Vegetable (culinary), Fruit (botanical) | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Low Calorie Low Carb Keto

Cucumber

Cucumis sativus Allergens: Oral allergy syndrome (rare, pollen-related)
cucumber

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Cucurbitaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Global
  • Seasonality Summer, Year-Round (greenhouse)
  • Source Cucumber plant

The Forktionary Angle

"A hydration powerhouse and crisp texture provider, essential for cooling down palates and adding freshness."

Definition

A long, green, watery fruit botanically, but culinarily used as a vegetable, known for its crisp texture and refreshing, mild taste.

Sensory Profile

TasteMild, Refreshing, Slightly Grassy, Subtly Sweet
TextureCrisp, Crunchy, Hydrating, Juicy
AromaFresh, Green, Mild
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Key Micronutrient

Vitamin K, Molybdenum

Shelf Life (Whole, Refrigerated)

7-10 days

Water Content

~95%

Nutrition Facts

Per 1/2 cup sliced (52g)
Calories15 kcal
Total Fat0.1g
Saturated Fat0g
Trans Fat0g
Cholesterol0mg
Protein0.7g
Total Carbohydrate3.6g
Dietary Fiber1.5g
Total Sugars1.7g
Calcium16mg
Iron0.3mg
Potassium147mg

Chef’s Secret

For extra crispness and to reduce bitterness, salt sliced cucumbers and let them sit for 15-30 minutes, then rinse and pat dry before use.

Substitutions

Best Match

Zucchini

1:1

Similar texture when raw, milder flavor when cooked. Good for salads or sautéing.

Celery

1:1

Provides crunch and freshness, but with a more distinct savory flavor. Good for salads.

Iceberg Lettuce

1:1

Offers crunch and high water content, but lacks the body and subtle flavor of cucumber.

Green Bell Pepper

1:1 (chopped)

Adds crunch and a fresh, slightly bitter flavor. Good in salads or stir-fries.

Buying Guide

Choose firm, dark green cucumbers without soft spots. Store away from ethylene-producing fruits.

Flavor Pairings

Dill Mint Yogurt Tomatoes Feta Cheese Vinegar Sesame Oil Salmon.

Recipes Using Cucumber

Preparation One Dish Meal For 1 Or 2 15 Minutes Or Less

5 A Day Salad

Fuel your body with this vibrant 5-A-Day Power Salad! Packed with 5 servings of colorful veggies, it's a quick, easy, and delicious way to get your daily dose of nutrients. Perfect for a healthy lunch or light dinner, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

See Complete Recipe
European Number Of Servings European Vegetables

7 Layer Mediterranean Dip With Hummus

Wow your guests with this vibrant 7-Layer Mediterranean Dip! A stunning and delicious appetizer, this Greek-inspired recipe starts with creamy hummus and builds to a colorful masterpiece. Each layer bursts with fresh flavors, making it perfect for parties, game day, or a casual weeknight snack. Get ready for compliments galore! Optional: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or oregano for extra color and zing.

See Complete Recipe
Easy Healthy Kid Friendly Time To Make

Agua De Lima Lime Water

Beat the heat with this vibrant and refreshing Agua de Lima! This zesty Mexican limeade is the perfect complement to spicy food, offering a cool and invigorating counterpoint. But here's a twist: adding cucumber juice elevates this classic beverage to a whole new level of deliciousness. Easy to make and bursting with fresh lime flavor, this Agua de Lima recipe is your new go-to summer drink!

See Complete Recipe
Easy Main Ingredient Course Number Of Servings

Algerian Cucumber Salad

A vibrant and refreshing Algerian cucumber salad bursting with fresh herbs and a zesty vinaigrette! Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or appetizer. This quick and easy recipe comes together in minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Experience the authentic flavors of Algeria with this delicious and healthy salad.

See Complete Recipe
Pasta Side Dishes Pasta Main Ingredient

Anne's Pasta Salad Made Lighter

This lighter take on my Aunt Anne's famous macaroni salad is a family favorite, perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a healthy weeknight meal! It's creamy, tangy, and bursting with fresh veggies, all while being surprisingly light and refreshing. Get ready for rave reviews!

See Complete Recipe
Number Of Servings Main Ingredient Time To Make Holiday Event

Appetizer Cheese Trees Or Snowmen

Delight your guests with these adorable Christmas tree and snowman cheese balls! Perfect for holiday parties or festive gatherings. This recipe provides clear instructions and measurements for creating both charming cheese trees and jolly snowmen, guaranteed to be a hit.

See Complete Recipe
Main Ingredient Course Preparation Low Cholesterol

Asian Cucumbers And Pasta

Spice up your weeknight dinner with this vibrant Asian Peanut Noodle recipe! Warm cucumbers, tossed in a creamy peanut butter sauce with zesty ginger and savory soy, create a surprisingly delicious and refreshing twist on traditional pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a quick and healthy meal.

