Save to Pinterest I was mindlessly scrolling through my phone one afternoon when I heard the fridge door slam in the kitchen. My roommate emerged holding a cucumber and a jar of everything bagel seasoning, shaking them together in a tupperware like a maraca. I laughed at first, then tasted it. That crunchy, garlicky bite changed my snack game forever.
I started bringing this to work in a mason jar, and my desk neighbor asked if I was eating pickles. When I explained it was just seasoned cucumber, she made her own batch during lunch break. By Friday, three people in our row were shaking jars at their desks. It became our unofficial office snack cult.
Ingredients
- English cucumber: The thin skin and fewer seeds make it perfect for eating whole, and chilling it first gives you that satisfying cold crunch that feels like biting into summer.
- Everything bagel seasoning: This is where all the magic happens—the sesame, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion do the heavy lifting so you dont have to measure five different spices.
- Kosher salt: Some seasoning blends are already salty enough, so taste first before adding more or youll end up with a cucumber that tastes like the ocean.
- Olive oil or sesame oil: A tiny drizzle helps the seasoning stick and adds a silky richness that makes this feel less like a vegetable and more like a treat.
- Lemon juice or rice vinegar: Just a few drops wake up the flavors and cut through the richness of the oil, giving each bite a little zing.
Instructions
- Prep the cucumber:
- Rinse it under cold water and pat it dry with a towel so the seasoning sticks instead of sliding off. Slice it into thick rounds or spears depending on your mood—rounds are great for grabbing, spears feel fancier.
- Load the jar:
- Drop the cucumber pieces into a jar or container with a lid that seals tightly. I learned the hard way that a loose lid means seasoning all over your counter.
- Add the seasonings:
- Sprinkle in the everything bagel seasoning, optional salt, oil, and lemon juice or vinegar. It might look like too much seasoning sitting on top, but trust the shake.
- Shake it up:
- Close the lid firmly and shake the jar like youre trying to wake someone up. Ten to fifteen seconds of vigorous shaking will coat every piece evenly and make you feel weirdly accomplished.
- Serve or chill:
- Eat it right away for maximum crunch, or let it sit in the fridge for half an hour if you want the flavors to sink in a little deeper.
Save to Pinterest One night I made this for a friend who swore she hated cucumbers. She ate the entire jar while we watched a movie, then texted me the next day asking for the recipe. Sometimes the simplest things are the ones that surprise people the most.
How to Make It Your Own
Ive tossed in cubed feta when I wanted more protein, and the salty cheese plays beautifully with the garlic and sesame. Radishes, carrots, and bell pepper strips work just as well if you want to mix up the vegetables. If you like heat, a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of chili crisp oil turns this into something with a kick.
What to Serve It With
This pairs perfectly with hummus, tzatziki, or a simple cream cheese dip if you want to make it feel more like an appetizer. Ive also packed it alongside sandwiches, grain bowls, or even scrambled eggs for breakfast. It works as a palate cleanser between bites of something rich or heavy.
Storage and Timing Tips
Cucumber releases water as it sits, so if you make this ahead, drain off any liquid before serving or it gets soggy. I dont recommend keeping it longer than a few hours because the crunch fades fast. If you want to prep ingredients, slice the cucumber and keep it in the fridge, then shake it with seasonings right before eating.
- Use a glass jar so you can see how evenly the seasoning is coating as you shake.
- Double the batch and keep it in the fridge for a grab and go snack when you get home.
- If you dont have everything bagel seasoning, mix sesame seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, and a little salt.
Save to Pinterest This recipe taught me that sometimes the best food is the kind you stumble into by accident. Keep a jar of everything bagel seasoning in your pantry, and youll never be more than two minutes away from something worth eating.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prepare the cucumber for this dish?
Wash and dry the cucumber, then slice it into thick rounds or spears before seasoning and shaking.
- → Can I change the seasoning used?
Yes, you can experiment with similar dry spice blends or omit sesame-containing seasonings if allergic.
- → Is refrigeration necessary after shaking?
Serving immediately preserves maximum crunch, but refrigerating for up to 30 minutes allows flavors to meld.
- → What oils work best for added flavor?
Olive oil or sesame oil adds richness; both complement the bagel seasoning well.
- → Can other vegetables be used in this preparation?
Yes, try radishes, carrots, or bell peppers for variety and extra texture.