Veggie and Hummus Cucumber Rounds

Oh, where do I even begin with these delightful veggie and hummus cucumber rounds? They’ve become an absolute staple in our household, especially when we’re craving something light, healthy, and utterly bursting with fresh flavors. My family? They devour them! From my picky-eater teenager who surprisingly loves the crunch and the mildness of the cucumber, to my health-conscious partner who appreciates the nutritious punch, these little rounds are always a hit. We’ve served them as appetizers at impromptu gatherings, packed them in lunchboxes for a midday pick-me-up, and even enjoyed them as a quick and satisfying snack after a workout. Honestly, they’re just so versatile and effortlessly delicious. The creamy hummus paired with the crisp cucumber and the vibrant medley of veggies creates a symphony of textures and tastes that’s both refreshing and satisfying. If you’re looking for a simple, no-fuss recipe that’s guaranteed to impress and nourish, look no further. These veggie and hummus cucumber rounds are about to become your new go-to for healthy snacking and light bites.

Ingredients

• Cucumber: The star of the show! Choose a firm, long cucumber (English or regular) for sturdy rounds. It provides a cool, crisp base and is wonderfully hydrating.
• Hummus: Creamy, dreamy hummus is the glue that holds everything together and adds a rich, nutty flavor. You can use your favorite store-bought variety or whip up a batch of homemade hummus for an extra touch of love. Consider different flavors like roasted red pepper, garlic, or even spinach and artichoke for a fun twist.
• Bell Peppers: Adds a vibrant pop of color and a sweet, crunchy bite. Red, yellow, and orange bell peppers are all fantastic choices, or use a mix for visual appeal and varied nutrients.
• Cherry Tomatoes: These little bursts of sweetness and acidity bring a juicy element to the rounds. Halve or quarter them for easy topping.
• Kalamata Olives: Provides a salty, briny flavor that complements the hummus and veggies beautifully. Pitted and halved or sliced olives are easiest to work with.
• Red Onion: Adds a subtle sharpness and a touch of pungent flavor. Finely dice or thinly slice red onion for a balanced taste.
• Fresh Parsley (or Dill): Fresh herbs elevate the flavors and add a final touch of freshness. Parsley offers a clean, slightly peppery note, while dill brings a bright, citrusy aroma.
• Lemon Juice (optional): A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavors and adds a zesty touch.
• Olive Oil (optional): A drizzle of high-quality olive oil enhances the richness and adds healthy fats.
• Everything Bagel Seasoning (optional): For an extra layer of flavor and texture, sprinkle some everything bagel seasoning on top.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cucumber: Wash the cucumber thoroughly. Using a sharp knife, trim off both ends. Slice the cucumber into rounds that are about ½ inch to ¾ inch thick. You want them thick enough to be sturdy bases for your toppings but not too thick that they become difficult to eat in one bite.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and dry the bell peppers and cherry tomatoes. Remove the seeds and membranes from the bell peppers and dice them into small, bite-sized pieces. Halve or quarter the cherry tomatoes. Pit the Kalamata olives and slice them in half or into rounds. Peel the red onion and finely dice it. Wash and roughly chop the fresh parsley or dill.
3. Assemble the Cucumber Rounds: Lay the cucumber rounds out on a clean platter or serving tray. This allows for easy assembly and presentation.
4. Spread the Hummus: Take a small spoonful of hummus and spread it evenly over each cucumber round. You want a generous layer of hummus, enough to hold the toppings and provide that creamy texture, but not so much that it overwhelms the cucumber.
5. Add the Veggie Toppings: Now comes the fun part – topping your cucumber rounds! Get creative and arrange the diced bell peppers, halved or quartered cherry tomatoes, sliced Kalamata olives, and diced red onion on top of the hummus. Feel free to mix and match the veggies on each round or create a pattern for a visually appealing platter.
6. Garnish and Finish: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley or dill over the topped cucumber rounds. If desired, lightly drizzle with olive oil and squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the rounds to brighten the flavors. For an extra touch, sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top for added texture and flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Your veggie and hummus cucumber rounds are ready to be served! They are best enjoyed immediately while the cucumber is still crisp and the vegetables are fresh. If making ahead, see the tips below for best practices.

Nutrition Facts

(Per Serving – approximately 3-4 cucumber rounds)

• Servings: Approximately 6-8 servings (depending on how many rounds you make and how many per serving)
• Calories: Approximately 80-120 calories per serving (depending on hummus and toppings)
• Fat: 5-8 grams

(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. For precise nutritional information, refer to the nutritional labels of your ingredients or use a nutrition calculator.)

Preparation Time

Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15-20 minutes!

These veggie and hummus cucumber rounds are incredibly fast to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or whenever you need a healthy snack in a hurry. The majority of the time is spent washing and chopping the vegetables and slicing the cucumber. Assembly is a breeze, and you’ll have a beautiful and delicious appetizer or snack ready to enjoy in under 20 minutes. This recipe is a fantastic option for those who want to eat healthy without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Serve

These versatile cucumber rounds can be served in numerous ways, making them perfect for various occasions.

• Appetizer: Arrange them artfully on a platter as a refreshing and light appetizer for parties, gatherings, or before dinner. Their vibrant colors and appealing presentation make them a crowd-pleaser.
• Snack: Enjoy them as a healthy and satisfying snack any time of the day. They are a much better choice than processed snacks and provide a good dose of veggies and protein.
• Lunchbox Addition: Pack a few cucumber rounds in your lunchbox for a nutritious and refreshing midday snack or as a light lunch option. They travel well and stay crisp for a few hours.
• Party Platter Centerpiece: Create a beautiful and colorful party platter by combining veggie and hummus cucumber rounds with other healthy snacks like carrot sticks, celery sticks, bell pepper strips, and pita bread.
• Light Meal Component: Pair them with a small salad or a cup of soup for a light and balanced lunch or dinner. They add a delightful crunch and freshness to any light meal.
• Vegetarian or Vegan Charcuterie Board: Include them as part of a vegetarian or vegan charcuterie board, alongside olives, nuts, dried fruits, cheeses (if vegetarian), and crackers.
• Summer BBQ Side Dish: Serve them alongside grilled dishes at a summer BBQ for a refreshing and cool side that balances out heavier grilled foods.

Additional Tips

1. Choose the Right Cucumber: Opt for English cucumbers or regular cucumbers that are firm and straight. English cucumbers have fewer seeds and thinner skin, making them a great choice. Avoid cucumbers that are soft or have blemishes.
2. Spice it Up: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the hummus or sprinkle a dash of hot sauce over the topped cucumber rounds. You could also use a spicy flavored hummus.
3. Hummus Variations: Experiment with different flavors of hummus! Roasted red pepper hummus, garlic hummus, spinach and artichoke hummus, or even black bean hummus would all be delicious variations. Homemade hummus allows for even more customization.
4. Veggies Galore: Don’t limit yourself to just bell peppers, tomatoes, olives, and red onion. Get creative and add other veggies like shredded carrots, thinly sliced zucchini, chopped celery, or even roasted vegetables like eggplant or zucchini for a heartier option.
5. Cheese Please (Optional): For vegetarian options (not vegan), crumble feta cheese or goat cheese over the cucumber rounds for a tangy and creamy addition. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese is also delicious.
6. Make it Vegan: Ensure your hummus is vegan (most are, but double-check ingredients). Omit any cheese to keep the recipe completely vegan and plant-based.
7. Make Ahead (Partially): You can prepare the vegetables ahead of time – chop the bell peppers, tomatoes, olives, and red onion and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. You can also slice the cucumber ahead of time and store it in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Assemble the rounds just before serving for the best freshness.
8. Presentation Matters: Arrange the cucumber rounds attractively on a platter. Garnish with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil for a visually appealing presentation that will impress your guests. Consider using different colored bell peppers and tomatoes to create a vibrant and colorful platter.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these cucumber rounds ahead of time?

A: It’s best to assemble the cucumber rounds just before serving for optimal freshness and to prevent the cucumber from becoming soggy. However, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Chop the vegetables and slice the cucumber and store them separately in the refrigerator. You can also spread the hummus on the cucumber rounds a couple of hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Add the toppings just before serving.

Q2: Are these cucumber rounds vegan and gluten-free?

A: Yes, these veggie and hummus cucumber rounds are naturally vegan and gluten-free! Cucumber, hummus, and most vegetables are inherently vegan and gluten-free. Just double-check the ingredients of your hummus to ensure it doesn’t contain any unexpected non-vegan or gluten-containing additives, although most standard hummus recipes are both.

Q3: What kind of cucumber is best for this recipe?

A: English cucumbers (also known as seedless cucumbers or hot house cucumbers) are an excellent choice because they have thinner skin, fewer seeds, and a milder flavor. Regular cucumbers also work well. Choose firm cucumbers that are straight and avoid any that are soft or have blemishes.

Q4: Can I use different types of hummus?

A: Absolutely! Experimenting with different hummus flavors is a fantastic way to customize this recipe. Roasted red pepper hummus, garlic hummus, spinach and artichoke hummus, sun-dried tomato hummus, or even spicy hummus would all be delicious variations. Homemade hummus also allows for endless flavor possibilities.

Q5: What other toppings can I add to these cucumber rounds?

A: The possibilities are endless! Consider adding:

• Cheese: Feta cheese, goat cheese, crumbled blue cheese, parmesan cheese (for vegetarian options)
• Other Veggies: Shredded carrots, sprouts, avocado slices, roasted vegetables (eggplant, zucchini), artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes.
• Protein: Chickpeas (whole or roasted), lentils, edamame (for a heartier snack or light meal).
• Seeds and Nuts: Sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, chopped walnuts, pine nuts (for added crunch and nutrition).
• Sauces and Dips: Tzatziki sauce, pesto, balsamic glaze, sriracha mayo (for extra flavor and moisture).

Q6: How long will these cucumber rounds last in the refrigerator?

A: While best enjoyed immediately, assembled cucumber rounds can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few hours. However, the cucumber may release some moisture and become slightly less crisp over time. For optimal quality, it’s recommended to assemble them shortly before serving. If you have leftover toppings, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

Q7: Can I make these cucumber rounds for a large party?

A: Yes, these cucumber rounds are perfect for parties! They are easy to make in large quantities. Simply multiply the ingredient amounts based on the number of servings you need. Prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the rounds shortly before your guests arrive for the freshest and most appealing presentation. Arrange them on large platters for easy serving.

Q8: Are these cucumber rounds healthy?

A: Yes, these veggie and hummus cucumber rounds are a very healthy snack or appetizer! They are packed with:

• Veggies: Providing vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the cucumber, bell peppers, tomatoes, and other vegetable toppings.
• Hummus: A good source of plant-based protein, fiber, and healthy fats from chickpeas and tahini.
• Low in Calories: Relatively low in calories compared to many other appetizers and snacks, making them a great option for weight management.
• Hydrating: Cucumber is very hydrating, contributing to your daily fluid intake.
• Nutrient-Rich: A good source of various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants depending on the specific vegetables used.

Enjoy these delicious and healthy Veggie and Hummus Cucumber Rounds! They are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fantastic way to enjoy fresh, flavorful, and nutritious food.

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