Cucumber lemonade recipe

Two popular summertime flavors collide in this cool, refreshing drink.

Cucumber Lemonade

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 6 lemons, juiced

Directions

Combine sugar and water in a saucepan and cook over medium heat until it just begins to boil. Remove from heat and refrigerate for 30 minutes to cool completely. While the simple syrup is cooling. Place the cucumber slices in a food processor and pulse until it forms a pulp. Pour into a fine-mesh strainer and allow to drain into a bowl. Pour off 2/3 cup from the cucumber juice, saving the rest in a sealed container for later use. Be sure to refrigerate the leftovers. In a pitcher, combine the cucumber juice, simple syrup and lemon juice. Refrigerate until you are ready to serve. Pour over ice and garnish with lemon or cucumber. 

Cucumber salad recipe

Cucumber Salad

• 4 medium cucumbers, peeled and diced
• 1 (8 ounce) container vanilla low-fat yogurt
• 1 (8 ounce) container reduced-fat sour cream
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried dill weed
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Place diced cucumbers on a paper towel and squeeze to remove excess water. In a serving dish, combine yogurt, sour cream, onion, garlic and dill. Gently stir in cucumber dices and mix to coat. Season with salt and pepper and cover. Refrigerate for a couple of hours or overnight before serving. 

Tzatziki sauce recipe

Tzatziki, also known as tarator or cacık, is a dip, soup, or sauce found in the cuisines of Southeast Europe and the Middle East. It is commonly used as a condiment on gyros and as a dip. 

Tzatziki Sauce

• 1/2 cup finely grated cucumber
• 1 cup whole milk Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, grated
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 tablespoon chopped dill

Directions

Place the grated cucumber on a paper towel and gently squeeze out the excess water. In a medium bowl, combine all of the ingredients. Cover and keep chilled until ready to use.