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Pickled ginger and wasabi for serving (optional)

Instructions:

Whisk soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sriracha in a bowl, then toss the tuna in this marinade for 5-10 minutes. Spread out the sushi rice in a bowl, then layer on the cucumber, avocado, and tuna. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for texture and color. Serve with pickled ginger and wasabi on the side to recreate the sushi bar experience at home.

3. Fresh Tomato, Cucumber, Bean, Corn, and Chicken Salad

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Light, crisp, and full of flavor, this salad brings chicken,  tomato,  cucumber, beans, and sweet corn in a simple, zesty dressing. It’s everything you want on a hot day.

Ingredients 

• 2 cooked chicken breasts, chopped or shredded 
• 1 large tomato (or 2 Romas), diced 
• 1 medium cucumber, diced  
• 1 cup corn kernels (grilled, fresh, or canned) 
• 1 cup black or pinto beans, drained and rinsed 
• 1/4 small red onion, finely chopped 
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 
• 1 jalapeño, finely diced (optional) 
• Juice of 1 lime 
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Dressing 

• 3 tbsp olive oil 
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar 
• 1 garlic clove, finely minced or grated 1/2 tsp ground cumin 
• 1/4 tsp chili powder 
• Pinch of oregano (optional) 
• Salt, to taste

Instructions 

Whisk the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl or shake in a jar until well combined. In a large bowl, toss together the chicken, tomato, cucumber, corn, beans, onion, cilantro, and jalapeño. Drizzle the dressing over the top, squeeze in the lime juice, and season with salt and pepper. Toss gently until evenly coated. Serve immediately or chill for 15–30 minutes. Pairs well with tortilla chips, wrapped in lettuce leaves, or spooned over greens.