Pin to Board There's something almost absurdly satisfying about shaking a jar of cucumbers and watching them transform into a bright, snappy snack in under a minute. I discovered this particular combination on a lazy afternoon when I was hunting through my pantry and found that everything bagel seasoning sitting next to some chilled English cucumbers, and it just clicked—crisp, savory, and the kind of thing you can make while barely thinking about it.
I made this for a friend who was skeptical about eating vegetables straight, and watching their expression shift from doubt to genuine delight when they tried one was worth the 10 seconds of shaking alone. Now whenever they need a quick snack, they text asking if I've made the cucumber shake, which is somehow both endearing and hilarious.
Ingredients
- 1 large English cucumber (about 300 g), chilled: The cold part is key—it keeps the snap alive while the seasoning clings to its surface, and English cucumbers have thinner skins than their watery cousins, so every bite actually tastes like cucumber and not just water.
- Everything bagel seasoning (2 teaspoons): This blend of sesame, poppy, onion, and garlic seeds is the whole reason this snack works; it's savory without being overwhelming, and it sticks beautifully to the cucumber's moisture.
- Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Use this if your seasoning blend is mild, or skip it if you're watching sodium.
- Olive oil or sesame oil (1 teaspoon, optional): A tiny drizzle helps the seasoning cling and adds richness that makes it feel less like a diet food and more like an actual indulgence.
- Lemon juice or rice vinegar (1 teaspoon, optional): A touch of acid brightens everything and prevents the snack from feeling flat.
Instructions
- Prep your cucumber:
- Wash and dry it thoroughly—any water clinging to the skin will dilute your seasoning. Slice it into thick rounds or spears, whatever feels right to you; I find rounds are easier to shake evenly, but spears are more elegant if you're serving them.
- Jar it up:
- Place all your cucumber pieces into a jar or container with a lid that seals tight; a mason jar works perfectly, but honestly any container with a lid will do the job.
- Season and shake:
- Add your everything bagel seasoning, salt if using, oil if using, and acid if using, then screw that lid on tight. Now shake it like you mean it for 10 to 15 seconds, and you'll actually feel the seasoning coating the cucumbers.
- Serve or chill:
- Eat immediately for maximum crunch, or pop it in the fridge for up to 30 minutes if you want the flavors to meld slightly and taste even more cohesive.
Pin to Board The best part about this snack isn't really the taste, though it's delicious—it's that moment when you're standing in your kitchen at 3 p.m., feeling peckish and unmotivated, and you realize you can have something crunchy and satisfying in the time it takes to open a jar. It changed my relationship with eating well on busy days.
Make It Your Own
Once you understand the formula, this snack becomes a blank canvas for whatever's in your fridge. I've tried it with radishes and got a peppery bite that was unexpected and wonderful, and another time I added thin carrot slices for color and sweetness that balanced the savory bagel seasoning beautifully. Even bell peppers work if you're in the mood for something slightly softer and more sweet.
Flavor Combinations That Work
The everything bagel seasoning is bold enough to stand alone, but it also plays well with others—a pinch of chili flakes adds heat without overpowering, and a light touch of sesame oil transforms it from snack into something almost restaurant-quality. Rice vinegar and lemon juice both brighten the whole thing in slightly different ways, so try both and see which feels right to you.
Storage and Serving Ideas
This is best eaten within 30 minutes of shaking because that's when the cucumber is at peak crunch, though honestly you can eat it immediately if you can't wait. If you want to make it more substantial, add cubed feta or mozzarella for protein, or toss it with a handful of almonds for crunch and staying power.
- For extra protein and creaminess, cube some feta and shake it in with the cucumbers.
- If you're feeding a crowd, make it in a larger jar and let everyone shake it themselves for that fun, interactive element.
- Everything bagel seasoning can sometimes be pricey at specialty stores, but regular grocery stores usually have it in the spice aisle these days.
Pin to Board This snack proved to me that some of the best things in the kitchen are the ones that feel almost too simple, yet somehow hit exactly right. It's become my go-to reminder that good eating doesn't always require time or complexity.
Common Questions
- → Can I use other veggies instead of cucumber?
Yes, radishes, carrots, or bell peppers work well and add variety while holding up to the seasoning.
- → Is it necessary to refrigerate before serving?
Serving immediately offers maximum crunch, but chilling up to 30 minutes allows flavors to meld nicely.
- → What oils can enhance the flavor?
Olive oil or sesame oil adds richness and depth, though optional based on preference.
- → Can I add protein to this dish?
Adding cubed feta or mozzarella boosts protein and adds creamy texture.
- → Are there allergen concerns with the seasoning?
Everything bagel seasoning contains sesame, so use caution for allergies and consider sesame-free blends if needed.