Cucumber_Sandwich

Cucumber Sandwich Bites (Grain-Free Options)

Every summer there are certain garden crops that produce in abundance. Cucumbers are one of those. Even if you don’t grow them yourself, they’re widely available at stores and farmers markets. These simple cucumber sandwiches are a creamy and fresh way to enjoy cucumbers!

Often served at tea parties as finger food, cucumber tea sandwiches are a classic. They’re also a practical and delicious choice for snack time, appetizers, or a simple side dish. 

Cucumber Cream Cheese Sandwiches

Cucumbers have a really high water content, some fiber, and various nutrients. You’ll find vitamin C and K, magnesium, and potassium. They’re a great way to hydrate during the warm summer months. Not only that, but they add a nice refreshing crunch to dishes. 

We use cucumbers a lot chopped up in salads or for pickles, but I wanted to try them in cucumber sandwiches too. 

Supposedly authentic English cucumber sandwiches originated in 1870s British occupied India. The English created them to cope with the heat. Later on they became an afternoon tea time staple. And then Americans added the creamy sauce to go with the bread and cucumbers. 

I added some microgreens for extra flavor and nutrition. Plus they add another pop of color and freshness. 

Different Variations (Including Grain-Free)

For many years I didn’t eat any gluten or grains, but now I’ll eat them on ocassion. Classic cucumber sandwiches use crustless, white bread. This isn’t my first choice for several reasons, but they taste just as good on sprouted grain bread or sourdough. 

If you want to skip the grains, then there are a few different options. We also like using butter lettuce leaves as a sandwich wrap. Another option is to keep it simple and just top the cucumbers with the cream cheese sauce.

I opted for cream cheese for the filling, but some recipes use mayo for a filling. If you need a dairy-free option, try mixing a little mayo with the herbs and seasonings instead. 

Cucumber Sandwich Bites

Creamy and crunchy, cucumber sandwiches are full of classic flavor. Featuring flavorful seasonal ingredients and herbs.

Herbed Cream Cheese Spread

  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (or up to 1/2 cup)
  • ¼ cup green onion (thinly sliced)
  • 2 TBSP fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 1 TBSP fresh dill (chopped)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp salt

For Serving

  • 1 cup microgreens
  • black pepper (freshly cracked)
  • butter lettuce leaves (optional, for wraps)
  • sourdough or sprouted grain bread (optional)
  • Slice cucumbers into thin strips or rounds (about ?–¼ inch thick).

  • Place cucumbers in a bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pour in enough vinegar to cover. Let sit for 10–15 minutes.

  • Drain cucumbers and lay them on a clean towel. Pat dry well.

  • In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, feta, green onion, parsley, dill, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Mix until smooth and fully combined.

  • For cucumber bites (no bread): Top cucumber slices with a small amount of cream cheese mixture. Add microgreens and a pinch of black pepper.

  • For lettuce wraps: Spread cream cheese onto lettuce leaves, add cucumbers and microgreens, then fold.

  • For sandwiches: Spread cream cheese onto sliced sourdough or your favorite bread. Layer with cucumbers and microgreens, then slice.

Nutrition Facts

Cucumber Sandwich Bites

Amount Per Serving (1 serving)

Calories 166
Calories from Fat 126

% Daily Value*

Fat 14g22%

Saturated Fat 8g50%

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 4g

Cholesterol 44mg15%

Sodium 484mg21%

Potassium 145mg4%

Carbohydrates 4g1%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 2g2%

Protein 4g8%

Vitamin A 735IU15%

Vitamin C 5mg6%

Calcium 84mg8%

Iron 0.4mg2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Serve immediately for the best texture.

More Cucumber Recipes

Have a bunch of cucumbers that need to be used? Here are some more cucumber recipes to try!

What are some of your favorite refreshing snacks to eat? Leave a comment and let us know!

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Protein Brownie Batter Bites

High Protein Brownie Batter Bites

In high school and college I was addicted to all the processed junk food and sweets. Since then I’ve swapped out the mini snack cakes for real food options that are much healthier and way more delicious! These brownie batter bites are the latest creation to come out of my kitchen.

They’re a good source of protein and healthy fats for steady energy. Plus, they’re naturally sweetened, no highly processed sugar necessary! My kids love these and they’re gone pretty quickly once the batch is done. 

Healthy Brownie Batter Bites

One of the best things about making brownies isn’t even the brownies, but getting to lick the bowl. While I’m not afraid of raw egg from pastured chickens, there are other things lurking in most brownie recipes I’m not a fan of. Not only is this version packed with protein, but it skips the flour entirely. They’re also egg free for anyone who needs to avoid eggs. 

The nut butter gives it a creamy base and adds healthy fats. Then of course there’s antioxidant rich cocoa powder for a rich, chocolatey taste. My kids like mini chocolate chips too for extra chocolate. The maple syrup or raw honey add a touch of sweetness without overdoing it. And even better, these natural sweeteners are full of minerals and micronutrients for cellular health and energy that won’t give you a crash. 

Protein Packed

I’m all about prioritizing protein. After years of undereating my metabolism was much happier when I started nourishing my body. Part of that includes making sure I hit my protein goals. While I like to eat at least 40 grams of protein for breakfast, I want my snacks (and even desserts!) to support my goals. 

Here are some more protein rich desserts if you’re looking for more options!

These brownie batter bites taste like you’re eating a spoonful of sugary brownie batter, but they’re actually good for you. We’ll eat them as a dessert or snack. And if you’re packing them for lunches, freeze them before popping them into the lunch container so they keep their shape.

