Cucumber Bruschetta
Cucumber Bruschetta is a light, refreshing snack that replaces the bread in traditional bruschetta with crisp cucumbers. Topped with a flavorful, tangy tomato, olive and caper mixā¦.you wonāt be able to eat just oneā¦.or two. Or three. (I stopped at 5.)
![Platter with cucumber bruschetta drizzled with balsamic vinegar](https://thesuburbansoapbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Cucumber-Bruschetta-3.jpg)
They say that necessity is the mother of invention and thatās definitely true when it comes to this cucumber bruschetta.
I love bruschetta, but I have trouble stopping at one or two piecesāand all that bread starts adding up. I wanted to find a way to get my bruschetta fix without sacrificing flavor or the crunchy contrast to the topping. And soā¦I sliced up some cucumbers and called them bread. Yep. It was a happy, happy day.
The cucumbers arenāt just a delivery mechanism for the tomato topping, though. This is not like when you try dipping cukes in salsa instead of tortilla chips and it tastes like disappointment. I love the freshness they add to the whole bruschetta package, along with their crunch. The saltiness of the olives make the cucumber flavor pop and it all just comes together fabulously.
Drizzled with a bit of aged balsamic vinegar, this cucumber bruschetta will surely be a hit at any dinner or poolside party, but itās also an excellent low-carb afternoon snackāyou can make the olive salad in advance and keep it in the fridge for whenever you need it. (If your kids have sophisticated tastes, this is an excellent lunchbox option tooāpop the cucumbers in one container and the topping in another and let your kids assemble Lunchable-style.)
![Cucumber bruschetta mixture in glass bowl](https://thesuburbansoapbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Cucumber-Bruschetta.jpg)
Ingredients for Cucumber Bruschetta
Hereās a quick rundown of what youāll need for this recipe. For the full measurements, scroll down to the recipe card.
- Tomato ā Seed the tomatoes to keep the bruschetta mixture from being too liquid-y, then dice them.
- Red Onion ā Dice these finely so theyāre evenly distributed throughout the bruschetta topping.
- Garlic ā Tomatoes are even better when theyāre garlicky!
- Capers and Kalamata Olives ā Briny, tangy, and a welcome addition to this cucumber bruschetta recipe.
- Herbs ā Fresh parsley and basilādonāt use dried!
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil ā A good fruity oil would be fantastic here.
- Kosher Salt and Ground Pepper ā A flaky sea salt would also be delicious, especially sprinkled over the top.
- English Cucumber ā English cucumbers are the best option here because they have fewer and smaller seeds.
- Balsamic Vinegar ā A drizzle of thick, syrupy aged vinegar is the perfect finishing touch.
![Bowl of cucumber bruschetta topping](https://thesuburbansoapbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Cucumber-Bruschetta-5.jpg)
How to Make Cucumber Bruschetta
This might just be the easiest appetizer youāll ever make for a party. (Okay, Boat Dip ranks up there too.) Hereās what youāll need to do.
- Make the Tomato Mixture. Toss all ingredients (through the olive oil) in a bowl and season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble. Spoon the tomato mixture onto the cucumber slices.
- Serve. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and serve.
Tips for Making Cucumber Bruschetta
Thereās not much to this recipe, but here are a few additional pointers to help your cucumber bruschetta turn out perfect.
- Switch things up. Add a thin slice of fresh mozzarella on top of each cucumber slice before adding the tomato mixture for a creamy layer, sprinkle on crumbled feta or freshly grated Parmesan, or use a mix of different colored tomatoes for some extra visual appeal.
- Get a head start. You can make the tomato topping up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to use. If you really want to be ambitious, cut the cucumbers too and store them in a separate container so you just have to assemble before serving.
- Cut the cucumber on an angle. This gives you more surface area to work with and makes for a more elegant presentation. You can use a mandoline slicer for evenly cut slices, but if Iām just making these as a snack for myself, I use a knife.
