Ingredients:
- 1 large English cucumber (approx. 450g)
- ½ tsp Kosher salt (approx. 3g)
- 4 oz reduced-fat cream cheese, softened (approx. 115g)
- 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt (approx. 30g)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (approx. 15ml)
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely minced (approx. 3g)
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely minced (approx. 3g)
- ¼ tsp cracked black pepper (approx. 1g)
- 10 slices whole grain or white sandwich bread (approx. 280g)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (optional, for extra sealing) (approx. 15ml)
Instructions:
- Slice the English cucumber crosswise into rounds exactly 1/8 inch (3mm) thick. Note: Consistency ensures every bite is the same.
- Arrange slices on a paper towel, sprinkle with salt, and let rest for 10 minutes. until the surface looks glistening.
- Pat each slice firmly with a fresh paper towel until bone dry to the touch. Note: This is the most important step for the best cucumber sandwiches recipe.
- In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, dill, chives, and black pepper.
- Stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth and velvety, with no visible lumps of cream cheese.
- Spread a thin layer of softened butter on the bread if using, then add a thin, even layer of the herb mixture across two slices of bread, ensuring you reach the very edges.
- Layer the dried cucumber slices in an overlapping pattern across the spread. Note: Overlapping prevents gaps and keeps the filling stable.
- Top with the second slice of bread and press down gently.
- Using a serrated knife, trim the crusts and slice into four small triangles or fingers.