Cucumber-Spinach Sandwich

This Cucumber & Spinach Sandwich is a cinch to put together and will leave you feeling full and satisfied. Crisp, cooling cucumber, antioxidant-rich spinach and heart-healthy avocado are sandwiched between hearty, toasty whole-wheat bread slathered with a tangy cream cheese and yogurt spread infused with herby dill and chives. Thinly sliced red onion adds its signature spicy sweetness, while a drizzle of lemon juice helps keep everything in balance. Keep reading for our expert tips, including ingredient substitutions you can make.

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too! 

• We recommend using room-temperature cream cheese so it’s easier to mix with the other ingredients and spread on the bread.
• To make this recipe vegan, substitute the cream cheese and yogurt with your favorite vegan alternatives.
• You can use whole-grain sandwich bread instead of whole-wheat if you prefer. 

Nutrition Notes

• Cucumbers are a hydrating veggie, being made of 95% water. They contain the mineral silica, which plays a role in collagen production, helping to keep your skin smooth and firm. Cucumbers have also been shown to reduce cancer risk, thanks to their antioxidants and chemical compounds called cucurbitacins. 
• Spinach is loaded with antioxidants and several vitamins and minerals, including vitamins K, A, C and folate, calcium, iron and potassium. All these nutrients are essential for overall health and disease prevention. The fiber in spinach feeds your beneficial gut bacteria and helps fill you up.
• Avocados have the highest amount of fat of all the fruits. But it’s healthy fat that protects your heart and brain. Avocados are especially high in fiber, which will help fill you up and stabilize your blood sugar.
• Whole-wheat bread provides more fiber and antioxidants compared to refined white bread. This means that whole-wheat (and whole-grain) bread will keep you full longer, providing lasting energy. White bread tends to spike blood sugar, which then sends it suddenly crashing—and sends you looking for something to eat to get it back up again.