Cucumber Jars are a fun, portable way to enjoy a healthy snack or light lunch. Crisp cucumber slices are layered with creamy hummus, tangy feta, and fresh herbs in a mason jar, creating a visually appealing and delicious grab-and-go meal.
Advertisements1
Perfect for meal prep, picnics, or a quick afternoon pick-me-up, these jars are as versatile as they are tasty. Customize them with your favorite veggies, proteins, or dressings to keep things exciting all week long.
With just a few simple ingredients and no cooking required, you can have a satisfying snack ready in minutes. The layers stay fresh and crisp until you're ready to dive in.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
2 large English cucumbers (about 1 lb / 450g)
English cucumbers have thin skins and fewer seeds, making them ideal for jars. Regular cucumbers can be used if peeled and seeded.
1 cup (240g) hummus
Use your favorite store-bought or homemade hummus. Try roasted red pepper or garlic hummus for extra flavor.
1/2 cup (75g) crumbled feta cheese
Feta adds a salty tang. Substitute with goat cheese or vegan feta for a dairy-free option.
1/4 cup (30g) cherry tomatoes, halved
Grape tomatoes also work well. For a low-carb option, omit or replace with roasted red peppers.
1/4 cup (30g) Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
Olives bring a briny flavor. Swap with green olives or capers if preferred.
2 tablespoons (8g) fresh dill, chopped
Fresh dill complements cucumber beautifully. If unavailable, use fresh mint or basil.
1/4 teaspoon salt
Sea salt or kosher salt works best. Adjust to taste, especially if your feta is salty.
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle kick. Omit for a milder flavor.
1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors. Bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
Tips & Tricks
Prep Ahead
Slice cucumbers and store them in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. They'll stay crisp for up to 2 days.
Layer Smart
Place the hummus at the bottom of the jar to create a barrier that keeps the cucumbers from getting soggy.
Customize
Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa for a heartier meal. Adjust seasonings to your taste.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the cucumbers
Wash the cucumbers and slice them into 1/4-inch (6mm) thick rounds. If using regular cucumbers, peel and seed them first. Place the slices in a bowl and toss with salt and lemon juice. Set aside for 5 minutes to lightly pickle.
2. Prep the toppings
Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the olives, and chop the dill. Crumble the feta if needed. Have all your ingredients ready for layering.
3. Layer the bottom
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of hummus into the bottom of each of 2 pint-sized (500ml) mason jars. Spread it evenly to create a base layer.
4. Add the cucumbers
Layer about half of the cucumber slices over the hummus, pressing down gently. You want a tight, even layer that fills the jar.
5. Add the toppings
Sprinkle a layer of feta, then tomatoes, olives, and a pinch of dill over the cucumbers. Repeat the layering process: another layer of hummus, then cucumbers, and the remaining toppings.
6. Finish and serve
Top the final layer with a sprinkle of fresh dill and a crack of black pepper. Seal the jar and refrigerate until ready to eat. When ready to serve, shake the jar or stir the contents to combine, or eat straight from the jar.
Delicious Variations
Greek-Style
Add chopped red onion, bell peppers, and a sprinkle of dried oregano.
Spicy Kick
Mix sriracha or chili flakes into the hummus, and add jalapeño slices.
Protein-Packed
Add grilled chicken strips, chickpeas, or tofu cubes for a filling meal.
How to Store Cucumber Jars
Refrigerator
Store jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cucumbers will release water over time, so for longer storage, keep the dressing separate.
Freezer
Not recommended for freezing as cucumbers will become mushy.
Reheating
Serve cold or at room temperature. No reheating needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long do cucumber jars last in the fridge?
Cucumber jars will stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain crispness, keep the hummus and cucumbers in separate layers and avoid adding wet ingredients like tomatoes until just before serving.
Q: Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Yes, you can use regular cucumbers, but they have thicker skins and more seeds. Peel them and scoop out the seeds to prevent excess moisture. English cucumbers are preferred for their thin skin and crisp texture.
Q: Can I make cucumber jars ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cucumber jars are perfect for meal prep. Assemble them up to 3 days in advance, but store them in the refrigerator and keep the lid on to maintain freshness. For best texture, add any delicate herbs or dressings just before eating.
Q: What can I use instead of hummus?
You can substitute hummus with Greek yogurt, tzatziki, or a creamy avocado dip. For a dairy-free option, use a white bean dip or pesto. Adjust the seasoning to complement your chosen base.
Ready to enjoy a refreshing, crunchy snack? Grab some fresh cucumbers and your favorite hummus, and create your own Cucumber Jars today. Perfect for lunch, picnics, or a healthy snack on the go!
Cucumber Jars
Cucumber Jars are a refreshing, crunchy snack layered with creamy hummus, feta, and herbs. Perfect for lunchboxes and picnics.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 large English cucumbers (about 1 lb / 450g)
- 1 cup (240g) hummus
- 1/2 cup (75g) crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup (30g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup (30g) Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 2 tablespoons (8g) fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
📋 Instructions
- 1Prepare the cucumbers — Wash the cucumbers and slice them into 1/4-inch (6mm) thick rounds. If using regular cucumbers, peel and seed them first. Place the slices in a bowl and toss with salt and lemon juice. Set aside for 5 minutes to lightly pickle.
- 2Prep the toppings — Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the olives, and chop the dill. Crumble the feta if needed. Have all your ingredients ready for layering.
- 3Layer the bottom — Spoon about 2 tablespoons of hummus into the bottom of each of 2 pint-sized (500ml) mason jars. Spread it evenly to create a base layer.
- 4Add the cucumbers — Layer about half of the cucumber slices over the hummus, pressing down gently. You want a tight, even layer that fills the jar.
- 5Add the toppings — Sprinkle a layer of feta, then tomatoes, olives, and a pinch of dill over the cucumbers. Repeat the layering process: another layer of hummus, then cucumbers, and the remaining toppings.
- 6Finish and serve — Top the final layer with a sprinkle of fresh dill and a crack of black pepper. Seal the jar and refrigerate until ready to eat. When ready to serve, shake the jar or stir the contents to combine, or eat straight from the jar.
