Cucumber Sandwiches are perfect for appetizers, luncheons, bridal or baby showers, picnics, and even just for a healthy meal. They are fresh, light, and so delicious!
Wash and slice the veggies--cucumbers, green onion, cilantro, and kale. You will want them in small bite-size pieces. The kale should be about the size of a cilantro leaf, so pretty small. The cucumbers can be round slices or shaved thin slices.
If you want your bread crispy, begin by toasting it first. Toasting is completely optional. Homemade Whole Wheat Bagels are one of my favorites for making sandwiches. It's completely oil-free.
Sprinkle the green onion, cilantro, and kale evenly over the hummus or other spread.
Smear each cucumber slice with a thin layer of mustard and place them mustard-side down on top of the cilantro-kale layer and press down if necessary so they stay in place. The Esselstyns highly recommend a mustard variety called True Natural Taste Sweet and Spicy Creamy White Mustard.
Sprinkle the sandwich generously with lemon pepper. Cut in half, quarters, or any way you like and serve.
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Notes
Recipe from The Prevent & Reverse Heart Disease Cookbook where it is called Cucumber and Kale Open-Faced Sandwich. Published here with permissionfrom the authors and Penguin Group Publishers, New York. Recipe tips & variations
Spice things up- If you like a little spice, try adding some Sriracha or red pepper flakes.
Toasted bread- Some folks like soft tender bread and others like crunchy toasted bread slices.
Crust or no- Oftentimes, hosts will cut the crust off before serving cucumber sandwiches. this is completely optional. I prefer to leave the crust on.
Gluten-free option-Rice wraps are an option for those who are gluten-free. Leafy greens like a collard leaf also work well. Gluten-free bread is also great.
Add veggies- Add other veggies like tomatoes, radishes, or avocado.
How to keep them from getting soggyThere are a few things you can do to keep cucumber sandwiches from getting soggy.
Don’t make ahead- Assembly the sandwiches right before serving is the best option.
Prepping cucumbers- If you must make these ahead of time, there are a couple of tricks to try. Slice the cucumbers and then sprinkle them with salt and allow them to sit for about 10 minutes. This will encourage them to release the water before adding it to the bread. Then, pat the slices dry with a towel before layering them onto the sandwiches.
Create a barrier- Use a thick layer of hummus or vegan cream cheese on both sides of the bread to create a water barrier. This helps protect the bread from getting soggy.