These easy healthy cucumber snacks with vegan cream cheese are a great way to satisfy your cravings without overindulging. Combining fresh cucumber slices, a creamy vegan cheese mixture, and the flavorful punch of bagel seasoning, this low-calorie treat is ideal as a quick snack, side dish, or easy appetizer for your next party. Whether you’re using English cucumbers or garden cucumbers, this recipe is a fantastic option to brighten up your summer months and delight your taste buds.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Cucumber: Fresh cucumbers are the star of this easy appetizer. English cucumbers are ideal because of their thin skin and minimal seeds, but garden cucumbers or Persian cucumbers also work well. If using cucumbers with thicker skin, consider peeling them.
- Vegan Cream Cheese: I used a homemade tofu and cashew cream cheese mixture for this recipe. You can use any store-bought dairy-free cheese or make your own. For a twist, try incorporating sun-dried tomatoes, rice vinegar, or a little bit of sesame oil into the cream cheese mixture.
- Everything But the Bagel Seasoning: A fantastic way to add flavor with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, garlic, and salt. You can substitute it with a mix of toasted sesame seeds, black pepper, and cayenne pepper for a similar taste.
- Chili Oil (Optional): Adds a spicy kick and pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese. If you prefer less heat, use a drizzle of olive oil or skip it altogether. For a unique twist, try cajun pepper or a hint of spicy creamy buffalo chicken seasoning.
Helpful Tools For These Cucumber And Vegan Cream Cheese Snack
- Sharp Knife: Essential for slicing cucumber pieces evenly and neatly.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy surface to prepare your fresh cucumber slices.
- Small Spreader or Spoon: For spreading the cream cheese mixture onto cucumber pieces.
- Small Bowl: Perfect for mixing or storing extra cream cheese or toppings like bagel seasoning.
- Airtight Container: Keeps your healthy cucumber snacks fresh if making them ahead of time.
How to Make This Healthy Cucumber Snacks With Vegan Cream Cheese Recipe
- Slice cucumber into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are not too thin to maintain a crunchy texture.
- Spread a small amount of vegan cream cheese onto each slice of cucumber.
- Sprinkle a little bit of everything but the bagel seasoning on top.
- Optionally, drizzle a tiny amount of chili oil for a spicy touch.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to a day. Enjoy this great healthy snack!
Notes: I use a homemade tofu and cashew cream cheese and usually make a large batch. It freezes well and thaws beautifully, making it a great way to have this creamy mixture ready for your next party.
Tips & Tricks
- Keep Cucumbers Fresh: Use cucumbers with high water content for maximum crunch. Slice cucumbers just before serving to keep them crisp.
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Bring the cream cheese to room temperature for easier spreading.
- Customize Seasoning: Experiment with flavors like black sesame seeds, grape tomatoes, or toasted sesame seeds to enhance your easy cucumber bites.
- Prepare Ahead: Store sliced cucumbers and the cream cheese mixture separately in airtight containers to assemble just before serving.
FAQs
Yes, if you’re not on a special diet, regular cream cheese works well as a substitute.
Store assembled cucumber bites in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, keep the components separate.
Absolutely! For a spicy alternative, try sprinkling cayenne pepper or mixing a little hot sauce into the cream cheese mixture.
Try adding cut herbs, cherry tomatoes, or a sprinkle of rice vinegar for extra flavor.
Peel the cucumbers before slicing to make them more tender and enjoyable.
Healthy Cucumber Snacks With Vegan Cream Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 cucumber, cut into slices
- ⅓ cup vegan cream cheese I used homemade high-protein see notes
- 1 tbsp everything but the bagel seasoning
Optional
- chili oil for topping
Instructions
- Cut the cucumber into bite sized slices. Make sure they are not too thin.
- Spread a little cream cheese onto each cucumber slice and sprinkle with a pinch of everything but the bagel seasoning.
- Top with just a little chili oil if desired, serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Conclusion: Healthy Cucumber Snacks
These healthy cucumber snacks with vegan cream cheese are a tasty snack perfect for hot summer days. Whether you’re looking for an easy cucumber appetizer, a low-calorie treat, or a great way to please your taste buds, these bagel cucumber bites are a fantastic option.
Their fresh cucumber slices and creamy cheese mixture make them the best part of any gathering, especially in the summer months. Give them a try at your next party or as a favorite vegan snack for everyday enjoyment!
Loved how simple and healthy this recipe was. The vegan creamed cheese was sooooo tasty I will use that for crackers and bagels etc
Thanks so much Joselyn, that sounds fantastic to use it on crackers and cheese, I do the same 🙂
5g of protein on these low carb high protein snacks!!! Perfect 🤩
Yes thanks JoAnne, these are great for post work out or anyone looking for a plant based source of protein with low carbs 😊