Freshen up your St. Patrick’s Day menu with easy, light sandwiches inspired by the traditional color green. These open-faced St. Patrick’s Day Sandwiches are perfect for lunch, snack time, or even as an appetizer for get-togethers.
Layered with smooth cream cheese and mozzarella mixture, then topped with crisp cucumber and cilantro, they are a fan favorite at nearly any green gathering.
The cilantro leaf placed on top of each sandwich adds the perfect touch of flavor … and health benefits.
Health Benefits of Cilantro
Cilantro, a delightful herb, believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region, is commonly used in cooking around the world.
Beyond its fresh and vibrant flavor, cilantro offers numerous powerful health benefits. Let’s explore some of them:
Detoxification: Cilantro has the remarkable ability to bind to these metals and help eliminate them from the body. Studies have shown that cilantro protects against oxidative stress caused by lead, and it accelerates the body’s removal of heavy metals.
Antioxidant Properties: Cilantro is rich in antioxidant flavonoids, phytonutrients, and phenols. These compounds help combat free radicals and protect our cells from damage. Additionally, cilantro contains essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and folate.
Heart Health: Some research suggests that cilantro may be beneficial for the heart. It can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Bone Health: The combination of calcium and vitamin K in cilantro contributes to stronger bones and teeth.
Cognitive Support: Eating cilantro has been associated with reducing symptoms of cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Cilantro possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for overall health.
St. Patrick’s Day Sandwiches Recipe
This recipe is so quick and easy to make, that you’ll be starting a new healthy St. Patrick’s Day tradition in no time.
St. Patrick’s Day Sandwiches
Yield: 8 sandwiches
Ingredients:
8 ounces plain cream cheese spread, softened
1 cup finely shredded mozzarella cheese
salt
4 English muffins
24 slices cucumber
8 thin slices of green pepper
fresh cilantro leaves
lemon juice
lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
Directions:
-In a bowl, mix cream cheese spread, mozzarella cheese, and salt well.
-Split English muffins in half. Cut each muffin in half into a shamrock shape.
-Spread cheese mixture over each muffin half.
-Place three cucumbers on each “shamrock,” one on each “leaf.” Use a green pepper slice as a stem. Place cilantro leaf on top of each sandwich.
-Sprinkle sandwiches with lemon juice and add lemon slices, for garnish, if desired.
For more festive recipes and ideas at Culinary.net.
