The 1-Minute Cucumber Sandwich I’m Eating All Summer Long

I’m constantly looking for quick and easy lunches, and that’s never more apparent than in the summertime. While I’ll sometimes lean on a salad kit, I prefer a dish I can slap together in five minutes or less using a few key ingredients. It feels like I did something, but just barely. Plus, said lunch has got to get me through the rest of the work day—at least until the snacking hour (four p.m. on the dot). 

My favorite go-to summer lunch is a veggie sandwich, and the most basic version that I lean on time and time again is a cucumber sandwich. It’s got a bright crunch from the cucumber, adding some veggie action 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 filler if there ever was one.

Over the years, I’ve perfected my cucumber sandwich. It takes about a minute to prepare, and it is satisfying every single time. Here’s how to make it.

How To Make My 1-Minute Cucumber Sandwich

To make one sandwich, you’ll need:

• 1 Persian cucumber or a roughly 4-inch section cut from a hothouse cucumber
• 2 slices bread, preferably whole wheat
• 2 to 3 tablespoons vegetable or chive cream cheese, or to taste
• Salt and freshly ground pepper, optional

Slice the cucumber lengthwise into long, thin slices. Spread each slice of bread with about a tablespoon of cream cheese. Stack the cucumber up on one side, then sprinkle with salt and pepper (if desired). Place the other slice of bread on top, cream cheese-side down, and slice the sandwich in half. Enjoy.

A Note on Cream Cheese

The cream cheese is key here. You’re only using two items to fill this sandwich, so you’d better make them good. I’ve recently fallen in love with Tillamook Cream Cheese, and I love the Very Veggie and Chive & Onion flavors for this sandwich. They’re so rich and flavorful that you don’t need anything else.

You can use your favorite brand, just go for an easy-to-spread, flavorful option, like Trader Joe’s Onion & Chive Cream Cheese or Philadelphia Garlic & Herb Cream Cheese. 

Upgrade This Sandwich

This cucumber sandwich needs no accompaniment—it’s perfect just the way it is. But sometimes I toss in other ingredients because I have them lying around. Here are some of my favorites:

• Sliced tomato, especially a ripe heirloom tomato
• Sprouts
• A sprinkle of Tajín seasoning, dukkah, or za’atar
• Sliced radishes
• Dill pickles
• Slices of smoked or pepper turkey
• A squeeze of lemon or lime