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Plus, learn how to prevent this ham and cucumber sandwich from getting soggy and stay fresh until lunch with the tips in this post.
Ham Sandwich with Cucumbers
Over the weekend, my neighbor gifted me a big bag of garden-fresh cucumbers, and I couldn't wait to slice them up for this refreshing, crunchy ham and cucumber sandwich! It’s an easy and tasty way to boost nutrition for healthy school lunches.
The best part? You can keep cucumbers fresh and even prep slices for the entire week! I keep a bunch in the fridge and toss them in school lunches like this cobb salad and these fun bento boxes.
Having ingredients ready to go is my Pro tip for less morning-stress!
Ingredients
I've kept the sandwich fillings simple on the recipe care below, but you can of course add or switch out ingredients to make it your own.
- bread: sandwich bread of your choice.
- mayo and mustard: these are always popular sandwich condiments. Butter also pairs well with cucumbers and makes a great swap if your kids prefer.
- deli ham: I’m using ham, but feel free to get creative with turkey or any other sliced meat you love!
- cucumber: fresh, crunchy and nutritious!
- lettuce: for a nice, crunchy texture and to help prevent sogginess.
How to Make a Ham Cucumber Sandwich for School Lunch
Whether you want to snack on these now or save them for lunch, here are some helpful tips for each step:
- Assemble
Spread the mayo and mustard onto the bread and then place the lettuce leaves before layering on the ham and cucumbers. This will help prevent moisture from reaching the bread and making it soggy. - Pack it for school
Put your sandwich into a durable lunch container, to keep it from getting crushed, and keep healthy sides separate. Pack everything into a lunch bag and keep refrigerated until ready to use.
Health Benefits of This Sandwich
Cucumbers are a favorite in my kids’ school lunches! Not only are they crisp and fun to eat, but they're also hydration heroes and loaded with vitamins A, B, and C. These little powerhouses help boost the immune system and keep kids energized-just what they need now that school is in full swing!
Packing Tips
Follow these additional sandwich packing tips to ensure your ham and cucumber creation is still a masterpiece at lunchtime!
Keep things separate
Fruit and veggies are a great way to add extra nutrition. Packing them in a compartmentalised lunchbox or separate container will keep them fresh and crisp.
Keep food safe
Adding an ice pack inside the lunch bag will help regulate the temperature and keep food safe until lunch. This is especially important if lunch bags will be kept outside for some of the day.
Extra energy
As my kids get older, they need more food to stay full so I like to add snacks that will keep them satisfied until they get home like these no-bake oatmeal energy balls or wheat thins. Try this chocolate avocado pudding for a truly tempting dessert. Make extra for yourself, you’ll thank me!
Prevent bread from getting soggy
If you're going to pack this lunch for later, place the lettuce next to the bread so that wet ingredients, like cucumber or tomato, don't add moisture to the bread.
More Ways to Make a Ham Sandwich
If you’re looking for more ways to elevate your ham sandwich, try adding some pineapple to make these bite-sized Hawaiian ham and cheese sliders! Want a protein boost? Switch things up with a healthy ham & veggie wrap or a ham and avocado lunch wrap or follow my easy hack for microwaving bacon and add it to almost any combination. Happy packing!
Ham Cucumber Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 slices of sandwich bread
- Mayonnaise and mustard, optional
- 2 ounces deli ham, sliced
- ¼ cucumber, sliced
- Lettuce leaves
Instructions
Assemble the sandwich:
- Spread the mayo and mustard on the sandwich bread. Top one slice with the lettuce, the cucumber slices, ham, and another lettuce leaf. Place the other slice of bread on top and close the sandwich. Slice in half.
Packed for school:
- Place the sandwich in a lunch container. In a separate compartment or container, pack fruit, veggies, or lunch sides.
- Refrigerate until you place the lunch inside a lunch bag with an ice pack if necessary.
Jenny says
My daughter loved the addition of cucumbers to her salami sandwich at school today!