I'm constantly on the lookout for quick and easy lunches, and this is never more evident than in the summer. Although I sometimes rely on a salad kit, I prefer a dish that I can prepare in five minutes or less using a few key ingredients. I feel like I've done something, but barely. Plus, this lunch should get me through the rest of the work day, at least until snack time (4 p.m. sharp).
My favorite summer lunch is a vegetarian sandwich, and the most basic version that I rely on again and again is a cucumber sandwich. The cucumber gives it a bright crunch, adding a vegetarian touch to your meal. Then there's the spread of choice, which adds flavor and creaminess (and possibly protein). Then there's the bread, a delicious topping if ever there was one.
Over the years I have perfected my cucumber sandwich. It takes about a minute to prepare and it's satisfying every time. Here's how to make it.
Simply Recipes / Laurel Randolph
How to prepare my cucumber sandwich in 1 minute
To prepare a sandwich you will need:
- 1 Persian cucumber or about a 4-inch section cut from a greenhouse cucumber
- 2 slices of bread, preferably whole wheat
- 2 to 3 tablespoons of fresh cheese with vegetables or chives, or to taste
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, optional
Cut the cucumber lengthwise into long, thin slices. Spread each slice of bread with about a tablespoon of cream cheese. Stack the cucumber on one side, then sprinkle with salt and pepper (if desired). Place the other slice of bread on top, cream cheese side down, and cut the sandwich in half. Appreciate.
A note on cream cheese
Cream cheese is key here. You only use two items to fill this sandwich, so you better prepare them well. I recently fell in love with Tillamook Cream Cheese and love the very vegetarian and chive and onion flavors of this sandwich. They are so rich and flavorful that you don't need anything else.
You can use your favorite brand, just go for a flavorful, easy-to-spread option like Trader Joe's Onion-Chive Cream Cheese or Philadelphia Garlic-Herb Cream Cheese .
Simply Recipes / Laurel Randolph
Improve this sandwich
This cucumber sandwich doesn't need any side dishes – it's perfect as is. But sometimes I add other ingredients because I have them lying around. Here are some of my favorites:
- Sliced tomato, especially a ripe heirloom tomato
- Cabbage
- A pinch of Tajín seasoning, dukkah or za'atar
- Sliced radishes
- Dill Pickles
- Slices of smoked or peppered turkey
- A squeeze of lemon or lime
