If you’re craving a sandwich that’s bold, crunchy, and blissfully light on carbs, the Low-Carb Pickle Sandwich is about to become your new lunchtime obsession. This playful twist swaps out bread for crisp dill pickles, wrapping up savory deli meat, creamy cheese, and fresh veggies in every bite. It’s a quick fix for anyone looking to cut carbs without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction, and it’s as fun to eat as it is to make!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Low-Carb Pickle Sandwich lies in its handful of simple, fresh ingredients. Every piece brings a unique flavor and texture, creating a sandwich that’s crunchy, creamy, and totally craveable.
- 2 large whole dill pickles: These are the star of the show, taking the place of bread and adding a tangy, snappy crunch.
- 2 slices deli turkey or ham: Choose your favorite for a protein punch and savory depth.
- 1 slice cheddar or Swiss cheese (halved): Melty, creamy cheese helps hold everything together and adds a satisfying richness.
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise: Brings smoothness and a touch of indulgence to every bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon yellow or Dijon mustard: Adds a sharp, zesty kick that balances out the creaminess.
- 2 lettuce leaves: Fresh, crisp greens for extra texture and color.
- 2 tomato slices: Juicy, sweet slices brighten up the sandwich beautifully.
- 2 thin red onion slices: A little sharp onion flavor goes a long way here!
- Salt and pepper to taste: These simple seasonings tie all the flavors together perfectly.
How to Make Low-Carb Pickle Sandwich
Step 1: Prep the Pickles
Start by slicing each dill pickle in half lengthwise. With a spoon, gently scoop out some of the seeds from each half. This not only makes room for your delicious fillings but also helps the sandwich hold together better. For best results, pat the pickle halves dry with a paper towel to keep things from getting too messy later on.
Step 2: Spread the Sauces
Take two of the pickle halves and spread a layer of mayonnaise and your choice of yellow or Dijon mustard on the inside. The combination of creamy mayo and zesty mustard is the secret sauce that gives this Low-Carb Pickle Sandwich its irresistible flavor.
Step 3: Layer the Fillings
Now, build your sandwich by layering the deli turkey or ham, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and red onion slices onto the sauced pickle halves. Stack them in whatever order you like—there’s no wrong way to pile up these tasty fillings! Give everything a sprinkle of salt and pepper to really make those flavors pop.
Step 4: Top and Serve
Place the remaining pickle halves on top of the loaded halves to form two sandwiches. If you’re eating right away, dig in! If you’re taking your Low-Carb Pickle Sandwich to go, wrap it tightly in parchment paper. This not only keeps everything together but also makes for a mess-free eating experience.
How to Serve Low-Carb Pickle Sandwich
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way! Sprinkle your Low-Carb Pickle Sandwich with fresh chopped herbs like dill, parsley, or chives for a burst of color and flavor. If you like a little heat, a slice of jalapeño or a dusting of smoked paprika can really wake up your taste buds.
Side Dishes
Keep it light and fresh by serving your sandwich with crunchy veggie sticks, a simple green salad, or a few crisp radishes. If you want something heartier, a side of roasted nuts or a mini cheese platter pairs beautifully with the tangy notes of the pickles.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party-ready platter, slice each sandwich into bite-sized pieces and secure with toothpicks. Arrange them on a tray with extra dipping sauces (think spicy mustard or herby ranch) so guests can customize every bite. This Low-Carb Pickle Sandwich can even be packed into a bento box for a fun, portable lunch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Low-Carb Pickle Sandwiches, wrap them tightly in parchment paper or plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 24 hours, though the pickles will soften a bit over time.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for these sandwiches, as the high water content in the pickles can lead to mushy textures once thawed. It’s best to enjoy them fresh for that signature crunch.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this sandwich—it’s meant to be enjoyed cold! If the fillings have chilled too much, simply let the sandwich sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pickles for this sandwich?
Absolutely! While classic dill pickles are traditional, you can try spicy pickles, bread-and-butter pickles, or even garlic pickles for a different flavor profile. Just make sure they’re large enough to hold the fillings.
How do I keep the sandwich from getting soggy?
Patting the pickle halves dry with a paper towel makes a big difference. Wrapping the finished Low-Carb Pickle Sandwich in parchment paper also helps keep everything together and prevents excess moisture.
Can I make this sandwich ahead for meal prep?
You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, but for best texture, assemble the Low-Carb Pickle Sandwich just before eating. If you need to make it in advance, wrap it tightly and enjoy within a day.
What other fillings work well in a Low-Carb Pickle Sandwich?
Feel free to get creative! Roast beef, grilled chicken, sliced avocado, or even a smear of herbed cream cheese can all be delicious swaps or additions.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love the novelty of eating a sandwich made with pickles. You can customize the fillings to suit picky eaters, leaving out onions or swapping in their favorite cheese.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a lunch that’s quick, satisfying, and seriously fun, you can’t go wrong with the Low-Carb Pickle Sandwich. Give it a try and discover how this quirky twist on a classic sandwich can brighten up your meal routine. Your taste buds—and your lunchbox—will thank you!
Print
Low-Carb Pickle Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
- Category: Main Course
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Low-Carb Pickle Sandwich is a refreshing and satisfying no-bread sandwich perfect for a keto-friendly, gluten-free lunch or snack. Large dill pickles serve as a crisp, tangy bun, filled with savory deli meat, cheese, fresh veggies, and a flavorful spread of mayonnaise and mustard. It’s quick to prepare, naturally low in carbohydrates, and packed with protein and healthy fats for a deliciously light meal.
Ingredients
Pickle Base
- 2 large whole dill pickles
Fillings
- 2 slices deli turkey or ham
- 1 slice cheddar or Swiss cheese, halved
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon yellow or Dijon mustard
Vegetables & Seasoning
- 2 lettuce leaves
- 2 tomato slices
- 2 thin red onion slices
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Pickles: Slice each pickle in half lengthwise and gently scoop out some of the seeds using a spoon to create space for the filling. Pat the pickle halves dry with a paper towel to reduce excess moisture.
- Apply Spreads: Spread mayonnaise and mustard evenly on the inside of two of the pickle halves to add creaminess and a flavorful base for the fillings.
- Assemble Sandwich: Layer the deli meat, halved cheese slice, lettuce leaves, tomato slices, and red onion slices onto the pickle halves with the spread. Season with salt and pepper to your preference.
- Top and Serve: Place the remaining pickle halves on top to complete the sandwich. Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or wrap tightly in parchment paper to enjoy on the go.
Notes
- For an extra spicy kick, use spicy pickles or add a slice of jalapeño inside the sandwich.
- Wrapping the sandwich in parchment paper before eating helps minimize mess and keeps everything together.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free and keto-friendly, making it suitable for low-carb and gluten-restricted diets.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
