July 13th, 2026

Hello Reader

You've heard the phrase, but have you eaten your way through it? Because right now cucumbers are in peak season, I've got 7 recipes that use them in ways you might not expect.

From the classic Polish mizeria to a fresh snow pea salad, a fava bean summer situation, and even a batch of half-sour pickles you can make at home this weekend. Cucumbers are having their moment. And they deserve a newsletter feature.

These recipes are cool, crunchy, and exactly what hot July needs.

Grab a cucumber (or five) and let's get into it.

Creamy Napa Cucumber Salad Crispy Napa cabbage and cool cucumber, tossed in a creamy dressing. This salad is light but satisfying. Creamy Napa Cucumber Salad

Polish Half Sour Pickles A little fermented, a little sour, and a whole lot crunchy – Ogorki Malosolne – Half-Sour Pickles are the essence of Polish summer. Polish Half Sour Pickles

Mizeria - Polish Cucumber Salad Thinly sliced cucumbers in a creamy, dill-forward dressing. Salad that's cool, refreshing, and ready in 15 minutes Mizeria - Polish Cucumber Salad

Chickpea, Cucumber, and Radish Salad Creamy chickpeas, mustard vinaigrette, quick salted cucumbers, and pan-seared radishes. Textures and flavors. Chickpea, Cucumber, and Radish Salad

Fresh Snow Pea with Feta Salad With its crispy snow, fresh peas, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy feta, this salad offers a delicious combination of textures and flavors. Fresh Snow Pea Salad

Chicken, Quinoa, and Chickpeas Salad Simple and very satisfying, this is what you get when making this Chicken Quinoa Salad. It’s packed with delicious proteins and fresh herbs that will leave you craving more. Chicken, Quinoa, Chickpeas Salad

Fava Bean Summer Salad Simple and very satisfying, this is what you get when making this Chicken Quinoa Salad. It’s packed with delicious proteins and fresh herbs that will leave you craving more. Fava Bean Summer Salad

Quick Tip: How to Buy, Store, and Use Cucumbers Like a Pro

At the store or market:

• Look for: Firm cucumbers with smooth, dark green skin
• Avoid: Soft spots, wrinkled skin, or yellowing (means they're past their prime)
• Size matters: Smaller cucumbers tend to have fewer seeds and thinner skin
• Types to know:
  • English cucumbers: Long, thin, nearly seedless, great for salads
  • Kirby/ground/pickling cucumbers: Small and bumpy, perfect for pickling and mizeria
  • Persian cucumbers: Small, crisp, great for snacking
  • Regular slicing cucumbers: Larger, thicker skin (peel if bitter)

How to store:

• Whole cucumbers: Refrigerate wrapped loosely in a paper towel or unwrapped in the crisper drawer
• Shelf life: 1-2 weeks whole, 3-5 days once cut
• Cut cucumbers: Store in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb moisture

Prep tips:

• Salt to remove excess water: For salads, salt sliced cucumbers, let sit 15-20 minutes, then drain and pat dry. This keeps salads from getting watery!
• Score the skin: Run a fork down the length of a cucumber for a beautiful presentation
• Seed removal: For extra watery cucumbers, cut in half and scoop out seeds with a spoon
• Don't peel unless necessary: The skin has nutrients and adds texture (unless it's waxed - then peel!)

5 quick ways to use cucumbers:

• In water: Slice into pitcher for infused water (add mint or lemon!)
• In cocktails: Muddled into gin drinks or added to Bloody Marys
• On sandwiches: Adds crunch to any sandwich or wrap
• In smoothies: Cucumber + mint + lime = summer in a glass
• As a snack: Sliced with hummus, tzatziki, or ranch dressing

Pro tip: When cucumbers are in peak season and cheap, buy extra and make quick pickles or ogórki małosolne. They'll keep you stocked all summer long!

Before you go :)

Thank you for being part of My Omni Kitchen! Made something delicious? Tag @sylwiavaclavekphotography - seeing your creations is the best part of my day.

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P.P.S. I'm planning my April recipes - is there a dish you would want me to make? Reply and tell me what you're craving!