In Season Now: 5 Cooling Cucumber Recipes

Cucumbers are the ideal summer food — cooling and hydrating, with a satisfying crunch. They're great for tossing in fresh salads and juices, or snacking on straight up.

1. Chickpea, Cucumber + Avocado Salad

With the weather getting warmer, a delicious, cold, refreshing salad is sometimes just what the body needs. This delicious chickpea, cucumber and avocado salad does the trick. It only takes 10 minutes to throw together, and is perfect for summer lunches and dinner parties.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Cucumber Smoothie

Cucumber is a little known superfood. High in antioxidants, it is a diuretic and a kidney tonic, which helps against puffiness. You might normally use it on your eyes to make them shine more clearly, but those bags under your eyes belong to your kidneys. Who would have known? You thought you had to only eat kale, right?

3. Super Easy Summer Gazpacho

If you like to follow the basic Ayurvedic principles of seasonal eating, this summer gazpacho recipe is perfect because it's a light, healthy soup that will keep you cool in the heat. It will take you less than 10 minutes to make and you'll have plenty to share with your family and friends. Bonus: it's raw and vegan, making it a healthy option for everyone!

4. Glowing Skin Juice

Cucumbers haven't received as much press as other vegetables in terms of health benefits, but this widely cultivated food provides us with a unique combination of nutrients. The three main phytonutrients found in cucumbers provide us with valuable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer benefits.

5. Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl