Cucumbers Are Calling

Crisp, refreshing, cool — it's no surprise that cucumbers are a favorite summertime snack. Their fibrous and watery flesh is exactly what we crave on a hot and sweltering day, and they add freshness to just about any dish you use them in. As the fourth-most widely cultivated vegetable in the world, cucumbers have a massive presence and many, versatile uses, so let's get to know our friendly green vegetable a little better.

Cousins of the melon family, cucumbers are enjoyed throughout the world for their culinary and health benefits. Rich in antioxidants and polyphenols that reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers, they're incredibly nutritious and a great source of vitamin C and potassium. Along with their many benefits, cucumbers are low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Their reputation stretches beyond the kitchen as well, having beauty benefits such as reducing puffiness in the eyes and softening the skin.

The warm-weather vegetable comes in many different varieties — from English to Mediterranean and Japanese — and its mild flavor makes it incredibly adaptable for any type of dish. This week, The Daily Meal is celebrating cucumbers and developing unique, creative, and exciting recipes using them. We want to cook with you, so send us your favorite cucumber recipes by Friday to participate in our Recipe SWAT. Cucumbers are calling this season, so put your culinary prowess to work and join us in reveling in their many uses.

Just to get your creative juices flowing, here are some mouthwatering cucumber recipes that shed a whole new light on this season's favorite.

Cucumber Ceviche with Scallops and Shrimp Recipe
"This shellfish ceviche amps up the flavor by substituting cucumber juice for some of the citrus. For best results, use a small..."

- Off Duty, Wall Street Journal

Cucumber Ribbons with Herbed Pesto and Pecorino Toscano Recipe

"English (aka hothouse) cucumbers will be the easiest variety to find for this herby, lemony salad, but they're less flavorful than long..."

- Off Duty, Wall Street Journal

Cucumber and Buttermilk Soup with Sourdough Croutons Recipe

"Buttermilk and avocado lend tang and creaminess to this light, bright summer soup..."

- Off Duty, Wall Street Journal

Anne Dolce is the Cook Editor at The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter @anniecdolce