Cucumber, the King of Summer: Fresh, Crunchy, Versatile

Cucumber: A Surprising Star of Summer Recipes

Cucumber is often seen as a basic salad ingredient, but in recent years it has taken center stage in gourmet and creative cooking, thanks also to its many benefits. Italian chefs and food bloggers highlight its freshness in gazpachos, juices, vegetarian sandwiches, and even summer desserts, thanks to its delicate flavor and crunchy texture that pair well with yogurt, mint, lime, or raw fish.

The Benefits of Cucumber

From a nutritional point of view, cucumber is an ideal ally during hot days. Composed of about 96% water, it is highly hydrating and great for fighting summer dehydration. It’s low in calories (about 16 kcal per 100 grams) but rich in vitamins C and K, potassium, and antioxidants like flavonoids. The peel, often discarded, contains fiber helpful for digestion and protective compounds such as lignans, which are studied for their cardiovascular benefits. Cucumber is also appreciated for its diuretic and detoxifying effects.

Pasta with Cucumber Cream and Crispy Bacon

An original, fresh and delicious summer recipe is pasta with cucumber cream and crispy bacon. You’ll need: 320 g of short pasta (like fusilli or mezze maniche), 2 medium cucumbers, 100 g of diced smoked bacon, 80 g of fresh spreadable cheese (like robiola or Philadelphia), extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, and a few fresh mint leaves. Wash and partially peel the cucumbers (leaving some skin), cut them into chunks, and blend with the cheese, a drizzle of oil, salt, pepper, and mint until smooth. Meanwhile, sauté the bacon until crispy. Cook the pasta al dente, drain, and mix with the cucumber cream. Finish with the bacon and a sprinkle of black pepper. The result is a light but flavorful dish, perfect for an original summer lunch.