Cucumber-Salmon Salad Sandwich

If you’re looking for a light yet filling lunch, this Cucumber–Salmon Salad Sandwich has you covered. Omega-3-rich salmon is tossed in a light lemony Dijon vinaigrette-style dressing along with briny capers and fresh grassy dill, then sandwiched between cream cheese-smeared rye bread. Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomato and sharp red onion add texture and antioxidants. Light, flavorful and filling, this sandwich checks all the boxes. Keep reading for our expert tips, including ingredient substitutions. 

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! 

• You can dry toast the bread in a nonstick pan or toaster oven, or you can toast it in a skillet using butter or olive oil.
• Using a mandoline slicer is one of the easiest ways to quickly achieve perfectly uniform thin slices of cucumbers. If you don’t have a mandoline, you can use a sharp knife or a vegetable peeler.
• To avoid waiting for the cream cheese to reach room temperature, you can microwave it on 25% to 30% power for about 30 seconds.
• If you’re looking for a substitution for rye bread, consider pumpernickel instead. It will be just as flavorful.

Nutrition Notes

• Salmon is rich in heart- and brain-healthy omega-3s and is an excellent source of protein to help fill you up and keep you satisfied. Eating salmon regularly may help reduce your risk of heart disease and dementia.
• Cucumbers bring the mineral silica to this sandwich. Silica plays a role in collagen production and supports firm, healthy skin. Cucumbers contain cancer-fighting compounds that are also linked to a reduced risk of diabetes.
• Rye bread adds complex carbohydrates to this sandwich, providing your brain with fuel. While it can be harder to find, use whole-grain rye bread if possible, for more fiber compared to rye bread made with refined white flour.
• Tomatoes provide fiber and vitamin C. Regularly eating tomatoes may reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer.