Pin It There's something deeply satisfying about the sound of a jar being shaken—that rhythmic percussion that signals something delicious is happening in just seconds. I discovered this cucumber shaker completely by accident one summer afternoon when I had nothing in the kitchen but a cucumber, leftover everything bagel seasoning, and zero appetite for actual cooking. What emerged was a snack so crunchy, so perfectly seasoned, and so utterly simple that it became my go-to whenever I needed something that tasted intentional but required almost no effort.
I made this for my neighbor when she was lamenting the heat one July evening, and she came back asking for the recipe like I'd shared some ancient secret. The look on her face when she realized it was just shaken cucumber made us both laugh—but she made it three times that week.
Ingredients
- 1 large English cucumber (about 300 g), chilled: English cucumbers are less watery than standard ones, so they stay genuinely crunchy instead of getting soggy after a few minutes.
- 2 teaspoons everything bagel seasoning: This is where the magic lives—sesame, poppy seeds, dried garlic and onion create a savory depth that makes cucumber feel fancy.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (optional): Only add this if your seasoning blend isn't already salty; taste first.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil or sesame oil (optional): A drizzle adds richness and helps the seasoning stick to every slice, though it's genuinely optional.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice or rice vinegar (optional): This brightens everything, adding a subtle tang that makes the flavors pop.
Instructions
- Prep your cucumber:
- Wash and dry the cucumber thoroughly—water is the enemy of crunch. Slice it into thick rounds or spears, whichever shape makes you happiest; the thickness is what keeps them snappy.
- Layer in the jar:
- Place cucumber pieces into a container with a tight-fitting lid. This is where the magic happens, so pick a jar that seals well.
- Add seasonings:
- Pour the everything bagel seasoning, salt if using, oil if using, and any acid you're adding right into the jar. Don't worry about mixing; the shake will do it all.
- Shake with intention:
- Seal the lid and shake hard and fast for 10 to 15 seconds, watching the cucumber pieces tumble and coat with that gorgeous speckled seasoning. You'll hear the difference when they're properly coated.
- Serve or chill:
- Eat immediately while everything is at its crunchiest, or let it sit in the fridge for up to 30 minutes if you want the flavors to deepen and meld slightly.
Pin It My partner once brought a jar of this to a work meeting instead of his usual snack, and suddenly half the office was asking for the recipe. That's when I realized this wasn't just something I made because I was lazy—it was genuinely delicious.
Variations to Try
The beauty of this snack is how endlessly customizable it is without ever becoming complicated. You can swap the cucumber for radishes, which add a peppery bite, or thin carrot spears for something sweeter and still crunchy. Bell peppers work wonderfully too, though they won't have quite the same dramatic crunch. The seasoning is where you can really play—za'atar gives it an entirely different personality, furikake adds an Asian-inspired angle, or even a simple everything bagel with a sprinkle of chili flakes transforms it into something with heat.
Protein Additions
If you want to turn this into something more substantial, a handful of cubed feta or fresh mozzarella changes the entire equation—suddenly it's a light lunch instead of a snack. Roasted chickpeas work too if you want crunch on crunch, and I've even added a scoop of hummus on the side for dipping.
Seasoning Secrets
Not all everything bagel seasonings are created equal, and this matters more than you'd think. Check your blend's ingredient list before buying, especially if you have a sesame allergy—some brands are safe, others aren't. I once grabbed a fancy gourmet version that was so salty it was nearly inedible, so don't assume pricier is better. The regular supermarket version is honestly perfect for this.
- Always taste your seasoning blend straight first to understand its salt content.
- Store it in an airtight container away from moisture so it stays crispy and fresh.
- If you want extra tang, fresh lime juice works just as well as lemon.
Pin It Sometimes the simplest things become the ones we reach for most often. This cucumber snack taught me that delicious doesn't always require complexity—sometimes it just requires an empty jar, a good lid, and a little bit of enthusiasm.
Recipe FAQs
- → What is everything bagel seasoning?
A blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt, it adds a savory, crunchy kick.
- → Can I use other vegetables instead of cucumber?
Yes, radishes, carrots, or bell peppers work well for a similar crunchy texture and flavor pairing.
- → How can I add richness to this dish?
Adding olive or sesame oil enriches the flavor and provides a silky coating to the vegetables.
- → Is this snack suitable for gluten-free diets?
It is naturally gluten-free, but verify seasoning blends to avoid hidden gluten ingredients.
- → How long can I store the shaken cucumber?
Best served immediately, but can be refrigerated up to 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld without losing crunch.