![Platter with cucumber bruschetta](https://thesuburbansoapbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Cucumber-Bruschetta-2.jpg)
What to Serve With Cucumber Bruschetta
If Iām throwing a party and serving cucumber bruschetta, hereās what Iām serving with it.
- The Best Champagne Cocktail
- Baked Brie with Fig Jam (Brie En Croute)
- Whipped Feta Dip
- Everything Sourdough Crackers
- The Best Shrimp Ceviche
- Bees Knees Cocktail
- Easy Antipasto Squares
More Cucumber Recipes
- Cucumber Sandwiches
- Korean Cucumber Kimchi
- Cucumber Onion Salad
- Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Watermelon Feta Salad with Cucumber and Blueberries
- The Best Cucumber Salad
- Greek Cucumber Salad Recipe with Feta
- Cucumber Dill Salad
For more easy appetizer ideas, follow us on Instagram and Facebook!
![Cucumber bruschetta slices on platter](https://thesuburbansoapbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Cucumber-Bruschetta-4.jpg)
![Platter with cucumber bruschetta drizzled with balsamic vinegar](https://thesuburbansoapbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Cucumber-Bruschetta-3-300x300.jpg)
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Bruschetta
Ingredients
- 1 large tomato, seeded and diced
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup chopped kalamata olives
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped basil
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- kosher salt
- freshly ground pepper
- 1 english cucumber, sliced on an angle 1/4 inch thick
Instructions
- In a small bowl, toss together all ingredients tomato through olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Arrange the cucumber on a platter and spoon the tomato mixture in the middle of each slice. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Serve immediately.
- Note: The tomato mixture can be made up to 24 hours in advanced and refrigerated in an airtight container.
33 Comments on “Cucumber Bruschetta”
I don’t know what it is about colder temps that make us want to curl up in a bread basket and never come out. “Winter weight” is real. Normally I would scoff at skipping bread with bruschetta but the cucumbers totally make it work!
I totally thought skipping bread for bruschetta was silly….until the winter weight. š
This looks so pretty and perfect for summer!
Thanks!
What a great way to use up cucumbers and make a healthier option for bruschetta.
I love bruschetta! On things, in things, over things, I just love it!
Me too! It’s so yummy!
Ugh, I completely feel you on the “extra” weight. This winter was brutal, all I wanted was comfort food! But now, I need to lose the weight and eat fresh, fresh, fresh! this is perfect for that. I love the idea of serving the bruschetta on cucumbers instead of bread!
I won’t make this a habit but it certainly cuts back on the carbs for a lighter snack. š
congrats on losing that weight! this recipe is so brilliant – I’m totally making it this weekend. š
Thanks, Lauren! I hope you enjoy it.
Best idea for Bruschetta I’ve ever seen!!
Thank you! {takes a humble bow} š
What a great idea!!! How healthy too!
Thanks, Ginny!
YUM! I love me some bruschetta – never thought to use zucchini as the base š But I can’t give up my crusty Italian bread so think I’ll chop up the zucchini (which I just got a bunch from my CSA) and add to your glorious topping. Funny – I crave McDonalds’ French fries in the winter too….
Zucchini would be great too! I love bread sooooo much that I had to give it a bread with some of the recipes. I didn’t give it up entirely though.
These look so tasty! It’s like a Greek salad on a cucumber š
It is!!! Need a little feta next time. š
Oh my gosh this looks absolutely delicious and beautiful! I definitely want to make this for the next party I host! Yum! I pinned it!
Thanks for the pin!!!
I never would’ve thought to use the cucumber…love this!
Thanks!
This is just brilliant. It’s perfect for using up cukes from the garden AND for just plain healthy eats!
Thanks, Rebecca! I love that I can eat 10 of these without guilt. š
Congrats on getting yourself back to a place you want to be – I am still working on that too because it’s so easy to want comfort foods in the winter! These look crunchy, flavorful, and delicious – my mouth is watering!
Thanks, Marisa! It’s still a work in progress.
Everything about this is perfect. I am with you, this winter was so hard! This bruschetta looks light and delicious š
Thanks! Praying for a mild winter…with rainbows and butterflies this year. š