Delicious and Healthy Turkey Sandwich Recipes

Turkey sandwiches are a classic lunch and light dinner option, offering a versatile base for incorporating various flavors and nutrients. Whether you're looking for a quick and simple weekday meal or a more gourmet creation, there's a turkey sandwich recipe to suit your taste. This article explores some of the most delicious and healthy turkey sandwich recipes, highlighting the key ingredients and variations that make them so appealing.

The Classic Turkey Club

The turkey club is a timeless favorite, known for its satisfying combination of flavors and textures.

Ingredients of Classic Turkey Club

• Turkey: Thinly sliced deli turkey, preferably Boar’s Head for its quality.
• Bacon: Crispy bacon, cooked until perfectly crisp.
• Lettuce: Fresh lettuce leaves, such as butter lettuce or romaine.
• Tomato: Ripe tomato slices, adding juiciness and acidity.
• Mayonnaise: A creamy spread, adding moisture and richness.
• Bread: Two slices of your favorite bread, toasted. Dave’s Killer Bread Thin-Sliced is a good choice for a healthier option.

Preparation

1. Cook the bacon until crisp, then drain the fat on a paper towel. An easy way to cook bacon is in the oven at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
2. Toast the bread and spread mayonnaise on both slices.
3. Layer the turkey, bacon, lettuce, and tomato on one slice of bread.
4. Top with the other slice of bread.
5. Serve with chips and a pickle, or your favorite side.

Health Benefits

Turkey clubs can be made healthier by using whole grain bread, less meat, and reduced amounts of mayonnaise.

Honey Mustard Turkey Avocado Sandwich

This sandwich is a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors, perfect for a summer lunch.

Ingredients

• Sourdough bread: Choose a squishy, fresh bread.
• Deli turkey: Thinly sliced, high-quality deli turkey.
• Salt & vinegar potato chips: Adds a surprising crunch and saltiness.
• Avocado: Ripe, but not mushy, avocado slices.
• Tomato: Fresh heirloom tomatoes, if in season.
• Honey & Dijon mustard: A drizzle of real honey over dijon mustard.
• Microgreens: Adds a fresh, nutritious element.

Preparation

1. Spread smashed avocado on one slice of bread.
2. To the other slice, spread a thin layer of mustard and a drizzle of honey.
3. Add the turkey, potato chips, tomatoes, and a handful of microgreens.
4. Slice and serve immediately.

Variations

This sandwich is highly customizable. Try it with melted cheese, grilled veggies, or different proteins like olive-oil packed tuna.

Read also: Healthy food access with Highmark Wholecare explained.

Healthy Swaps for Sandwiches

Sandwiches don't have to be unhealthy. Small changes can significantly improve their nutritional value.

Whole Grain Bread

Opt for 100% whole grain bread to add micronutrients and fiber. Gluten-free options are also available.

Lean Protein

Adding protein makes the sandwich more satisfying and balanced.

Healthy Fats

Healthy fats, like avocado, add flavor and texture, increasing satiety.

Vegetables

Sneak in a serving of vegetables with leafy greens, tomatoes, red onion, cucumbers, or carrots.

Read also: Healthy Eating on the Run

Hummus Instead of Mayo

Use hummus as a spread to save on saturated fat and calories while adding fiber, protein, and flavor.

Easy Turkey Sandwich with Veggies and Hummus

This simple recipe is packed with flavor and nutrients, perfect for a quick lunch.

Ingredients

• Bread: Your choice of bread, such as sandwich bread or gluten-free bread. A fluffy whole wheat bagel also works well.
• Turkey: Boar’s Head lower sodium turkey is a good option.
• Hummus: As a healthy spread.
• Vegetables: Lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, cucumbers, or carrots.
• Avocado: Sliced avocado for healthy fats.

Preparation

1. Spread hummus on the inside of one piece of toasted bread.
2. Layer on vegetables, turkey, and avocado.
3. Top with the remaining piece of toasted bread.

