Enjoy Cucumbers in Cool Soup and Fun Snacks

If you are looking for a reason to love cucumbers then read on.

There’s a very good reason for the saying, Cool as a Cucumber, as it describes this humble and refreshingly cool and crunchy vegetable when the weather is warm. Here are some fun facts, handy information about nutritional benefits, 5 ways to enjoy them as snacks, and an easy recipe for Summer Cucumber Soup.

Fun Facts about Cucumbers

• Originally from India
• Related to watermelons
• Easy to grow with plenty of sun and water

Nutritional Benefits of Cucumbers

• They are 95-96% water, making them a very hydrating food
• They are very low in calories and carbs, only 16 cal + 2 grams carbs in 1 cup
• Give us a small amount of fiber, vitamin K, and vitamin A

5 Ways to Enjoy Cucumbers as Snacks

1. Eat a dab of peanut butter on a slice
2. Spread a bit of light cream cheese + everything bagel sprinkles on a wedge
3. Make a ‘boat’ by cutting the cucumber lengthwise in half and scooping out the seeds with a spoon, then stuff it with tuna salad or egg salad and eat it
4. Spritz some fresh lime juice + chili powder on a slice or wedge
5. Cut a cucumber into cubes, then mix with cubes of feta cheese and cherry tomatoes

Easy Recipe for Cool Cucumber Soup

6 servings, about 1/2 – 3/4 cup each

Ingredients: 2 medium cucumbers, 6-7 inches long; 1-1/2 cups plain yogurt; 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2-1 teaspoon fresh chopped mint; 1/2-1 teaspoon fresh chopped dill; 1/8 teaspoon white pepper

Preparation Steps:

1. Get out the 2 cucumbers, a cutting board, and a knife.
2. Reserve 6 thin slices from the cucumber to use as a garnish.
3. Cut the rest of the cucumbers into 3/4 inch cubes.
4. Add about half the cucumber cubes and 1/4 cup plain yogurt to a blender container and blend on high speed until it has a smooth texture.
5. Add the remaining cucumber cubes, salt, mint, dill, and white pepper to the blender container and blend at a low speed until it has a smooth texture.
6. Cover the cold soup and place into the fridge for 1-4 hours.
7. Serve each cup of cold soup with a cucumber slice as garnish.

Summer Vegetables and Healthier Nutrition

The cucumber is a perfect example of a cool and refreshing summer treat. There are many others, too, such as tomatoes, zucchini, Bell peppers, eggplant, and patty pan squash. By becoming adventurous with vegetables, a whole world of heathier nutrition will greet you. So, be adventurous and taste everything. My free Mediterranean menus and recipes are a good place to start and then see where they lead you.

What cucumber recipe or snack will you make this week?