Even as cucumbers are being used by us on daily basis in our salads, sandwiches, burgers and other kinds of dishes, the vegetable may be one of the most underrated ingredients in the kitchen. They can not only be enjoyed plain but also add value to a dish with their crunch and refreshing taste that is very much needed during summers.

Cucumber Noodle Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing
While you include cucumbers in your salad regularly, chef Ruffy Shaikh, who is the senior sous chef at ITC Grand Central wants you to take it a step further and surprise your guests at the next party by making a cucumber noodle salad with ginger sesame dressing, where the refreshing summer ingredient is the star of the dish.

Cucumber and Mango Kimchi
One of the easiest ways to include cucumber into your food is by making a salad but if you want to go beyond that then chef Rakesh Gaur from Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa, Goa in Candolim says you can make a Cucumber and Mango Kimchi. With the growing popularity of kimchi due to the Korean wave in India over the last few years, this will become an instant favourite, especially with the addition of mangoes, which are an eternal favourite in India.

Cucumber Gazpacho
Since is the summer season, one can never go wrong with either a soup or salad. While you make take the liberty to add cucumbers to a salad, Suresh Babu, who is the executive chef at Clarks Exotica Convention Resort and Spa in Bengaluru, says you can make a delicious, chilled Cucumber Gazpacho. The combination of creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and zesty lime creates a harmonious balance of flavours and textures that's perfect for beating the summer heat.

Smoked Salmon and Cucumber Rolls
If you are looking to make an elaborate meal, then it is easy to use cucumbers in abundance to make a delicious dish out of it. Chef Tushar Malkani at The Yellow House in Anjuna wants you to elevate the refreshing cucumber this summer by making Smoked Salmon and Cucumber Rolls with just three ingredients – salmon, cream cheese and cucumber.