Cucumber Sticks
Crisp, refreshing cucumber sticks that take seconds to prepare. A simple, hydrating side or snack that adds a cool crunch to any meal. Perfect for dipping or enjoying on their own with a sprinkle of seasoning.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~1 min
Wash and trim the cucumbers.
Rinse the cucumbers under cold running water. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel. Trim off both ends and discard.
- prep · ~2 min
Cut the cucumbers into sticks.
Slice each cucumber in half crosswise, then cut each half lengthwise into quarters. Slice each quarter into evenly sized sticks about 3-4 inches long and 0.5 inch thick.
- mix · ~1 min
Season the cucumber sticks.
Arrange the cucumber sticks on a serving plate. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle with lemon juice just before serving.
TIPAdd the salt at the last moment to keep the cucumbers from releasing water. - serve
Serve immediately.
Serve the cucumber sticks as a refreshing side or snack. They're perfect alongside rich curries, grilled meats, or with a yogurt dip.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use English cucumbers for fewer seeds and a less watery texture.
- 2Slice sticks uniformly so they dip evenly and look neat on a platter.
- 3Salt only at the last minute to prevent the cucumbers from turning soggy.
- 4Pat the washed cucumbers very dry before cutting to help seasoning stick.
- 5For extra crunch, chill the cucumber sticks for 10 minutes before serving.
- 6Toss with lemon juice just before serving to keep the sticks crisp and bright.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herb-crusted
Toss the sticks with chopped fresh dill or mint and a splash of rice vinegar for a bright, herbal twist that pairs beautifully with Middle Eastern or Asian meals.
spicy sesameSpicy-sesame
Replace the black pepper with a drizzle of toasted sesame oil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a nutty, gently spicy kick.
everything bagelEverything-bagel
After seasoning with salt and pepper, roll the sticks in everything bagel seasoning (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic flakes, onion flakes) for a savory, crunchy coating.
creamy dip pairingCreamy-dip-pairing
Serve the plain sticks with a side of tzatziki or ranch dip for a cooling, party-friendly appetizer.
low sodiumLow-sodium
Omit the salt and use only lemon juice and herbs (dill, chives) to season; ideal for those watching their sodium intake without sacrificing flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High Water Content
Cucumbers are over 95% water, making these sticks a hydrating snack that supports skin health and helps maintain fluid balance.
Low in Calories
With minimal ingredients and no added fats, these cucumber sticks are a naturally low-calorie snack suitable for weight management.
Good Source of Vitamin K
Cucumbers provide vitamin K, which plays a role in bone health and proper blood clotting.
Contains Antioxidants
Cucumber peel contains flavonoids and tannins that help fight oxidative stress in the body.
Frequently asked questions
You can cut the sticks a few hours ahead and store them in a sealed container in the fridge, but wait to add salt and lemon juice until just before serving to keep them crisp.
