Did you know that North Carolina is the third-leading cucumber producer in the United States? In 2021 alone, the state harvested more than 156 million pounds of the crop, and around 70 million pounds were processed into delicious pickles by Mt. Olive Pickles.
If you’re looking for a few new ways to make the most of the local veggie this season, try these refreshing summertime recipes starring North Carolina-grown cucumbers and pickles.
See more: Southeastern North Carolina Thrives on Cucumbers and Pickles
1. Caramelized Onion & Swiss Beef Sliders
These crowd-pleasing cheeseburger sliders feature Swiss cheese, spicy mustard, pickles and delicious caramelized onions.
2. Cucumber, Melon and Mint Sangria
Light and refreshing, this Cucumber, Melon and Mint Sangria is perfect for an outdoor summer gathering.
3. Quinoa Salad with Watermelon, Cucumber, Feta and Citrus Vinaigrette
Thanks to the protein-packed quinoa, this colorful salad is filling enough to enjoy as a flavorful entree for lunch or dinner.
4. Barbecue Cornbread Sliders with Homemade Pickles
Barbecue is a summertime classic made even better when paired with cornbread and tangy homemade pickles.
See more: Farm Facts: Cucumbers & Pickles
5. Lettuceless Greek Salad with Chickpeas
Lettuceless Greek Salad with Chickpeas makes a perfect side dish for any picnic or backyard barbecue. Packed with protein-rich chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives and tangy feta cheese, you won’t miss the lettuce in this fresh take on Greek salad.
6. Sliced Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill
This crunchy cucumber salad is perfect for summer picnics and cookouts.
7. Easy Salt Pickles
This sweet-salty pickle recipe is fast and easy and can be served the same day it’s made.
8. Chickpea and Tomato Salad with Garlic Dressing and Sourdough Croutons
Instead of lettuce, use crunchy cucumbers and protein-rich chickpeas as the base of a Chickpea and Tomato Salad with Garlic Dressing and Sourdough Croutons. The creamy dressing and homemade croutons add a special touch to this satisfying salad.
9. Tomato Cucumber Salad
Lycopene-packed tomatoes and hydrating cucumbers take center stage in this fresh salad, along with cilantro, balsamic vinegar and onion enhancing their flavor.
See more: Fresh Summer Recipes Starring Awesome Avocados
10. Avocado Toast with Tomato, Cucumber and Dill
Take traditional avocado toast to the next level with this fresh summertime twist featuring tomato slices, cucumber and dill.
11. Cucumber-Sweet Basil Sorbet
Cucumber-Sweet Basil Sorbet is a refreshing way to beat the summer heat. No ice cream maker? No problem. Make this sorbet in your freezer and mix it in a food processor or blender.
