Cucumber Sandwich

We made this Cucumber Sandwich for when you just need something that’s easy, delicious and quick to pull together. Speaking of cucumbers, this refreshingly crisp vegetable is low in calories, and can help you stay hydrated, thanks to its ability to hold water. Find out how to make this easy sandwich in just 10 minutes, along with our recommendations, variations and ways to customize below.

How to Make a Cucumber Sandwich

1. Make the Spread

You’ll get a double dose of natural tanginess from using a combination of cream cheese and yogurt as the base of the spread, plus a healthy dose of calcium. Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature, which softens it and makes it easier to mix.

2. Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture

The cream cheese mixture is intentionally spread edge-to-edge on the bread slices. Yes, it adds flavor, but it also provides a barrier that protects the bread from getting soggy. Plus, it helps hold the cucumbers in place.

3. Slice the Cucumbers

Use a mandoline or a very sharp knife to make paper-thin slices of cucumber. The thin slices make the sandwich easier to layer and enjoy. Learn more about how to cut a cucumber here.

Variations to Try

• Give it a lemony twist. Lemon adds the perfect pop of brightness to this sandwich. It’s also an easy modification that won’t alter nutrition significantly. Simply add 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest and 1 teaspoon lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture and proceed with the recipe as written.
• Add more herbs. You can increase the herbs that are already in the recipe or you can add or swap. Fresh oregano, basil, tarragon, parsley or cilantro are all welcome additions.

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too!

• We use an English cucumber for this recipe, which has a mild sweet flavor, thin delicate skin and crisp texture. You can substitute it with Persian cucumbers, which have a similar flavor and texture. Persian cucumbers, also known as mini cucumbers, are small cucumbers about 5 to 6 inches long. They're commonly sold in packs of six cucumbers in a tray.
• To safely soften cream cheese, pull out only the amount you need. Cut it into small cubes and place them on a plate. Cover and allow it to stand for 30 minutes. 
• If you don’t have plain Greek-style strained yogurt, you can use regular yogurt. (The spread may be a little thin, but that's OK.) You can also leave out the yogurt and double the cream cheese, but keep in mind that will add saturated fat and calories.
• You’ll only need a small amount of dill and chives to make these Cucumber Sandwiches. Place extra dill and chives on damp paper towels. Roll up and store in a resealable bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Use within 1 week.
  

Nutrition Notes

• Thanks to their water content, cucumbers can add to your hydration status. They contain the mineral silica, which plays an important role in collagen synthesis and keeping your skin smooth and firm. There is also evidence that suggests the compounds in cucumbers may help prevent cancer and diabetes.
• Fresh herbs are a delicious way to add flavor without added calories or salt. Most fresh herbs are also packed with antioxidants that can help protect against disease and inflammation.
• Foods made with whole grains, like the whole-wheat bread in this recipe, are a great way to get more fiber into your diet. According to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, women should aim for at least 25 grams of fiber each day, while men should shoot for at least 31 grams. Look for bread with at least 3 grams of fiber per slice to help with meeting those goals.