West Coast Turkey Recipe

Cook bacon (if not pre-cooked)

If your bacon is not already cooked, cook 2 slices in a skillet over medium heat until crisp (about 6–8 minutes), turning once. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool. Once cool, halve each strip if desired for sandwich fit.

Slice avocado and tomato

Halve and pit the avocado. Using a spoon, scoop out half of the avocado and slice it into 1/4"–1/2" slices. Toss the avocado slices gently with 1/2 tsp lemon juice to slow browning. Slice the tomato into 3 even slices.

Rinse and dry 1 cup baby spinach and set aside. If using red onion, thinly slice 2 slices worth and separate into rings.

Toast bread (optional)

Lightly brush each slice of honey wheat bread with 1/4 tsp olive oil (optional) and toast in a skillet or toaster until golden and just crisp, about 1–2 minutes per side in a skillet or 2–3 minutes in a toaster. Toasting helps prevent soggy bread from the tomato and avocado.

Spread mayo

In a small bowl, mix 1 tbs mayonnaise with 1/8 tsp kosher salt and 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Spread the mayo evenly over one side of each toasted bread slice. If using mustard, spread 1/2 tsp mustard on one slice under the mayo or on the opposite slice, per taste.

Layer turkey and bacon

On one slice of bread, layer the 4 oz thinly sliced whole-muscle turkey breast evenly, making sure it covers the bread. Top the turkey with the 2 strips of cooked bacon (halved if desired) so bacon pieces are distributed evenly.

Add avocado, tomato, spinach

Place the lemon-tossed avocado slices over the bacon, arranging them in a single layer. Add the 3 tomato slices on top of the avocado, then pile the 1 cup baby spinach leaves over the tomato. If using red onion, add the thin rings on top of the spinach.

Close the sandwich with the second slice of bread, mayo-side down. Press gently to compact.

Cut sandwich in half on the diagonal if desired. Serve immediately. If preparing to eat later, keep avocado and tomato separate until assembly to avoid soggy bread; assemble within 30 minutes of serving for best texture.

Estimated serving: one sandwich as prepared (serves 1).