Fresh Beach Cooler Sandwiches No Mayo Easy Light Summer Snack Recipe
A light, refreshing sandwich recipe perfect for summer, featuring fresh veggies, Dijon mustard, and olive oil instead of mayo for a crisp, flavorful bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: Optional 5 minutes (toasting bread)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Fresh sandwich bread (soft white or whole wheat loaf, sliced medium thickness)
- Ripe tomatoes (thickly sliced, preferably heirloom or vine-ripened)
- Crisp lettuce leaves (romaine or butter lettuce)
- Cucumber (thinly sliced, peeled or unpeeled)
- Red onion (thin slices or rings, optional)
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon per sandwich)
- Extra virgin olive oil (1 tablespoon per sandwich)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (optional, such as basil or dill)
- Optional add-ons: slices of turkey or chicken breast
Instructions
- Rinse and dry the lettuce leaves thoroughly to keep your sandwich crisp.
- Slice tomatoes about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick, cucumbers thinly, and onions into delicate rings. Chop herbs finely if using.
- Optional: Lightly toast the bread slices in a toaster or on a grill pan for 2-3 minutes per side until just golden.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil with 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, adding a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Spread the olive oil and mustard mixture evenly over one side of each slice of bread.
- Layer 2-3 lettuce leaves on the bottom slice, followed by 3-4 tomato slices, 4-5 cucumber slices, and onion rings if using. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- If adding meat, place 2-3 thin slices on top. Sprinkle herbs last.
- Place the second slice of bread on top, dressing side down. Gently press down to compact the sandwich slightly.
- Cut diagonally into halves or quarters if desired and serve immediately for best freshness and crunch.
Notes
Use thick tomato slices to avoid sogginess. Dry lettuce thoroughly. Use just enough olive oil mixture to keep moist but not dripping. Assemble just before serving for best texture. Optional toasting adds crunch and prevents sogginess. Variations include adding grilled chicken or turkey, swapping cucumbers for zucchini ribbons, or adding fresh basil and balsamic glaze.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 8
Keywords: fresh sandwich, no mayo sandwich, summer snack, light sandwich, beach snack, easy sandwich recipe, healthy sandwich, Dijon mustard sandwich