The Ultimate Turkey Sandwich

This sandwich is all about layering different flavors and textures for a truly satisfying experience.

Ingredients

• Bread: High-quality bread, such as Dave’s Killer Bread.
• Mayonnaise: Spread evenly on the bread.
• Lettuce: Fresh lettuce leaves.
• Turkey: A generous amount of sliced turkey.
• Cheese: Tomato basil cheese from Cabot adds a lot of flavor.
• Tomato: Sliced garden tomato, if available.
• Avocado: Sliced avocado for creaminess.
• Red onion: Thinly sliced for a bit of sharpness.
• Sprouts: Alfalfa sprouts for added nutrients.

Preparation

1. Lay out the slices of bread and spread mayonnaise evenly on one side.
2. On two slices, add lettuce, turkey, cheese, tomato, avocado, red onion, and sprouts.
3. Top with the other slices of bread, mayo side down.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of cream of tomato soup for a complete meal.

Turkey Pesto Sandwich

A gourmet sandwich that combines the savory flavor of turkey with the vibrant taste of pesto.

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Ingredients

• Sourdough bread: Tangy and crusty, perfect for grilling.
• Unsalted butter: For grilling the bread.
• Basil pesto: Adds a lot of flavor.
• Shredded mozzarella: Mild and melty.
• Sliced turkey: Thinly sliced deli turkey.
• Baby spinach: Adds a fresh, slightly wilted element.

Preparation

1. Spread butter on one side of a slice of sourdough bread.
2. Spread pesto on the other side.
3. Top the pesto side with mozzarella cheese, sliced turkey, and chopped spinach.
4. Spread pesto on one side of the second slice of bread and place it face down onto the sandwich in the skillet, so the mozzarella cheese and the pesto are touching.
5. Spread the remaining tbsp of butter on the dry side of the second slice of bread.
6. Heat your turkey sandwich on medium-low until brown and golden, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Flip the sandwich, and brown the other side for about 2-3 minutes.
8. Griddle the sandwich until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Variations

• Turkey Pesto Wrap: Use a large tortilla instead of sourdough bread.
• Turkey Pesto Pinwheels: Slice the turkey pesto wrap into rounds.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with soup, a mixed greens salad, pickles, or a sweet treat like a mango popsicle.

Turkey Avocado Sandwich with Honey Mustard

This sandwich is a delightful mix of smoky turkey, creamy avocado, and sweet honey mustard.

Ingredients

• Honey wheat bread: Adds a touch of sweetness.
• Smoked turkey: Your favorite smoked sliced turkey.
• Deli sliced cheddar: Sharp and flavorful.
• Avocado: Sliced avocado for creaminess.
• Alfalfa sprouts: Adds a fresh, nutritious element.
• Honey mustard: For a sweet and tangy flavor.
• Red onion: Thinly sliced for a bit of sharpness.
• Mayonnaise: As a base.

Preparation

1. Lay bread on a work surface.
2. Top the slices with mayonnaise.
3. Top the mayo with turkey and cheddar, dividing evenly.
4. Layer on avocado slices, onion, and sprouts.
5. Close sandwiches honey-mustard side down.
6. Slice in half and wrap with parchment.

Tips for Making Ahead

Make these sandwiches no more than 2 hours in advance to prevent the avocado from browning. Drizzle with lemon or lime juice to help prevent browning.

Key Considerations for Healthy Turkey Sandwiches

• Bread Choice: Opt for whole grain or high-fiber bread to increase the nutritional value.
• Protein Source: Turkey is a lean protein, but be mindful of sodium content in deli meats.
• Healthy Fats: Avocado is an excellent source of healthy fats, adding creaminess and satiety.
• Vegetable Additions: Load up on fresh vegetables for added nutrients and flavor.
• Condiments: Choose healthier spreads like hummus or avocado instead of mayonnaise. Use honey mustard sparingly due to its sugar content.
• Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes to keep calorie counts in check.

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