Photo credit: Rachael Ray Show
Aired July 28, 2015
by Lisa Lozano
Nothing turns down the heat of a sweltering summer day quite like cool, crisp, refreshing cucumber. To celebrate this very summery vegetable, we have seven recipes to mellow even the hottest summer day!
No. 1: Andrew Zimmern’s Cucumber-Mint Lemonade
Rachael Ray Show
This light and bright lemonade adds cucumber and mint and will quench even the deepest thirst.
No. 2: Quick Pickled Cucumber Salad
This traditional vinegar-based cucumber salad is kicked up a notch with the addition of jalapeno.
Rachael Ray Show
We can’t imagine a side dish that is more refreshing on a hot summer day than these aptly named summer rolls, made with a traditional cucumber filling.
No. 4: Mediterranean Cucumber Cups
These delicious apps are little Greek salads served in a cucumber “cup.” Perfect to serve at a gathering on a hot summer day.
No. 5: Tomato Cucumber Salad With Lemon Honey Poppy Dressing
This extra-refreshing salad features all the flavors of the Mediterranean, from lemon to basil to honey. Delish!
No. 6: Kara Vogt's Cucumber Lemon-Lime Mint Spritzer
Mellow cucumber balances the tartness of lemon and lime in this deliciously fizzy drink. It’s alcohol-free, but could be boosted with a splash of your favorite over-21 beverage, we won’t tell!
Rachael Ray Show
This recipe adds cucumber to a traditional Moscow Mule, which balances the sharpness of the ginger. Perfect adult drink for a warm summer evening.
All of the above recipes are delish, but let’s face it, a beautiful summer cucumber doesn’t need much dressing up. If you don’t feel like prepping, you can always just slice up your cuke and sprinkle on a bit of salt. Now that tastes like summer!