See Complete Recipe
Presentation Main Ingredient To Go Potluck

Asian American Confetti

Vibrant and flavorful Asian American Confetti Salad! This picnic-perfect dish bursts with color and a delightful mix of savory ingredients. Easy to prepare and even better chilled, it's the ideal side dish or light meal for any occasion. Get ready for a taste explosion!

See Complete Recipe
Vegetarian Low Saturated Fat Main Ingredient 1 Day Or More

Aunt Agnes Garlic Dill Pickles

Transform ordinary cucumbers into extraordinary pickles with Aunt Agnes' treasured family recipe! This Southern classic, passed down through generations, delivers crisp, tangy, and garlicky dill pickles that will be the star of any table. Using high-quality vinegar (Heinz is recommended) is key to achieving the perfect flavor. This recipe makes 7-8 quarts, so feel free to adjust the ingredient amounts based on your cucumber bounty. Get ready to savor the taste of tradition!

See Complete Recipe
Time To Make Pasta Rice And Grains Cuisine Gluten Free

Avocado Vegetable Sushi Gluten Free Vegan

Craving delicious, authentic avocado sushi but worried about hidden ingredients and complicated techniques? This easy, gluten-free, and vegan recipe lets you recreate your favorite Japanese takeout at home! I perfected this simple method after just TWO rolls – trust me, it's easier than you think! Make a mix of avocado and vegetable rolls to suit your family's preferences. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to mastering the art of sushi rolling, ensuring a fun and rewarding culinary experience for everyone (bamboo mat required).

See Complete Recipe
Avocado Appetizers Cuisine Low In Something

Avocado Tzatziki

Indulge in this vibrant and creamy Avocado Tzatziki, a delicious fusion of Greek and Australian flavors! This easy recipe combines the richness of avocado with the classic tang of tzatziki for a taste sensation that's both refreshing and satisfying. Perfect as a dip with pita bread, a topping for grilled meats, or a side to your favorite summer dishes. Get ready to elevate your culinary game!

See Complete Recipe
Finger Food 30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make To Go

Bacon Cucumber And Cream Cheese Sammies

These are the ULTIMATE party sandwiches! Simple, ridiculously yummy, and budget-friendly, they're my most requested party food. This recipe easily scales – I use 2 loaves of pumpernickel for a crowd, but it's perfect for a small picnic or get-together, too. Crisp bacon, cool cucumber, and creamy cream cheese perfectly complement the hearty pumpernickel. Prep the bacon the night before to save time – it's worth it! Customize the seasoning to your liking for a truly unique flavor experience.

See Complete Recipe
Cuisine Low In Something Chicken Cuisine

Baked Greek Chicken Salad

A vibrant and flavorful Baked Greek Chicken Salad recipe! Juicy baked chicken breasts seasoned with a zesty spice blend are paired with a refreshing mix of crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, salty feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and spinach. Drizzled with a light lemon-oil dressing (or creamy Greek dressing – recipe included!), this complete meal is perfect for a healthy and satisfying lunch or dinner. Get the recipe now!

See Complete Recipe
Saltwater Fish 15 Minutes Or Less Salmon Time To Make

Baked Salmon With Cucumber Sauce

Flaky baked salmon fillets are perfectly complemented by a refreshing and vibrant cucumber sauce. This healthy and elegant recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The bright flavors of the cucumber sauce cut through the richness of the salmon, creating a delightful balance of taste and texture. Easy to follow instructions make this dish accessible to all skill levels.

See Complete Recipe
Preparation Asian Poultry Course

Bang Bang Chicken

Experience the explosive flavors of Sichuan cuisine with this Bang Bang Chicken recipe! Tender, bite-sized chicken is tossed in a creamy, spicy, and tangy sauce, then topped with crunchy veggies for a perfect balance of textures. This easy-to-follow recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in under an hour. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds for an extra touch of nutty aroma and flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer!

See Complete Recipe
Spicy Condiments Etc Main Ingredient Spicy

Barbs Bread Butter Pickles

These Bread and Butter Pickles are a family favorite for a reason! A tangy, sweet, and crunchy treat, this recipe has been perfected over time. Easy to make and perfect for canning, these pickles are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Get ready for the perfect side dish for any occasion!

See Complete Recipe
Low Sodium Healthy Low Sodium 15 Minutes Or Less

Basil Cucumber Salad

This vibrant Indonesian salad is quick, easy, and incredibly refreshing! Made with crisp cucumbers, fragrant basil, and a zesty vinegar dressing, it's the perfect side dish for any meal. Prepare it in minutes and let it marinate for a burst of flavor that complements everything from grilled meats to noodle dishes. Get ready for a taste of Indonesia!

See Complete Recipe
Dietary Very Low Carbs Low Sodium Time To Make

Beef And Lettuce Wraps

Ready in 20 minutes, these vibrant Beef and Lettuce Wraps are perfect as a light main course for 4 or a satisfying appetizer. Juicy beef, crisp lettuce, and a zesty peanut sauce combine for a flavor explosion! Easy to customize – add your favorite veggies!

See Complete Recipe