Get the Most Out of Summer Cucumbers

By SAVEUR Editors | Published Jul 9, 2020 2:10 PM

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Tomato-Cucumber Salad with Fennel Dressing

While they’re available year-round, cucumbers peak in the summer. Middle Eastern, Asian, and European varieties tend to be fuller-flavored, sweeter, and more finely textured than the American slicing cucumbers you see most often in stores; they’re our choice for most preparations. Most often enjoyed raw or pickled, they’re also lovely in sautés or puréed with yogurt for cold soups or drinks. Matt Taylor-Gross

Tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and fresh herbs are dressed with roasted cumin and lime juice in this refreshing side dish. Get the recipe for Indian Chopped Salad (Kachumber)

A Floral Finish

The use of roses—petals and waters flavored with them—is common in Persian and Middle Eastern kitchens. Naz sprinkles the petals atop this tart, cooling yogurt sauce she serves with crispy rice dishes, and often with stews and meats. Get the recipe for Yogurt Cucumber Sauce with Rose Petals (Maast-o Khiar) »

Grilled Lamb Chops with Tzatziki Sauce

In this classic Greek pairing, dill is used two ways: first in a garlicky marinade for the lamb, and then in a cooling, brightly flavored yogurt sauce. Serve this dish with a simple green salad. Get the recipe for Grilled Lamb Chops with Tzatziki Sauce

Pasta Salad with Buttermilk Dressing

Pasta salad is a Virginia country-store staple, to which Mason Hereford applies his signature culinary move: elevating humble dishes without sacrificing their essence. Al dente penne gets decked out with lemony buttermilk dressing, sweet peppers, and crunchy seeds. Get the recipe for Pasta Salad with Buttermilk Dressing »

Salted Cucumber Salad

Cucumber Salsa

Get the recipe for Cucumber Salsa »

Delicate and toothsome wood ear mushrooms lend their earthiness and bite to a refreshing cucumber salad. Get the recipe for Mushroom and Cucumber Salad (Liang Ban Huanggua)

Spicy Cucumber Salad

Tomato-Cucumber Salad with Fennel Dressing

Cucumber and Corn Salad with Pomegranate and Poppy Seeds

Cucumber Yogurt

Similar to raita, this Iranian sauce differs with the addition of minced fresh yellow onion. Make it a day ahead to allow the flavors to really marry before serving. Get the recipe for Cucumber Yogurt »

This cucumber drink recipe featured at Brooklyn’s Pies n Thighs uses fresh ginger for an added kick, with a hint of lime juice to round out the flavors. Get the recipe for Cucumber Agua Fresca

Brown Rice Salad with Avocado

Israeli Cous Cous with Ras el Hanout, Fennel and Carrot

Ras el hanout, the North African spice blend, along with fresh orange zest and juice, mint, and cilantro, give Israeli cous cous a fresh feel and flavor in this simple weeknight meal. Get the recipe for Israeli Cous Cous with Ras el Hanout, Fennel and Carrot »

Evening Shade

Garden Kitchen Sink Gimlet

This boozy gin cocktail uses up an abundance of mint, cucumber, and blackberries—it’s summer in a highball. Get the recipe for Garden Kitchen Sink Gimlet »

Cucumber-Tomato Yogurt

This basic raita is a cooling counterpoint to fiery foods, thanks to its foundation of full-fat yogurt, cucumber, and mint. Plum tomatoes add a hint of acid, Thai chiles heat, and cumin a slight earthiness.

Cucumber Pepper Slaw

Cucumbers and Cream Cheese

There’s no reason this tried-and-true combination needs to be limited to tea time. Make three or four of these paper-thin preparations of white bread topped with tangy, softened cream cheese and crisp cucumber slices, and call it a lunch. Get the recipe for Cucumbers and Cream Cheese »