You can sneak fresh cucumbers into salads, salsa and pita pockets. Of course, we love to do this because they’re packed with health benefits. Now that we’ve discovered mini cucumbers, though, we’re happy to eat a cucumber all by itself!
We found this adorable container of CuteCumber Poppers in the Midwest, and it was love at first sight. Unlike baby carrots, which are whittled down from regular-sized carrots, mini cucumbers are grown specifically to be a one-bite snack.
What Can You Do with Mini Cucumbers?
These mini cukes hold appeal for all ages. They’re a kid-pleasing snack straight from the fridge, make for the perfect, healthy desk snack for grown-ups and could even be a picnic hit, showcased as part of a vegetable spread.
We know that mini cucumbers are practically made for dipping. Break out that bottle of ranch or get creative with some of our favorite dip recipes! We bet they’d also make pretty cute pickles, packed into small canning jars. (You can get started with easy refrigerator pickles.)
Do you know your Kirbys from your gherkins? Here are some popular cucumber varieties, along with how to identify, grow and eat them.
Where to Find Them
CuteCumber Poppers come in convenient 9-ounce packs for on-the-go snacking or in larger 2-pound tubs complete with creamy dip. They’ve been spotted at Pick ‘n Save, a Kroger chain in the Midwest, but keep your eye out for them at your grocery store.
If you can’t find this specific brand, you can also pick up mini cucumbers at national chains like Target, Walmart and Aldi. Start crunching!
Dill Vegetable Dip
A friend gave me this zesty dip recipe many years ago, and now I serve it at our annual holiday open house. To make it mobile, spoon a serving of the dip in the bottom of a small cup, then garnish with fresh veggies. —Karen Gardiner, Eutaw, Alabama
Classic Hummus
We love hummus, and this version is really amazing. If you have a pressure cooker, this is an easy, tasty reason to pull it out! We pair hummus with fresh veggies for a meal or snack. —Monica and David Eichler, Lawrence, Kansas
Caramelized Onion Dip
Once you taste this fabulous dip, you'll never go back to store-bought french onion dip. While it takes a little longer to make, I promise it's worth every minute. —Kelly Gardner, Alton, Illinois
Veggie Dill Dip
I like to keep this good-for-you dip on hand, along with a variety of cut-up vegetables, for an easy snack.—Hazel Baber, Yuma, Arizona
Roasted Vegetable Dip
While my children were always very willing eaters, I came up with this recipe to get them to eat more veggies and enjoy it. The dip doesn't last long in our house. —Sarah Vasques, Milford, New Hampshire
Sweet Potato Hummus
With a little planning, it’s easy to whip up a batch of hummus for unexpected guests, a potluck or an after-school snack. I always bake up extra unpeeled sweet potatoes so I can quickly mash the pulp for this unexpected dip. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina
Herb Dip with Spring Vegetables
When you’re having a large party and focusing on the entrees, it's smart to have snacks and nibbles ready ahead of time. There’s nothing more simple than making dip a day or two ahead and putting it out for guests. I'm a huge fan of ranch, so this is my pick. —Michelle Clair, Seattle, Washington
Crunchy Vegetable Dip
I love to try new recipes, and this one was a big hit with my family. It's great as an appetizer or for a light lunch. —Dottie Miller, Jonesborough, Tennessee
Layered Hummus Dip
My love for Greece inspired this fast, easy Mediterranean dip. It's great for parties and a delicious way to include garden-fresh veggies on your menu. —Cheryl Snavely, Hagerstown, Maryland
Spinach Dip in a Bread Bowl
When we get together with friends, I like to prepare this creamy spinach dip. It's a real crowd pleaser. —Janelle Lee, Appleton, Wisconsin
Beer Dip
Ranch dressing mix flavors this easy dip packed with shredded cheese. It's perfect paired with pretzels. Be forewarned, though—it's hard to stop eating once you've started! The beer cheese dip can be made with any type of beer, including nonalcoholic. I've taken it to many parties and I am always asked for the recipe. —Michelle Long, New Castle, Colorado
Lick-the-Bowl-Clean Hummus
Everyone loves hummus, but I enjoy the garlic and onion types so much that I decided to let them shine in this homemade version. I get so many compliments when I serve it! —Sarah Gilbert, Beaverton, Oregon
Curry Carrot Dip
The flavors of sweet carrots, mustard and curry blend deliciously in this appetizing dip. Raw veggies are the perfect partners. —Louise Weyer, Marietta, Georgia
Thai Veggie Dip
This delicious dip is full of flavor, color and crunch, but not full of calories. There's mild sweetness from the honey with a bit of heat at the end from the pepper flakes. If spicy food is your thing, feel free to add an extra dash of pepper. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Fresh Herb Vegetable Dip
I entertain a lot and am always looking for an easy crowd-pleaser. If it's one where I use fresh ingredients from my herb and vegetable garden, it's even better! I serve this dip in individual servings for large parties so each person has their own cup. —Isabel Minunni, Poughkeepsie, New York
Creamy Red Pepper Veggie Dip
I received this, my go-to veggie dip recipe, from a college roommate. Thick and creamy with just a touch of sweetness, it's always a winner. —Lynne German, Woodland Hills, CaliforniaThe post We Found Adorable Mini Cucumbers That Will Make Lunchtime So Much Cuter appeared first on Taste of Home.
Krista Garcia