A pusher for use with a mandoline slicer includes a cap having an upper and a lower end, the cap defining an interior space. A lower plate is attached to a pillar, which is attached to a telescoping post. The pillar and telescoping post are telescopically moveable with respect to one another along the central axis and trained for movement by a guide within the cap. Stops are provided along the guide to restrict the length of travel of the telescoping post and pillar. A spring is connected to the cap and the lower plate to urge the lower plate away from the cap in a direction from the upper end toward the lower end.