Delectable Dips

• Whether you slice them into rounds, or decide to peel the skin and cut them into matchsticks, cucumbers are absolutely delicious when savored by dipping them in sauces or dressings. Ideas range from the spicy, such as a Buffalo sauce, to the cool and creamy, for instance, a sour cream ranch dip. Fresh avocados can be made into a tantalizing guacamole; while tomatoes, onions, jalapeno peppers and cilantro can make for a fresh salsa. Dressings such as blue cheese, balsamic vinaigrette and French also pair well with the cool, crisp taste of cucumbers.

Scrumptious Salads

• While you can certainly add cucumbers into any old salad as merely an ingredient, you can also make cucumbers the star of the dish. For example, a cucumber and heirloom tomato salad mixes fresh cucumbers and equal parts heirloom tomato in a balsamic vinegar dressing. For an Asian flair, create a cucumber sesame salad by tossing cucumbers in a dressing made with sesame seeds, sesame oil, vinegar, sugar and salt. Feta and cucumber salad, another way to go, mixes roughly chopped cucumber, sliced red onion, crumbed feta cheese, finely chopped garlic and fresh dill in a lemon juice, with olive oil dressing.

Pickles

• Making homemade pickles is a quick process that takes about 15 minutes of active cooking time. A basic pickling brine consists of 1 cup each of water and vinegar, 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon of salt. After cleaning and slicing your cucumbers and placing them into glass jars, bring the brine to a boil before pouring the mixture over your cucumbers. Seal the jars and allow them to come to room temperature before placing in the fridge for at least 24 hours before eating. Pickles will keep for about 1 month, gaining more flavor as the brine continues to penetrate the cucumber. Plate with other recipes that use ingredients such as garlic, dill and even red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Sandwiches

• Cucumber sandwiches are a cool, refreshing bite-size snack often served as hors d'oeuvres. or alongside a tea service at parties. The basic cucumber sandwich calls for a mix of sliced seedless cucumbers, unsalted butter, salt and white pepper, all served on white bread squares without the crust. Fancier versions might play with using artisanal breads or rustic rolls for added crunch, or replace the butter with cream cheese. Herbs such as fresh dill and mint are also sometimes added for flavor.