Hydrating Summer Recipes

Hydrating Summer Recipes

Hydrating Summer Produce, Reimagined

Each ingredient in this post contains over 90% water. But that doesn’t mean they’re just sides. These cooling, high-water fruits and veggies can anchor a meal, deliciously. Here’s how to use them well.

Cucumber (96% water)

Cucumber Yogurt Salad

  • 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp chopped chives
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  1. Combine cucumber, yogurt, lemon juice, and chives in a bowl.
  2. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Serve chilled as a light lunch or side.

Lettuce (95% water)

Lettuce & Herb Wraps

  • 6 butter lettuce leaves
  • 1/2 avocado, sliced
  • 1/2 cup shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 2 tbsp tzatziki or hummus
  • Fresh dill or mint
  1. Spread a bit of tzatziki or hummus on each lettuce leaf.
  2. Layer in chicken, avocado, and herbs.
  3. Wrap and enjoy fresh.

Zucchini (94% water)

Sautéed Zucchini with Garlic

  • 2 small zucchini, sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper
  1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  3. Add zucchini, season, and sauté for 5 minutes.

Celery (95% water)

Celery, Apple & Walnut Salad

  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 apple, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  1. Mix celery, apple, and walnuts in a bowl.
  2. Whisk oil and vinegar, then toss into salad.
  3. Serve cold.

Tomato (94% water)

Tomato Toast

  • 1 slice sourdough, toasted
  • 1 ripe tomato, sliced
  • 1 tbsp mayo or ricotta
  • Flaky salt + black pepper
  • Fresh basil (optional)
  1. Spread mayo or ricotta on toast.
  2. Top with tomatoes, salt, pepper, and basil.
  3. Serve immediately.

Strawberry (91% water)

Strawberry Chia Yogurt Cups

  • 1/2 cup sliced strawberries
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  1. Mix all ingredients in a jar or cup.
  2. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

Bell Pepper (92% water)

Bell Pepper Egg Cups

  • 1 bell pepper, halved and deseeded
  • 2 eggs
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 tbsp shredded cheese (optional)
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place pepper halves on a baking sheet and crack one egg into each.
  3. Season and top with cheese if using.
  4. Bake for 15–18 minutes.

Cabbage (92% water)

Quick Vinegar Slaw

  • 1 cup shredded green cabbage
  • 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  1. Toss all ingredients together in a bowl.
  2. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Watermelon (92% water)

Minted Watermelon Cubes

  • 1 cup cubed watermelon
  • 1 tsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint
  • Pinch of flaky salt
  1. Mix everything in a bowl and chill before serving.

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