Description
A crisp, creamy open-faced snack featuring thinly sliced marinated cucumbers layered over herbed cheese on crunchy toast. A quick and refreshing Mediterranean-inspired dish perfect for light meals or appetizers.
Ingredients
1 medium cucumber (Persian or English preferred)
1/4 cup fresh dill (loosely packed; substitute 1 tablespoon dried dill if needed)
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves (loosely packed; substitute 1 tablespoon dried mint)
1 lemon (for zest and juice)
1 teaspoon granulated sugar (or coconut sugar)
1/2 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (use half if using table salt)
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar or extra lemon juice)
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 slices of bread (sourdough, whole wheat, or gluten-free)
3 ounces herbed goat cheese (or cream cheese or plant-based alternative)
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions
Thinly slice the cucumber into rounds, about 1/8-inch thick.
In a small bowl, combine the dill, mint, lemon zest, sugar, salt, vinegar, and a few grinds of black pepper. Stir to make a marinade.
Add the cucumber slices to the marinade, gently toss to coat, and let marinate for at least 5 minutes at room temperature.
While the cucumbers marinate, toast the bread until crisp and golden.
Spread a generous layer of herbed goat cheese (or alternative) onto each piece of toast.
Arrange the marinated cucumber slices on top of the cheese.
Drizzle a small amount of extra-virgin olive oil over each toast for extra flavor.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Notes
Make ahead: The marinated cucumbers can be prepared 30 minutes ahead and stored in the refrigerator for added flavor.
For a vegan version, use a plant-based cheese alternative.
Adjust the type of bread to suit dietary preferences, e.g., gluten-free for a gluten-free option.
Feel free to substitute dill and mint with other fresh herbs like parsley or basil to vary the flavor.
Add a dash of chili flakes for a hint of heat if desired.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 2
- Category: snacks
- Method: Toasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 toast
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg