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GET IT NOWI’ve been getting a lot of requests for easy lunch ideas, so I thought I’d share one of my favorites — cucumber subs! They’re quick to make, super fresh, and honestly kind of fun to put together. If you’ve never made a sandwich without bread before, don’t worry — this version is simple and so satisfying. Make them with me!
Why You Need My Cucumber Subs Recipe
- Fresh, crisp, and satisfying – These subs have that perfect crunch from the cucumbers, plus creamy mayo, savory turkey, and juicy tomatoes in every bite. It’s such a refreshing combo.
- Just a handful of ingredients – You only need a few basic things to throw these together, and there’s zero cooking involved. I make them when I want something quick but still fresh and filling.
- Perfect for picnics, lunches, or low-fuss dinners – They pack well, taste great chilled, and you can easily switch up the fillings depending on what you have. My kids love building their own!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my cucumber sandwiches recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
- Cucumbers – This is what I use instead of white bread. I find English cucumbers work best because they’re longer and straighter, which makes them easier to fill and close. You could also use bell peppers like I did for my bell pepper sandwiches — they’re just as crunchy and fun.
- Mayonnaise – I usually have some of my homemade avocado mayo on hand, but any kind you love will work.
- Veggies – I used Roma tomatoes and lettuce for my cucumber subs, but feel free to mix it up. You can’t go wrong with spinach, red onion, avocados (or guacamole), or sliced cucumbers for extra crunch.
- Lunchmeat – I went with turkey slices for a lean option, but feel free to swap in whatever you like — salami, ham, roast beef, or even my chicken salad all work great.
- Cheese – I used provolone, but you could go with cheddar, Swiss, or even a herbed cream cheese mixture (like cream cheese mixed with garlic powder, dill, and chives). Or skip the cheese entirely if you want it dairy-free.
How To Make Cucumber Subs
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
- Prep cucumbers. Chop off the ends, slice lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Then cut each one in half to make sub-sized pieces.
- Add mayo. Spread about a teaspoon of the mayo inside each cucumber half — you’ll have 8 total.
- Stuff them. Layer one half with lettuce, tomato, provolone (folded), and 2 turkey slices. Roll a 3rd turkey slice and tuck it into the other half.
- Finish. Place the halves together to make a sub. Repeat with the rest to make 4 cucumber subs total.
My Recipe Tips
- Use a sharp knife. A good chef’s knife makes slicing the cucumbers quick and easy — no squishing or uneven cuts.
- Scoop the seeds. This keeps the subs from getting watery and makes more room for the fillings. I just use a spoon — it’s super quick.
- Use sturdy cucumbers. English cucumbers work best because they’re long and straight, which makes them easier to stuff and hold together.
- Don’t use too much mayo. A thin layer inside each half adds flavor and helps the fillings stick, but too much can make things slippery.
- Layer it just right. I like putting lettuce on the bottom and rolling an extra slice of meat into the top half — it helps everything stay put when you close it up.
- Secure with toothpicks. Not a must, but they help hold everything together, especially if you’re packing these up or serving them for a party.
Serving Ideas
Wondering what to serve with your cucumber subs? Here are a few of my favorite sides to round out the meal:
- Soups – I like pairing cucumber subs with something warm and light, like cabbage soup or zucchini soup. It makes a super satisfying lunch without feeling heavy.
- Salads – You really can’t go wrong with a cold side like creamy cucumber salad or broccoli salad — both are crisp, refreshing, and come together fast.
- Chips & Dip – When I want something crunchy on the side, I go for baked tortilla chips with guac or salsa. It totally hits the spot.
Cucumber Subs (Easy Recipe)
Ditch the bread and make these easy cucumber subs instead! They're fresh, low carb, and loaded with turkey, cheese, and a swipe of mayo!
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Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
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Cut both ends off each cucumber. Cut each in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. Then, cut in half to make them half the length.
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Spread a teaspoon of mayonnaise inside each cucumber cavity (8 total).
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Top one cucumber boat with lettuce, tomato slices, a provolone slice folded in half, and 2 turkey slices. Roll a 3rd turkey slice and place into a second empty cucumber boat, so that it fits in there. Close the second half over the first.
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Repeat with the remaining cucumbers, making 4 subs total.
LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 cucumber sub
- Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you keep your subs crisp, your fillings in place, and every bite perfectly balanced.
- Store: Keep leftovers stored in seperate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Meal prep: For best taste, prep the ingredients ahead and assemble the day-of. For convenience, you can make them fully — just know they’ll soften a bit.
- Note on nutrition info: I shared some other options in the Ingredients & Substitutions section, but just a heads up — the nutrition facts will change if you use different meats, veggies, or cheeses.
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy.
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Cucumber Subs
23 Comments
Sarah Holsinger
0Made these for an easy quick lunch. These are very flavorful. I used cream cheese instead of mayonnaise but everything else was the same.
Bobbie
0This is a great keto lunch recipe! So fresh and delicious ❤️
Le
0Omg! This is perfect! Been trying to find healthier alternatives for weight loss and this nailed it! Bless you!
Wholesome Yum A
0With the warmer weather here in Miami, I’m looking for lighter lunch fare. This looks delicious! These are perfect for my husband’s lunches, too.
Nicole Dawson
0I love this idea and always forget about it! We’ve cut way back on bread consumption so this would come in handy…especially since we love veggies and cucumbers.
Not a Canadian But Close Enough
0Hey incase you havent found it yet, Almond bread is super easy to make, low carb, and gets avocado toast back into your life. 100% worth trying.
Jen
0What a great idea! As soon as it’s a little warmer I’m going to give this a try. Thanks for sharing!
Brianna Wolin
0I’ve seen people do this with a bell pepper too! Going to try this for lunch this week.
Iryna
0This is such a creative and healthy idea to use cucumbers instead of bread. Love it!
Jessica Formicola
0Loved this recipe! These would make a great low carb snack for the Super Bowl! Definitely making these again soon!
Sarah M
0Now THIS is creative! I will never think of a cucumber sandwich the same again!
foodneverythingelse
0I love to make cucumber sandwiches too. Its super healthy. Thanks for the idea
Christina
0These are the cutest subs, EVER! My family loved this recipe!
Jenna
0What a fun lunch idea!! I tried this last week 🙂 I have dairy-free and egg-free mayo that I’ve been wanting to try out, next time I will add those-PERFECT!
Leslie
0This is such a great idea. Your tip to prep ahead means I can make one whenever the mood hits. I want to try the salmon stuffed cucumbers, too!
Cliona Keane
0These are such a good low carb choice when you’re trying to be more healthy! Brilliant idea!
Sarah
0I love this sandwich! I can’t have bread since I have so many food allergies unless I make bread myself, so this is a good idea in a pinch 🙂
Tammy
0Light but filling…my new go to lunch.
Wilhelmina
0This is one of my favorite ways to cure a sandwich craving! The added crunch is so satisfying!
Jessica
0I’m in love with these and totally making them for our Superbowl Party. Low carb and totally tasty.
Constance
0What would happen if you stuck these under the broiler to melt the cheese?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Constance, I haven’t tried that. I don’t think cucumbers would taste very good warm.
Pati Trites
0This is a great idea. There are so many variations we can use too. Chicken salad or tuna salad, BLTs. I have been making Lettuce for bread sandwiches for years. I never thought of doing this and I love cucumbers. Thanks a bunch!