Ah, the sweet smell of summer! I can almost hear the gentle waves lapping at the shore and feel the warm sun on my skin as I sit down to enjoy what I fondly call my “Beach Sandwich.” This refreshing yet hearty creation has been a staple for my beach outings since, well, forever! There’s just something about biting into a cool, crisp sandwich while lounging on a blanket, sand sticking to your toes, that says “pure bliss.” Whenever I take this sandwich along, it feels like I’ve packed a little slice of beach paradise.
I remember one particularly sunny day at the beach when I made these for a family picnic. We all huddled around, sandwiched between beach umbrellas, and with the taste of fresh turkey, creamy avocado, and zesty mustard, laughter filled the air. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience wrapped up in loving memories. Now, let me share with you how to craft your very own Beach Sandwich that will have everyone at the beach asking for seconds!
What’s in Beach Sandwich?
– Sandwich Rolls or Ciabatta Rolls: These serve as the sturdy foundation for our delicious sandwich. I love ciabatta for its airy texture and crusty outside, but feel free to use your favorite rolls!
– Deli Turkey or Chicken Breast: Lean and protein-packed, this is the main attraction of our sandwich. Choose everything from smoked turkey to rotisserie chicken—whatever tickles your taste buds!
– Provolone Cheese: Its mild, creamy flavor pairs perfectly with the turkey. If you want to add a little zing, consider using pepper jack cheese instead.
– Lettuce: Crisp and refreshing, I recommend romaine or mixed greens for added texture.
– Tomato: Juicy slices of tomato add a sweet balance to the savory components. Make sure your tomatoes are ripe and fresh!
– Cucumber: Thinly sliced cucumbers add a lovely crunch and refresh every bite.
– Red Onion: For a bit of zing, red onion in thin slices adds just the right bite, but you can always go lighter on the amount if you prefer.
– Avocado: Creamy and rich, this is where the magic happens. Avocado elevates the sandwich to a whole new level!
– Mayonnaise: This adds moisture and richness. I use a light version to keep it a bit healthier.
– Dijon Mustard: A little tang goes a long way! This gives a nice punch to balance the creaminess of the mayo.
– Olive Oil: Just a bit helps everything come together and adds flavor.
– Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings elevate all the fresh flavors.
– Optional Toppings: Feel free to get creative! Pickles, jalapeños, or your favorite condiments can really customize this sandwich to your liking.
Is Beach Sandwich Good for You?
Oh, absolutely! The Beach Sandwich is not just a delicious choice, it’s packed with nutrients too.
– Turkey or Chicken: A fantastic source of lean protein, helping maintain muscle mass and keep you satiated throughout the day.
– Vegetables: The fresh veggies (like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado) contribute vitamins and minerals essential for a well-balanced diet. Plus, those greens are great for hydration!
– Avocado: This creamy fruit is full of healthy fats and fiber. It’s heart-healthy and carries nutritional benefits that aid in digestion.
But let’s keep it real—the mayo, when used generously, can add up in calories. I suggest using just enough to spread a thin layer. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or even avocado spread if you really want to lean into that creamy goodness.
Beach Sandwich Ingredients
– 2 large sandwich rolls or ciabatta rolls
– 1/2 lb deli turkey or chicken breast, sliced
– 1/2 lb provolone cheese, sliced
– 1/2 lb lettuce (such as romaine or mixed greens)
– 1 medium tomato, sliced
– 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 avocado, sliced
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: pickles, jalapeños, or any preferred condiments
This recipe makes about 2 hearty sandwiches, perfect for sharing or enjoying one now and saving the other for later!
How to Make Beach Sandwich?
1. Start by preparing your sandwich rolls: If you love a little crunch, lightly toast them under the broiler or in a toaster. If not, feel free to leave them fresh and soft.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and olive oil until well combined. Spread this delightful mixture evenly on the insides of both sandwich rolls.
3. Layer the bottom half of each sandwich with a generous amount of deli turkey or chicken slices. It’s a sandwich, not a dainty appetizer—go for it!
4. Now, place slices of provolone cheese on top of the meat like a cozy blanket.
5. Next up, add a colorful layer of lettuce, followed by tomato, cucumber, avocado, and red onion.
6. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. You can get creative at this point with any optional toppings, like pickles or jalapeños.
7. Finally, place the top half of the sandwich roll on each creation and press down gently to compact everything together. You want it firm but still rich in ingredients.
8. Wrap each sandwich in parchment paper or wax paper for easy handling and to keep them fresh during your adventures.
9. Pack those babies in a cooler or a picnic bag, and get ready for your beach day!
10. When the moment is just right, unwrap your Beach Sandwich and savor each delicious bite while basking in the sun!
Sunny Side Up Tips for Your Beach Sandwich
– For a fun twist, consider grilling the finished sandwiches on a panini press before heading to the beach—this makes the cheese melty and divine!
– If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some roasted red peppers or a sprinkle of feta cheese for an added flavor kick.
– These sandwiches are an excellent make-ahead meal; just keep the ingredients separate and assemble them when you arrive!
So, there it is! Your ticket to an incredible beach day is just a short time in the kitchen away. I can’t wait for you to try this Beach Sandwich recipe; I promise it’s a hit with both kids and grown-ups alike. When you take a bite and feel that cool crunch and savor the flavors, you might just find yourself transported back to that perfect summer day. Don’t forget to let me know how your sandwiches turned out! Enjoy the sun, sand, and, of course, the sandwiches!
