Save to Pinterest I started making this on a Tuesday afternoon when I had nothing but a sad cucumber and a jar of everything bagel seasoning someone left at my place after brunch. I was hungry, impatient, and out of crackers. What happened next became my most-repeated snack move. The satisfying thud of the jar shaking, the way the sesame seeds cling to cold cucumber—it turned two minutes into something I actually looked forward to. Now I keep cucumbers chilled just for this.
I brought this to a picnic once, shaking it in the jar right in front of everyone, and three people asked me to make them one too. We stood around passing jars like some kind of cucumber cult. One friend now texts me photos every time she makes it. It became our inside joke, but also proof that the simplest things can be the most shared.
Ingredients
- English cucumber: The thin skin and fewer seeds make it perfect for this, plus you skip the peeling step entirely—I always keep one cold in the crisper drawer.
- Everything bagel seasoning: This is where all the magic lives, the sesame, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion do the heavy lifting so you don't need a spice rack.
- Kosher salt: Optional, but I like a small pinch to wake up the cucumber's natural sweetness, especially if the seasoning blend is mild.
- Olive oil or sesame oil: A tiny drizzle makes the seasoning stick better and adds a silky richness, sesame oil is my favorite for doubling down on toasted flavor.
- Lemon juice or rice vinegar: Just a splash brightens everything and cuts through the oil, rice vinegar is gentler if you're sensitive to sharp acidity.
Instructions
- Prep the cucumber:
- Rinse it under cold water, pat it dry, and slice into thick rounds or spears depending on your mood. I like spears for dipping, rounds for stacking in the jar.
- Load the jar:
- Drop the cucumber pieces into a jar or container with a lid that seals tight, leaving a little room at the top for shaking. A mason jar works perfectly.
- Add the seasoning and extras:
- Sprinkle in the everything bagel seasoning, salt, oil, and lemon juice or vinegar if you're using them. Don't worry about measuring exactly, this is a forgiving recipe.
- Shake it up:
- Seal the lid and shake hard for ten to fifteen seconds, you'll hear the cucumber tumbling and see the seasoning coat every piece. It's oddly satisfying.
- Serve or chill:
- Eat it right away for maximum crunch, or let it sit in the fridge for up to thirty minutes if you want the flavors to soak in deeper.
Save to Pinterest The first time I made this for my partner during a late-night work session, they looked up from their laptop and said it tasted like a deli without the guilt. We ended up splitting three cucumbers that week. Now it's our unspoken signal that we're too tired to cook but still want something that feels intentional.
Flavor Variations
I've tossed in cubed feta for a creamier, saltier bite, and it turns this into something closer to a salad. Radishes and bell pepper strips work beautifully too, they soak up the seasoning fast. If you like heat, a pinch of chili flakes or a few drops of hot sauce before shaking will wake up your whole mouth.
Make-Ahead and Storage
This is best eaten fresh, but I've made it up to two hours ahead and kept it chilled without losing much crunch. Any longer and the cucumber starts to weep and get soggy. If you're bringing it somewhere, shake it right before serving to redistribute the seasoning that settles at the bottom.
Serving Suggestions
I eat this straight from the jar as a midday reset, but it also works piled on a plate next to sandwiches, wraps, or scrambled eggs. It's great as a palate cleanser between richer bites at a party, and kids think the shaking part is hilarious.
- Pair it with hummus or tzatziki for dipping if you want more substance.
- Serve alongside cheese and crackers for an easy, low-effort snack board.
- Pack it in a small jar for work lunches, it travels well and won't make a mess.
Save to Pinterest This recipe proved to me that you don't need a stove or a plan to make something you'll crave again. Keep a cucumber cold, shake it with confidence, and you've got yourself a moment worth repeating.
Recipe Questions
- → What is the best way to slice cucumber for this dish?
Thick rounds or spears both work well, providing an ideal shape for seasoning to cling and delivering a satisfying crunch.
- → Can I use any other oils besides olive or sesame?
Yes, mild oils like avocado or grapeseed can be used to add subtle richness without overpowering the seasoning.
- → How long should the cucumber sit after shaking?
It can be served immediately for maximum crunch or refrigerated up to 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- → What are good add-ons to enhance this snack?
Adding cubed feta or mozzarella boosts protein, while fresh veggies like radishes or carrots add more texture.
- → Is everything bagel seasoning always safe for allergies?
Check for sesame seeds and potential gluten or onion traces; use allergy-friendly blends if needed.