Recipes to keep you cool as a cucumber

Feeling muggy and hot? Well, we've got you covered. Check out these cuc-tastic recipes we've formulated. This guide will help you stay cool and hydrated whenever you’re in need of some refreshment or simply looking for an after-school snack.

Cucumber Tomato Greek Salad

This delicious salad is a quick and easy snack or light meal. It only takes a few minutes and the ingredients are probably already in your pantry. This recipe feeds 1-2 people and takes around 10 minutes to prepare.

• 2 medium sized cucumbers chopped into quarters

• 10 cherry tomatoes 

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ a squeezed lemon (1 tablespoon vinegar)

• A small handful of crumbled feta 

  
  

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Mix until well combined.

(all photos by Ellie Cole-Calderon)

Cucumber Banana Smoothie

A fun twist on an easy classic, this drink is perfect for a healthy breakfast, or as a cooldown from a hot day. It’s versatile– ingredients can be swapped out for whatever you already have at home. This recipe only takes 5 minutes to prepare, and the result is a delicious, refreshing smoothie that serves one person!

• 1-1 1/2 cucumbers

• ½ cup frozen pineapple (or any frozen fruit of your choice)

• 1 tsp honey

• 1 small banana

• 5 ice cubes

  
  

Spicy Sesame Cucumber Salad  

This crisp, slightly spicy salad provides a huge hit of flavor with just a bit of prep work. Pair this salad with rice, meat, or just on its own! You can easily adjust the amount of chili oil to accommodate your spice preference. This recipe feeds 3-4 people, depending on how much you like cucumbers!Ingredients:

• 4 medium sized cucumber

• ½ tablespoon sesame oil

• 2 tsp salt

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon sugar or maple syrup

• 1.5 tablespoons chili oil 

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 

• ½ - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

• ½ tablespoon minced garlic and ginger 

Directions: 

1. Thinly slice cucumbers and place into a medium sized bowl. Sprinkle with ½ tablespoon of salt and combine. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. This permeates a salty, briny flavor into the cucumbers and draws out the water. 

2. Drain the salty water* from the cucumbers and add the sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar or maple syrup, chili oil, rice vinegar, ginger and garlic, and toasted sesame seeds. 

3. Refrigerate the mixture for 15 minutes and serve in small bowls. 

*Note: The cucumbers will be quite salty. Rinse them with filtered water and pat dry with a paper towel. 

If you’re looking for a healthy summer meal, this is your sign. Run, don’t walk to your refrigerator! We hope you enjoy this beautiful compilation of wonderfully refreshing recipes to brighten your day.