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Fresh Herb & Cucumber Recipes: Appetizer Dips & Pesto Recipes

It’s that time of year when we have an abundance of fresh herbs and vegetables at our fingertips.

Today, I would like to share some of my favorite recipes with you. These include refreshing dishes that feature fresh herbs and cucumbers, as well as other favorites that are perfect for summertime. These recipes will join my collection of “It’s so easy even I’ll make it” recipes.

Fresh Summer cucumbers on the vine.

Even if you don’t grow them yourself, check Farmer’s Markets and roadside stands for fresh produce. Most grocery stores are also full of fresh selections.

This cucumber recipe combines fresh cucumbers with fresh herbs and is, therefore, a very refreshing appetizer.

In addition, herbs are my favorite thing to grow in the garden because they are definitely cost-effective, and most are resistant to pests and diseases.

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Easy Cucumber Recipes

I ran across this old recipe in a drawer at our beach cottage while vacationing over the holidays. I had completely forgotten this cucumber recipe existed and decided to serve it for our 4th of July clam bake. It was an immediate hit. Perfectly refreshing and yummy.

Fresh Cucumber Recipes

The ingredients are simple and are most likely things you have on hand. However, the only negative about this cucumber recipe is that you have to plan ahead. The original mixture needs to set in the refrigerator for a minimum of 8 hours. In addition, once the final ingredients are combined, you need another hour before serving.

With that being said, it’s definitely worth the extra time!

ingredients for cucumber and herb dip.

Cucumber Dip Recipe – Prepare ahead

Grate the cucumbers and combine them with the rice vinegar, kosher salt, and celery salt. Allow mixture to set in the refrigerator for 8 hours.

Grate cucumbers into a bowl.

Blend together the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and the remainder of the garlic salt.

Mix all ingredients to make a fresh cucumber dip recipe

Then add the drained cucumber mixture and fresh chopped chives.

Chop fresh chives.

Cover and chill for a minimum of 1 hour.

Add to cucumber and cream cheese mixture.

Garnish & Serve with Pita Chips

Fresh Cucumber and Herb Dip Recipe.
Yield: 10 Servings

Fresh Herb & Cucumber Recipe

Fresh Herb & Cucumber Recipe

Easy Cucumber Dip made with fresh grated cucumbers and herbs

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Additional Time 1 hour
Total Time 9 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 5-7 small - medium Cucumbers
  • 1/2 Cup Rice Vinegar
  • 1 tsp. Kosher Salt
  • 1 tsp. Garlic Salt (divided)
  • 2 - 8 oz. Cream Cheese (softened)
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
  • 2 Tbsp. Chopped Fresh Chives

Instructions

  1. Grate Cucumbers into a medium bowl
  2. Toss with Rice Vinegar, Kosher Salt, and 1/2 tsp. garlic salt.
  3. Cover and Refrigerate for 8 Hours
  4. Drain & Press all liquid from the cucumber mixture. Press with paper towels
  5. Beat Cream Cheese, mayonnaise, and remaining 1/2 tsp of garlic salt with a hand mixer until smooth.
  6. Stir in drained cucumber mixture and chives
  7. Cover and Chill for a minimum of 1 hour before serving.
  8. Garnish with additional chives or parsley
  9. Serve with Pita Chips

Notes

Mixture is also delicious for making cucumber sandwiches.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

This recipe is also delicious for cucumber sandwiches.

Cucumber recipe is great for cucumber sandwiches.

I have had good success growing cucumbers in my raised beds, and Stacy at Bricks N Blooms recently shared these tips on How to Grow Cucumbers in your Vegetable Garden, which are very helpful. Stacy also shared a Refreshing Cucumber and Dill Salad Recipe.


Fresh Herbs

I love growing herbs.

They are easy to grow and are resistant to most pests and diseases.

In addition, they are so cost-effective. Fresh herbs are expensive in the store, and I love having them at my fingertips for free.

Fresh Herbs are great for summer recipes.

Basil Pesto

My Basil Pesto Recipe is a favorite this time of year. You can see the recipe here.

Ingredients for Basil Pesto

The recipe is thick and chunky; however, add a little additional olive oil, and it makes a great dipping sauce for crusty bread.

Basil and Pine Nut Pesto recipe

In addition, it’s delicious over pasta for a quick and easy dinner.

Mix Basil Pesto over noodles.

I make several batches of the recipe and freeze it in small portions. All the details on available here.

Freeze herbs to preserve for off-season use.

Another way to preserve your herbs is to dry them for later use. See How to Dry Herbs for more details.

Dry Herbs for off-season use.

Do you have a favorite herb? Check out these 10 Best Herbs To Grow and Why.

Additional Fresh Summer Vegetable Recipes

I hope you enjoyed these Fresh Herb and Cucumber Recipes. Enjoy the fresh produce while it’s readily available, and here are some additional summer recipes you can enjoy.

Thanks so much for stopping by today, and I hope you enjoy these tips and recipes.

Pin It To Remember It

Did you find some great ideas you’d like to save for future reference? Hover over the images you’d like to save and pin to your favorite Pinterest Boards when you see the PIN button.

Fresh Cucumber Dip Recipe for summer entertaining.
Delicious summer recipe -Fresh Cucumber Dip Recipe

Mary from Life at Bella Terra

Wednesday 19th of July 2023

Rachel, this ALL looks so yummy!

Rachel

Thursday 20th of July 2023

Mary, thank you for stopping by.

corine Mapes

Thursday 5th of August 2021

I have been looking for a cucumber dip recipe, so glad I found yours. Pinned for later.

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Friday 6th of August 2021

Corine, I hope you like it.

Kim | Shiplap and Shells

Friday 23rd of July 2021

This looks absolutely amazing Rachel!

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Sunday 25th of July 2021

Kim It's so easy to make.

Andrea

Wednesday 21st of July 2021

This looks delicious! I love a cucumber dip. I've never tried that before, but it's so perfect for summer. And your pesto looks so delicious. Great photos.

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Wednesday 21st of July 2021

Andrea, Thanks so much for stopping by.

Miche Ortega

Wednesday 21st of July 2021

YUM and PINNED! Thanks so much, Rachel.

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Wednesday 21st of July 2021

Miche, I really appreciate this.

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