Hothouse cucumbers, also called Persian, Greenhouse, Seedless, and English cucumbers are the long, skinny ones wrapped in plastic at the grocery store. Unlike waxy, thick-skinned garden cucumbers, the entire vegetable is edible (no peeling! time saver!) and it’s basically seedless. There are seeds, but they’re tiny and underdeveloped with no trace of bitterness.

Because they’re so mild and low-maintenance, I chop them up into crisp cucumber sticks and dip them into hummus or add them to quick snacks more often than garden cukes.

Some of the most filling snacks combine protein and/or healthy fats like hummus, yogurt, cheese, and nut-butters with high-water, antioxidant- and fiber-rich fruits and vegetables. For more on healthy snack combinations, see my guest blog post on The Lyons’ Share.

Here are three healthy and quick cucumber snacks that highlight the lovely Hothouse Cucumber:

Sliced Cucumbers & Laughing Cow Cheese on Wasa Crisps:

Spread two Creamy Light Swiss Laughing Cow Cheese wedges on three Wasa crisps (I love the 7 grain crisp’n lite Wasa) and top with sliced cucumbers. (I don’t normally list calories, but in case you’re curious, this is about 150 calories. Pair with a handful of nuts if you need a higher calorie snack.

Sliced Cucumbers,  Smoked Salmon & Laughing Cow Cheese on Wasa Crisps:

Follow the recipe above except layer one slice of smoked salmon in between the cheese and the cucumbers. I like to have at least one smoked salmon snack with the simple cucumber & cheese one. (One piece of smoked salmon adds 5g of protein and between 33-55 calories – check your package because calories vary depending on the type and oiliness)

Savory Cucumber Greek Yogurt Bowl:

This is a mouthwatering snack. Seriously, my mouth is watering right now thinking about it. The combination of flavors is refreshing and satisfying and almost decadent – the velvety textures of greek yogurt and olive oil cushion the crunchy, cold cucumbers, umami-laden cherry tomatoes and fresh basil. The mixture is worth trying, especially if you’ve never tried a savory-style yogurt before.

Take one individual portion of high-protein yogurt like Greek or Iclandic, and drizzle a small amount of olive oil around the edges. Add halved cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumber and slivered basil.* Squeeze lemon juice on top and finally – a sprinkle of sea salt. Add ground pepper if you like fresh pepper (I don’t!)

*Watch my short YouTube video on how to quickly cut basil

(Note: I don’t work for Laughing Cow or Wasa, I just really like their products!)