Pin it I started making this on a random Tuesday afternoon when I needed something cold and crunchy but didn't want chips. The jar was already out from pickling, the cucumber sat in the crisper drawer looking perfect, and the everything bagel seasoning lived on the counter. I shook it all together more out of laziness than inspiration, but that first bite stopped me mid-chew—it was exactly what I didn't know I wanted.
My neighbor saw me eating this on the porch one evening and asked if I was on some kind of cleanse. I handed her the jar and she shook out a few pieces, skeptical at first, then asked for the recipe before she even finished chewing. Now she texts me photos of her own jars, sometimes with radishes or bell pepper mixed in, and we've both admitted it's replaced our afternoon pretzel habit entirely.
Ingredients
- English cucumber: The thin skin and fewer seeds make it ideal for this, and chilling it beforehand gives you that satisfying snap when you bite down.
- Everything bagel seasoning: This is where all the flavor lives—sesame, garlic, onion, salt, and poppy seeds coat every surface and stick in all the right ways.
- Kosher salt: Only add this if your seasoning blend is light on salt, otherwise the cucumber can taste more like a pickle than a snack.
- Olive oil or sesame oil: A small drizzle helps the seasoning cling and adds a silky mouthfeel, but you can skip it if you want to keep things lighter.
- Lemon juice or rice vinegar: Just a splash wakes up the whole jar and keeps the flavor from feeling one-note.
Instructions
- Prep the cucumber:
- Wash it well, dry it completely, then slice into thick rounds or long spears depending on your mood. Wet cucumber won't hold the seasoning, so take an extra second with the towel.
- Load the jar:
- Drop the cucumber into a jar or container with a lid that actually seals tight. I've learned the hard way that a loose lid just means seasoning all over the counter.
- Add the flavor:
- Sprinkle in the everything bagel seasoning, then add salt, oil, and lemon juice if you're using them. Don't be shy with the seasoning, it needs to coat every piece.
- Shake it up:
- Seal the lid and shake the jar like you're trying to wake someone up—10 to 15 seconds of real effort. You'll hear the cucumber tumbling around and see the seasoning stick to every surface.
- Serve:
- Eat it right away for maximum crunch, or let it sit in the fridge for half an hour if you want the flavors to settle in deeper.
Pin it There was a night I made this for a small group before dinner, just something to keep hands busy while we talked. No one expected much from a jar of cucumber, but it disappeared faster than the cheese board, and someone actually asked if I'd written down the recipe. I hadn't, because it didn't feel like one yet, but that's when I realized simple things can be the most memorable if they taste right in the moment.
How to Customize It
You can toss in cubed feta or mozzarella for protein, or swap the cucumber for radishes, carrots, or bell pepper if that's what you have. I've tried it with snap peas too, and they hold the seasoning even better. If you like heat, a pinch of chili flakes or a few drops of hot sauce in the jar before shaking changes the whole vibe without losing the crunch.
Make-Ahead and Storage Notes
This is best eaten fresh, but I've kept a sealed jar in the fridge for up to four hours without losing too much crispness. Any longer and the cucumber starts to weep and the seasoning gets soggy. If you want to prep ahead, slice the cucumber and keep it dry in one container, then shake it with the seasoning right before serving.
What You'll Need to Get Started
All you really need is a sharp knife, a cutting board, and a jar with a lid that actually closes. I use a wide-mouth mason jar because it's easy to shake and even easier to eat straight from, but any container that seals will work.
- Make sure your jar is big enough that the cucumber can move around when you shake it.
- A dull knife will bruise the cucumber and make it less crisp, so sharpen yours first.
- If you don't have a jar, a resealable plastic bag works too, just squeeze out the air before shaking.
Pin it It's the kind of snack that doesn't ask much of you but gives back more than it should. Keep a jar of everything bagel seasoning around, and you'll never be more than two minutes away from something that feels like a small victory.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use different vegetables instead of cucumber?
Yes, radishes, carrots, and bell peppers work well when shaken with everything bagel seasoning for varied textures and flavors.
- → What oils work best for added flavor?
Olive oil and sesame oil both enhance the seasoning with richness, though they are optional based on preference.
- → How long should the mixture be shaken?
Shake vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds to ensure even coating of seasoning on cucumber pieces.
- → Can this snack be prepared ahead of time?
It’s best served immediately for crunch, but can be refrigerated for up to 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
- → Is this suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Typically yes, but always check the everything bagel seasoning blend as some may contain gluten.
- → Are there allergen concerns with the seasoning?
Everything bagel seasoning often contains sesame seeds and may contain traces of garlic or onion; check labels carefully.