High Protein Brownie Batter Bites

A rich, chocolatey snack that tastes like a treat but fuels like a real-food meal.

  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

  • Blend cottage cheese, protein powder, cocoa powder, nut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla in a blender or food processor until smooth and thick.

  • Transfer to a bowl and stir in almond flour until the mixture is firm enough to scoop. Fold in chocolate chips if using.

  • Scoop and roll into 12–16 brownie batter bites. Place the dough onto the parchment lined baking tray and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. If your dough is really soft, then chill the bowl for about 10–15 minutes first before scooping.

Nutrition Facts

High Protein Brownie Batter Bites

Amount Per Serving (1 bite)

Calories 65
Calories from Fat 27

% Daily Value*

Fat 3g5%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Trans Fat 0.004g

Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g

Monounsaturated Fat 1g

Cholesterol 7mg2%

Sodium 61mg3%

Potassium 69mg2%

Carbohydrates 6g2%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 3g3%

Protein 5g10%

Vitamin A 23IU0%

Vitamin C 0.01mg0%

Calcium 47mg5%

Iron 0.2mg1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

If your house is like mine, rolling them smaller helps stretch the batch. I’ll often make 16 mini bites so everyone gets one and the older kids can grab seconds.

Storage and Shelf Life

These brownie batter bites will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days or the freezer for up to 2 months. Whenever I make a batch they’re usually gone the same day! You can also double or triple the batch to freeze for later.

What are some of your favorite healthier treats to make? Leave a comment and share below!

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Chocolate_Covered_Raspberries

Bite Size Chocolate Covered Raspberry Bites

Valentine’s Day is a day where many of us take the opportunity to tell our loved ones how much we appreciate them. Whether that’s a significant other, the ladies in your Galentine’s group, or your kids, these chocolate covered raspberry bites are a great way to do that. 

They’re a healthy treat that are delicious anytime of the year!

Chocolate Covered Raspberries Get an Upgrade

Chocolate covered fruit is a favorite in our house. I’ll make this dark chocolate fondue on certain occasions to dip fruit and homemade marshmallows in. While chocolate covered fruit can be a healthy treat, it can be tricky to get it to work sometimes. 

If you’ve ever made your own chocolate covered raspberries or other fruit you might have experienced this. Gloppy chocolate that falls off and looks anything but appetizing. These chocolate covered raspberry bites have the same flavor, but even better.

Chocolate Covered Raspberry Bites

I make these in some cute heart molds that are perfect for Valentine’s Day. You can really use any silicone molds you want though that make chunky shapes. And instead of simply dipping raspberries in chocolate, we’re making a raspberry filling first. It’s naturally sweetened with maple syrup and thickened with chia seeds. 

Research shows that maple syrup isn’t just sugar, but a unique array of minerals, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Chia seeds are a great source of fiber, but they have a whole lot of other benefits. These include supporting healthy blood pressure and digestion, reducing inflammation, and even helping improve anxiety and depression symptoms by nurturing the gut. 

Then there are the juicy raspberries with their vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. These chocolate covered raspberry bites are naturally colorful, fun to decorate, and great for any little helpers in the kitchen. My younger kids had no problem helping make these. Plus, they were gone by that afternoon!

 Tips and Tricks

You can use a different mold, but I chose a heart mold for these. If you don’t have a good silicone mold on hand, then you can also make them without one. Simply spoon small jam mounds onto parchment, freeze, and then dip in chocolate to make rustic bites. 

Start with a smaller amount of maple syrup, taste, and adjust to your preference. I prefer mine to be more on the tart side. These store well in the fridge for up to a week. You can also keep them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month. Fair warning: if you want any leftover for the freezer you may need to double the batch!

Here’s how to make delicious, festive, and nutritious chocolate covered raspberry bites.

Chocolate Covered Raspberry Bites

They taste like chocolate-covered raspberry jam… but better.

Optional Topping

  • 2 TBSP freeze-dried strawberries or raspberries (crushed)
  • In a bowl, mash raspberries with maple syrup, chia seeds, and vanilla until thick and jam-like. Let rest 5–10 minutes so the chia thickens.

  • Spoon the mixture evenly into 10 large 2-inch silicone heart cavities, filling nearly to the top and smoothing the surface.

  • Freeze at least 4 hours or overnight until fully firm.

  • Melt dark chocolate and coconut oil gently until smooth.

  • Remove frozen hearts from molds and dip into chocolate until fully coated.

  • Sprinkle with crushed freeze-dried berries if desired.

  • Place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and freeze for 10–15 minutes until hardened.

  • Serve straight from the freezer or allow to soften slightly before eating.

Nutrition Facts

Chocolate Covered Raspberry Bites

Amount Per Serving (1 heart)

Calories 135
Calories from Fat 72

% Daily Value*

Fat 8g12%

Saturated Fat 4g25%

Trans Fat 0.01g

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 2g

Cholesterol 0.4mg0%

Sodium 4mg0%

Potassium 180mg5%

Carbohydrates 15g5%

Fiber 4g17%

Sugar 8g9%

Protein 2g4%

Vitamin A 12IU0%

Vitamin C 41mg50%

Calcium 34mg3%

Iron 3mg17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

If the molds you use are bigger or smaller than mine, then the nutrition data will be a little different per serving. 

More Chocolatey Treats

Looking for more ways to treat yourself and family? Here are some of our favorite scrumptious desserts!

What are some of your favorite fruity desserts to make? Leave a comment and let us know!

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