Cucumber Recipes You Can Make in Under 10 Minutes

Photo source: openverse,  Collab Media 

Looking for quick cucumber recipes that are light, fresh and easy on the budget? Cucumbers are available in New Zealand supermarkets and greengrocers all year round, and they need very little cooking. Here are some simple cucumber recipes you can prepare in under 10 minutes, perfect for lunches, afternoon teas or a light evening meal.

Why Cucumber Is Great for Easy Cooking

Cucumber is crisp, mild and naturally refreshing. It needs no oven, no long chopping sessions and very little cleaning up. If you prefer a gentler texture, simply peel the skin and scoop out the seeds with a teaspoon. A small, sharp knife or a handheld slicer can make preparation even easier.

Quick Cucumber Salad

Slice one cucumber thinly and toss it with a splash of white vinegar, a pinch of salt and a little sugar. Add fresh dill or parsley from the garden if you have it. Chill for a few minutes and serve alongside cold meat or fish. It takes about five minutes.

Creamy Cucumber and Yoghurt Dip

Grate half a cucumber, squeeze out the extra water and stir it through a cup of plain Greek yoghurt. Add chopped mint, a squeeze of lemon and a little crushed garlic. Enjoy it with crackers, toasted pita bread or as a topping for a baked potato. It is ready in about six minutes.

Cucumber Sandwiches for Afternoon Tea

A classic for good reason. Spread soft butter or cream cheese on fresh white or wholemeal bread, add thin cucumber slices and season with pepper. Cut off the crusts if you like, then slice into small triangles for a tidy plate at your next catch-up with friends. Allow about eight minutes.

Cucumber and Tomato Salad

Dice cucumber and tomato, add a little red onion, drizzle with olive oil and finish with a sprinkle of salt. Crumbled feta makes a tasty addition. This one comes together in around seven minutes and goes well with grilled chicken or a boiled egg.

Handy Tips for Cucumber Recipes

Choose firm cucumbers with smooth, bright green skin. Store them in the crisper drawer of the fridge and use them within about a week. Wash well before slicing. If you are cooking for one or two, a telegraph cucumber can be halved and wrapped to keep the other half fresh.

Enjoy Something Fresh Today

Cucumber recipes like these prove that good food does not need to be complicated. Try one this week and enjoy something fresh, simple and satisfying. Always check with your doctor or dietitian if you have specific dietary needs.