I make this sandwich when I need a quick meal. I learned it on a busy weekday and now I make it a lot. Quick Cucumber Salad Sandwiches fit into a small lunch box. They stay fresh for a short time in the fridge. I use cream cheese, herbs, and thin cucumber slices. It takes ten minutes or less.
I use this recipe at home and for short trips. I pack it for myself or for my kids. I change the bread and herbs to keep it from getting boring. This way I eat a light, cool meal on hot days or when I want something simple.
This recipe is a small, cool sandwich that uses cucumber and cream cheese. It tastes light, fresh, and slightly herby. People often make it for lunch, tea, or a light snack. It is simple and quick to put together. If you want a different salad idea on the side, try the juicy cucumber caprese salad which uses tomatoes and basil for a different taste.
Why make this recipe
This sandwich saves time at busy meals. It uses few items and no long cooking. The flavor is mild and fresh, so many people like it. It works for one plate or a batch to share. You can switch herbs or bread to match what you have. Quick Cucumber Salad Sandwiches are light and fit into a simple meal plan. They also make good small meals for work, school, or a calm at-home lunch.
How to make this recipe
The method is simple and steady. You mix the soft cheese and herbs, then spread. Next you add thin cucumber slices and close the sandwich. The work flows fast if your cucumber is thin and the cheese is soft. Expect a mild crunch from the cucumber and a smooth feel from the cheese. For a small change, read a similar quick prep idea like the easy Asian cucumber salad for a dressing twist you can borrow.
Ingredients
Cucumber — thin slices give a good crunch and even bites.
Cream cheese — it adds cream and holds the cucumber in place. Use soft cream cheese for easy spreading.
Dill or parsley (fresh) — fresh herbs give bright flavor. Dill is classic; parsley is mild.
Bread (whole grain or white) — choose what you like; whole grain is more filling.
Salt and pepper to taste — a small pinch wakes the flavors.
Lemon juice (optional) — a few drops add a fresh lift and cut the fat from the cheese.
Directions
- Slice the cucumber thinly.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese with dill or parsley, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture onto slices of bread.
- Layer the cucumber slices on top of the cream cheese.
- Top with another slice of bread, then cut the sandwiches into quarters.
- Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Note: Thin cucumber slices help the sandwich stay together. Mix the cheese well so it spreads easily. Cut into quarters to make neat, bite-size pieces. Chill the sandwich if you will not eat it right away to keep the crunch.
How to serve this recipe
Serve these sandwiches on a small plate with a side that is simple. Try chips, a small green salad, or fresh fruit. They work at a picnic, a light lunch, or a tea time. For a small party, cut each sandwich into more pieces and lay them on a tray. If you want a heartier meal, pair them with soup or a protein side. This meal stays light and fresh and fits many simple serving plans. Use the recipe as a calm, easy choice for midweek meals.
How to store this recipe
Keep the sandwiches in the fridge if you do not eat them right away. Use an airtight container so they do not dry out. They will be best the same day or the next day. The cucumber will get softer after a day. You can wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap to keep them neat. Do not freeze these; the cucumber will lose its crunch and the bread will get soggy. If you add lemon juice, store in the cold to keep it bright.
Tips to make this recipe
Use a sharp knife or a mandoline to slice the cucumber thin. If the cream cheese is hard, leave it out for a few minutes to soften so it spreads well. Press the cucumber gently into the cheese so slices do not slip out. If you like more flavor, add a little garlic powder or a thin slice of red onion. For more mix ideas, see a fruity spin like the pineapple cucumber salad and borrow a small amount of fruit for contrast.
Variation
You can swap the cream cheese for cottage cheese or a soft goat cheese for a tangier taste. Try rye or sourdough bread for a stronger bread flavor. Use mint instead of dill for a cool change. Add a thin slice of ham or smoked salmon for a protein boost. Keep in mind that adding wet items like tomato or juicy fruit will make the bread soggy faster. That is why this version stays mostly dry and fresh with thin cucumber slices.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: Yes, make them a few hours ahead and keep in the fridge. They are best within a day.
Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
A: Yes. The texture may be a bit less rich, but it works fine.
Q: How thin should the cucumber be?
A: Very thin. Aim for slices about 1–2 mm so the sandwich stays neat.
Q: Can children eat these?
A: Yes. They are simple and soft when cut small. Watch for skin if a child prefers peeled cucumber.
Conclusion
This recipe is a quick, plain meal that works in many small routines. It is easy to make, easy to pack, and easy to change. Use soft cheese, thin cucumber, and fresh herbs for the best result. For more ideas and similar recipes, check this Cucumber Sandwiches – Spend With Pennies for a classic take, or read a simple cream cheese version at Easy Cucumber Sandwiches with Cream Cheese – My Active Kitchen. For another note on small tea sandwiches, see Cucumber Sandwiches – KitchenJoy.
Print
Quick Cucumber Salad Sandwiches
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A light, fresh, and quick sandwich featuring cucumber and cream cheese, perfect for lunches or picnics.
Ingredients
- Cucumber — thinly sliced
- Cream cheese — softened
- Dill or parsley (fresh) — to taste
- Bread (whole grain or white) — your choice
- Salt and pepper — to taste
- Lemon juice (optional) — for freshness
Instructions
- Slice the cucumber thinly.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese with dill or parsley, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture onto slices of bread.
- Layer cucumber slices on top of the cream cheese.
- Top with another slice of bread, then cut the sandwiches into quarters.
- Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
Thin cucumber slices help the sandwich stay together. Mix the cheese well for easy spreading. Chill if not eaten right away.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg