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These creamy cucumber salad sandwiches combine crisp, thinly sliced cucumber with a tangy and herby dressing made from Greek yogurt and mayonnaise. Tucked between soft sandwich bread, they make for a light, refreshing meal that comes together in just 10 minutes. Perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic treat, or a dish to bring to a potluck, this recipe strikes a great balance between creamy and crisp with a hint of fresh dill to brighten every bite.
I first made this on a warm spring afternoon when I wanted something easy and cool to eat, and it immediately became a regular in our lunch rotation. The fresh dill and lemon really lift the flavors, reminding me of summertime garden gatherings.
Ingredients
- English cucumber: about eight ounces thinly sliced for a crisp texture
- Sea salt: to draw out extra moisture from the cucumber and keep the sandwich from becoming soggy
- Plain whole milk Greek yogurt: adds creaminess and tang while keeping the filling light
- Mayonnaise: balances the yogurt with richness for that classic creamy texture
- Dijon mustard: introduces a subtle tanginess without overpowering the other flavors
- Fresh dill: chopped for its distinctive fresh and herbal notes essential to this recipe
- Lemon juice: to brighten the dressing and add a fresh acidity that cuts through the creaminess
- Freshly ground black pepper: brings a mild spice that complements the cucumber perfectly
- Chives: finely chopped add a mild onion flavor that’s optional but recommended if you enjoy herbs
- Sandwich bread: whole wheat, oat, or white depending on your preference for softness or nutty flavor
- Butter: softened for spreading optional but great for adding richness and preventing soggy bread
- Extra dill or chives: for garnish to make the sandwiches look as beautiful as they taste
Instructions
- SALT THE CUCUMBER:
- Wash and pat dry your cucumber. Slice into very thin rounds roughly one eighth of an inch thick. Place the slices in a colander, sprinkle with sea salt, and toss gently to combine. Let sit for five minutes so the salt can draw out extra water, preventing sogginess later.
- MAKE THE DRESSING:
- In a medium bowl whisk together Greek yogurt mayonnaise Dijon mustard chopped dill lemon juice black pepper and chives if using. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed to suit your palate.
- DRY THE CUCUMBER SLICES:
- Lay the drained cucumber slices out on paper towels and gently pat them dry with more paper towels. Removing any extra moisture here ensures your sandwich stays crisp and fresh.
- TOSS CUCUMBERS WITH DRESSING:
- Add the dry cucumber slices to the bowl with the dressing and toss gently until every slice is coated evenly but not drenched.
- PREPARE THE BREAD:
- Lay out eight slices of your chosen sandwich bread. If you want an extra richer sandwich spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice. This will also create a barrier to keep bread from becoming too wet.
- ASSEMBLE THE SANDWICHES:
- Spoon generous portions of the creamy cucumber salad onto four slices of bread with the buttered side facing up if using. Spread evenly all the way to the edges for balanced bites. Top each with remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.
- CUT AND GARNISH:
- Trim the crusts if desired then cut the sandwiches in halves or quarters. Garnish sandwich tops with extra fresh dill or chives to make them look inviting and add a little fresh pop of color. Serve immediately or wrap tightly for a lunch on the go.
My favorite ingredient here is fresh dill Its bright grassy flavor perfectly complements the cool cucumber and creamy dressing. Whenever we make these sandwiches it reminds me of spring gatherings in my grandmother's garden where these simple sandwiches were always a highlight.
Storage Tips
These sandwiches are best served immediately to keep the bread from becoming soggy. If you need to store them pack the cucumber salad and bread separately in airtight containers and assemble just before eating. If assembled wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate flatten gently under a plate to keep sandwiches intact. Consume within twenty four hours for best freshness.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap mayonnaise for a plant-based or avocado mayo if you prefer a lighter or vegan option. Use regular yogurt instead of Greek for a milder creaminess but reduce any extra liquid to avoid sogginess. Fresh tarragon or basil can substitute for dill for a different but equally fresh flavor profile. Use gluten free bread if you are avoiding gluten for a safe swap.
Serving Suggestions
These sandwiches pair wonderfully with a crisp side salad lemon wedges or a light soup like gazpacho. Add a small handful of crunchy lettuce for more texture or some thinly sliced radishes for peppery brightness. Ideal as part of a picnic spread or alongside iced herbal tea.
Serve these immediately for the best texture. Always taste the dressing and tweak lemon and salt to suit your palate.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → How do you prevent the cucumber from becoming soggy?
Salting the thin cucumber slices and letting them rest draws out excess moisture, which is then patted dry to keep the filling crisp.
- → Can I substitute Greek yogurt with another ingredient?
Plain whole-milk yogurt or a light sour cream can be used to maintain a creamy texture with a slight tang.
- → What herbs work best in the dressing?
Fresh dill and chives add a bright, herbal note complementing the cucumber well, but fresh parsley or tarragon can also be tried.
- → Is it necessary to butter the sandwich bread?
Butter is optional but adds richness and helps to keep the bread moist and flavorful.
- → How long can prepared sandwiches be stored?
For best texture, enjoy immediately or wrap tightly and refrigerate to consume within a few hours.