Summer is finally here! The rising temperatures forces us outside and into a pool or ocean, and we crave foods that are nice and cold. Eating cooling foods is a refreshing way to beat the heat, and cucumber is a perfect in-season vegetable to do so. Check out these 10 cool cucumber recipes:

1. Unbelievably Raw Vegan Nori Wraps With Spicy Dipping Sauce

Try your hand at making your own nori wraps starring cucumber. This recipe features a spicy dipping sauce made with tahini, miso, and garlic.

2. Vegan Humdinger – Hummus, Carrot, Cucumber, Avocado, and Alfalfa Sprouts Sandwich

Slice up some cucumber and place it between two slices of bread with some hummus, carrot, avocado, and alfalfa sprouts. The cool, crisp texture of the cucumber balances well with the creamy avocado and hummus.

3. Freekeh Salad With Cucumber, Pistachios, and Mint

Freekeh is an ancient form of wheat that’s harvested very young, resulting in superior nutritional content. Try this chewy grain with cucumber, pistachios, raisins, and mint for a salad that is both refreshing and filling.

4. Greek Nachos

You may have never thought to load up nachos with cucumbers of all things, but they make for an excellent tzatziki sauce in this Greek-inspired dish.

5. Spicy Asian Cucumber Avocado Onion Salad

Serve this cooling cucumber salad alongside a delicious veggie burger at your next cookout or BBQ. It’s a great side dish for summer gatherings outdoors.

6. Raw Vegan Tomato Cucumber Sandwich on Onion Corn Bread

Cucumber and tomato go together like peanut butter and jelly. Once you try this sandwich, you’ll agree. Bonus: this recipe is all raw and features a unique, onion corn bread.

7. Chilled Cucumber Dill Soup

Raw cucumber slices can help you beat the heat enough on their own, but blending them into soup and then chilling it is a whole other level of delicious and refreshing.

8. Veggie Sushi: The Green Roll

Cucumbers are a common ingredient used in veggie sushi, which is great for summer eating. This roll is all green inside with cucumbers, zucchini, and avocado.

9. Vegan California and Teriyaki Tofu Sushi

This vegan California roll is another type of sushi to try using cucumber, as well as roasted red pepper and tofu. You’ll need a blender or food processor to combine the red pepper, mayo, and tofu, which you’ll spread over the nori before placing the other pieces on top.

10. Raw Zucchini Pasta With Creamy Avocado-Cucumber Sauce

Try using cucumbers to make a sauce for zucchini noodles. This recipe looks gorgeous on a plate, and unlike a traditional bowl of pasta, is light and refreshing enough to enjoy for summer.

Lead image source: Veggie Sushi: The Green Roll