The cucumber is one cool fruit…and, yes, we belles did some research on this whole “fruit” label. Although we have lived most of our lives referring to the cucumber as a vegetable, turns out, because it is the part of the plant that forms from the flower (and contains seeds), it fits the definition of a fruit. Who knew blogging could be so educational?!

Regardless of what we call it, the cucumber is one of our favorite and most belle-icious parts of summer! We have been known to enjoy it simply sliced with a touch of salt…or used as a sandwich filling with super-soft bread and a touch of mayo…but we have some other ideas for you belles that are almost as quick and easy with no need to heat up the kitchen! Do we hear summer supper belles ringing?

First, how about a cold, yet savory soup to get the evening started?

Cucumber and Buttermilk Soup

– 2 medium cucumbers
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Handful of fresh herbs (we love cilantro, but mint is excellent as well)
– Juice of 1/2 lime
– Salt and pepper

We use a VitaMix…so you might need to adjust depending on your appliance of choice. Simply wash and slice cucumbers, wash and slightly chop herbs. Place cucumber and herbs in VitaMix container. Pour buttermilk over top. Squeeze lime, and grind salt & pepper over all. Purée until smooth, chill, garnish with fresh herbs, enjoy! How easy is that?!

 

Next, one of our favorite salads…great with grilled chicken or lamb for dinner…excellent as a fresh, cold, leftover lunch the next day…

Cucumber, Tomato and Feta Salad

2 cucumbers, thinly sliced

2 c grape tomatoes, halved (or use your favorite summer-fresh tomato)
1/2 med small red onion

4 oz crumbled feta

Red wine vinegar
Salt
Pepper

Combine all and drizzle with red wine vinegar…salt and pepper to taste.  Enjoy now…and later!

And…how about a breakfast smoothie with cucumber as the base? 
Cucumber Breakfast Juice

Simply pulse until smooth a cucumber, a peach, a dollop of Greek yogurt…and perhaps some fresh mint…and you have one cool start to your day!

Another juice option…
Cucumber, Tomato, and Mint

Tastes like summer in a glass! Fresh!

Stay cool, belles!
a&a