 |
| Sandwich Recipes |
There’s nothing quite like a classic Reuben — that perfect blend of savory meat, melty Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy dressing grilled between hearty bread. Unfortunately, the traditional Reuben is also notorious for being high in sodium and fat.
This version lightens things up without losing the flavor you love. It’s still indulgent and satisfying but much kinder to your heart and health.
Whether you’re cutting back on sodium or simply trying to eat a little cleaner, this better-for-you Reuben hits all the right notes.
🧂 Why This Reuben Is Healthier
A traditional Reuben can pack over 900 calories and 1,300 mg of sodium per sandwich. This updated version cuts those numbers dramatically — down to about 373 calories and 977 mg of sodium — by using:
-
Lean turkey pastrami or corned beef
-
Reduced-fat, low-sodium Swiss cheese
-
Homemade light Thousand Island dressing
-
Lightly buttered bread and controlled portions
Tip: Even with these adjustments, it’s best enjoyed occasionally or as a half-sandwich if you’re following a low-sodium diet.
🥣 Homemade Light Thousand Island Dressing
Skip the store-bought dressing and whip up your own in minutes!
Ingredients
-
¼ cup light mayonnaise
-
1 tablespoon ketchup
-
2 teaspoons pickle relish
-
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
-
¼ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
Mix all ingredients in a small bowl until well blended. Chill until ready to use.
🍞 Sandwich Ingredients
-
8 slices rye or pumpernickel bread (or substitute with oatmeal, potato, or Italian bread if you prefer)
-
8 teaspoons reduced-fat butter
-
8 ounces turkey pastrami or lean corned beef
-
1¼ cups sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
-
4 slices reduced-fat, low-sodium Swiss cheese
-
2 tablespoons spicy brown or yellow mustard
🔥 How to Make a Healthier Reuben
-
Prepare the bread:
Spread 1 teaspoon butter on each slice. Place buttered side down on a cutting board. -
Assemble the sandwiches:
Spread 1 tablespoon of dressing on four slices. Add the pastrami or corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese.
On the remaining four slices, spread mustard on the unbuttered side, then place them on top (buttered side facing out). -
Grill to perfection:
Heat a nonstick skillet or electric griddle over medium heat. Place sandwiches in the pan, cover, and cook for about 3 minutes, until golden brown.
Flip carefully, pressing down slightly to flatten. Cook another 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted and both sides are crisp and golden.
🧾 Nutrition Facts (per sandwich)
Calories: 373
Total Fat: 12g
Sodium: 977mg
Traditional Reuben Comparison:
970 calories • 37g fat • 1,340mg sodium
💬 Recipe Notes & Disclaimer
All recipes shared on Morning Glory have been personally tested and enjoyed. For best results, follow the recipe as written. Substitutions or omissions may alter the taste and texture.
Cooking is a personal journey — feel free to experiment, but please note that results may vary depending on ingredient brands, cookware, and cooking temperatures.
Disclaimer: Recipes on this site are for entertainment and enjoyment only. I’m not a professional chef — just someone who loves adapting my grandmother’s recipes to make them a little lighter and more heart-friendly.
🌿 Final Thoughts
Healthy eating doesn’t mean giving up comfort food. This lower-sodium, lower-fat Reuben brings you all the nostalgic flavor of a deli favorite — in a smarter, more balanced way.