Armenian Cucumber Salad and a Cucumber Blog Hop

One of my favorite parts about living in Israel is the incredible quality, low price, and seasonality of the produce. That and learning about new ingredients. It’s nearing the end of the time when we see Armenian cucumbers at the shuk, recognizable by their light green color and peach fuzz. I didn’t learn until recently that these sweet cucumbers aren’t cucumbers at all – they’re in the muskmelon family along with cantaloupe and honeydew (although these, I’ve learned, are more closely related to cucumbers than I could have imagined). Their slightly sweet, melon-like flavor should have tipped me off. Also called yard-long cucumbers and snake melons, I’ve heard that you can actually find these tasty fruits at farmers markets in the US.

Armenian Cucumbers
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When you have a fun, fresh ingredient like this I tend to keep my preparations simple. I immediately whipped up a simple Greek salad-inspired Armenian cucumber salad with thinly sliced red onion, feta, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. This salad can easily be made with regular cucumbers as well, and makes an amazing side or even relish for grilled chicken. It would pair as naturally with Greek souvlaki as it would with couscous, and can easily be doubled or tripled to feed more people or turn it into a light lunch.

Armenian Cucumber Salad

For more Armenian cucumber inspiration check out Beth Michelle’s amazing looking Thai Chicken Cucumber Salad, and this one from the Kitchn.

5.0 from 9 reviews
Armenian Cucumber Salad
 
Prep Time
Total Time
 
This salad is light and bright, perfect any time of year as a side or light lunch. Substitute Kirby or English cucumbers if the Armenian variety is not available.
Author:
Recipe Type: Side / Salad
Yield: 4 side servings
Ingredients
  • 1 large Armenian cucumber, roughly chopped (substitute 2 English or 3 Kirby cucumbers)
  • ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion (from ½ a small red onion)
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta or Bulgarian cheese
  • ½ tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • Salt and pepper
Directions
  1. Put the cucumber, onion, feta, oil, and vinegar in a medium bowl.
  2. Toss together.
  3. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Serve! (This keeps well and marinates nicely covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 day or overnight).
Notes
Gluten free, Kosher dairy, Vegetarian

Get more inspiration from past blog hops >>



38 thoughts on “Armenian Cucumber Salad and a Cucumber Blog Hop

  1. Choc Chip Uru

    I am loving this recipe my friend ๐Ÿ˜€ ๐Ÿ˜€ ๐Ÿ˜€
    Maybe becausre I am a little over obsessed with cucumbers… ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

  2. Lisa

    That salad looks so refreshing, healthy and lovely, Katherine. Only a great photographer can make a diced cucumber salad look that beautiful ๐Ÿ™‚

  3. Yael

    I once bought one of those and just put it in a salad,but next time I see them I will do your salad. And I too love that the veggies here are so fresh and reasonably priced:)

  4. mjskit

    I’ve only had the privilege of eating a couple Armenian cucumbers and you’re right – they are SO GOOD! What a lovely, simple salad to accent their flavor! Great idea for a hop! Love cucumbers so I’ve linked up a couple of my recipes that highlight this tasty little veggie. Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for hosting!

  5. Mei-i @ gastronomic nomad

    Love the simpleness of this dish. And I learned a new vegetable (or fruit?) of the day! Buzzed. ๐Ÿ™‚

  6. Nami | Just One Cookbook

    I’d love to try Armenian cucumber! This looks delicious. It’s so easy to make too with red wine vinegar. I have all ingredients in my fridge right now except for Armenian cucumber… I love this kind of quick and tasty salad. Very lovely!!

  7. Suzi

    Katherine this salad looks so lite and refreshing. I have never seen this cucumber before but I do like the sound of it’s melony flavor. Congrats on Top 9.

  8. Katie

    Wow, I’ve never seen these Armenian cucumbers before! I’ll have to keep my eyes open for them, but in the mean time I’ll try out this recipe with long English instead. Thanks for the recipe!

  9. kitchenriffs

    Gosh, you can do so many great things with cucumbers! They’re great served alone (with vinegar and oil, or some kind of dressing), or fancied up in a salad – like this one! Really nice combo of flavors. I envy you all the great produce you’re getting!

  10. Nikki @ Tikkido

    I’m growing these in my garden, and they’re HUGE! About as big as my toddler (at at least as heavy)! I had no idea what it was I’d planted (I just saw “cucumber” and was happy to give it a try), and am so glad to find this recipe. Now I know what to make for dinner.

  11. Lorraine

    Thank you for this simple but delicious salad. Iรขโ‚ฌโ„ขm lucky to have a friend who grows Armenian cucumbers in her garden and shares her bounty! I did use balsamic vinegar which is my go to in many recipes.

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