If turkey is your go-to sandwich builder for making a healthy school lunch, I get you! I love it because so many things go with it and lunch is never boring!
Learn how to make your next turkey sandwich epic with these 65 add-ons and condiments for unlimited combinations.
Start with your choice of turkey and bread, and fill it with these delicious options for an amazing turkey sandwich:
A turkey sandwich is a lunchtime staple that can easily become boring without the right mix of flavors and textures. If your standard turkey and cheese on wheat is leaving you wanting this article will explore 25 delicious ingredients to transform your sandwich from bland to grand.
From sweet fruits to spicy sauces, crunchy veggies to creamy cheeses, we’ve got you covered with ideas to make your turkey sandwich crave-worthy again. Let’s dive in!
Classic Turkey Sandwich Ingredients
First, let’s go over some classic turkey sandwich ingredients:
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Sliced turkey – Oven roasted or deli-style works best Get it shaved thin for flavor in every bite
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Bread – Whole wheat, sourdough, croissants, rolls, or your favorite.
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Cheese – Cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack, provolone add creaminess.
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Lettuce – Crisp lettuce like romaine or iceberg provides crunch.
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Tomato – Sliced tomatoes lend a fresh, juicy element.
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Condiments – Mayo, mustard, ranch, etc. Spread lightly.
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Salt and pepper – Season to taste.
These traditional fillings make a solid sandwich, but we can do better. Now let’s jazz it up!
25 Ingredients to Take Your Turkey Sandwich to the Next Level
1. Avocado
Creamy, fresh avocado slices or mashed avocado make a delicious addition.
2. Bacon
Crispy, salty bacon complements the turkey wonderfully.
3. Pesto
Basil or sun-dried tomato pesto kicked up with garlic and pine nuts adds bold flavor.
4. Hummus
For a lighter sandwich, hummus makes a protein-packed sub for mayo.
5. Guacamole
Adding homemade or store-bought guac is an easy flavor booster.
6. Salsa
For a spicy twist, top with your favorite salsa.
7. Sauerkraut
Tangy, fermented sauerkraut provides probiotics and satisfying crunch.
8. Spinach
Fresh baby spinach adds nutrients without overpowering the sandwich.
9. Sprouts
Alfalfa or bean sprouts lend earthy flavor and pleasant texture.
10. Cucumber
Thinly sliced cucumbers taste cool and crisp.
11. Bell Peppers
Roasted red, yellow, or orange peppers add subtle sweetness.
12. Pickles
Dill pickles, bread & butter pickles, etc. provide that signature briny flavor.
13. Onion
Sliced red onion offers a nice pungent bite without being overpowering.
14. Mushrooms
Sautéed mushrooms lend a hearty, umami richness.
15. Egg
A sliced hard-boiled egg turns your sandwich into a protein powerhouse.
16. Olive or Sun-Dried Tomato Tapenade
Tapenades made of olives or sun-dried tomatoes deliver an intense flavor punch.
17. Cranberry Sauce
Tart, sweet cranberry sauce is a seasonal favorite.
18. Coleslaw
Creamy coleslaw offers color, crunch and tang.
19. Pepperoncini
Pickled pepperoncini peppers bring a mild kick.
20. Pepper Jack Cheese
For heat, use pepper jack instead of mild cheddar or Swiss.
21. Hot Sauce
Mix things up with your favorite hot sauce or chili oil.
22. Jalapeño
If you like heat, diced or sliced jalapeños can spice up your sandwich.
23. Apple
Sliced apple with turkey is an underrated but delicious combo.
24. Brie
Creamy brie cheese is amazing melted on turkey.
25. Pear
Ripe sliced pears also pair wonderfully with turkey.
Tips for Constructing the Perfect Turkey Sandwich
Now that you’ve got a plethora of ingredients to work with, let’s go over some tips for putting together the ultimate turkey sandwich:
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Use flavorful bread – Choose an artisan loaf or roll rather than plain sandwich bread.
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Layer thoughtfully – Place juicier ingredients like tomato towards the center to keep bread from getting soggy.
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Spread condiments evenly – A thin layer on each slice beats random globs.
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Don’t skimp on seasonings – Salt, pepper, spices, herbs amp up flavors.
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Mix up textures – Combine soft, crunchy, creamy, and juicy elements for an appealing contrast.
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Consider extra protein – Adding cheese or other meats like salami makes it more hearty.
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Avoid overstuffing – You want a sandwich you can actually bite into, not a messy mountain.
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Let it rest – Allowing the constructed sandwich to sit for 5-10 minutes lets flavors meld.
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Halve it – Sliced in half, sandwiches are just easier to eat neatly.
With these tips and ingredient ideas, you can create a turkey sandwich masterpiece bursting with flavors and textures. Mix and match your favorites from the list above until you find your perfect blend of tastes and crunch. A little creativity is all you need to transform the humble turkey sandwich into your new go-to lunchtime favorite.
Best Cheese for a Turkey Sandwich
- American: melty, traditional cheese and turkey sandwiches are a classic for a reason.
- Mozzarella: creamy, sweet flavor that tastes delicious with hearty sliced turkey.
- Provolone: salty with a sweet finish for epic sandwiches.
- Pepperjack: creamy cheese with peppers will add a little peppery flavor to a turkey sandwich.
- Swiss: full of buttery flavor for your sandwich enjoyment.
- Gouda: creamy and has a sharper taste for sandwiches.
- Monterey Jack: similar consistency to Pepperjack Cheese without the added spice!
- Cream Cheese: pair with sliced tomato and pepper. You’ll thank me later.
- Blue Cheese Crumbles: if this is your jam, add this sharp and fragrant cheese!
- Feta: the perfect pairing for a Mediterranean-style turkey sandwich.
- Mayo: more than likely, this is already in your fridge, waiting to be used on a turkey sandwich. Destiny!
- Mustard: regular or Dijon mustard are great options for a quick lunch time sandwich.
- Relish: pickley spread for a rich to crunchy flavor on your sandwich.
- Salsa: your favorite salsa can bring new life to your sandwich recipes.
- Sriracha: spicy turkey sandwiches will knock off your socks.
- Salt & Pepper: seems basic but will add a little bit of flavor to the classic you love.
- Salad Dressings: your favorite dressings (Balsamic, Ranch, Italian) can create a delicious turkey sandwich. If packing for lunch, use a separate container to avoid soggy bread.
- Olive Oil: healthier alternative to salad dressing, but equally as delicious.
- Tzatziki: this delicious sauce is perfect for dipping or spreading on your turkey sandwich.
- Pesto: buttery and basily pesto on a turkey sandwich is flagrant and super satisfying.
Best Veggies for a Turkey Sandwich
- Shredded Lettuce: use store bought packs of lettuce or chop up some romaine hearts to fill your sandwich.
- Cucumber Slices: thinly slice for a light and refreshing crunch.
- Shredded Carrots: sneak more veggies into you or your family’s sandwiches with this vegetastic idea.
- Spinach: fresh spinach pairs the best with this combination.
- Tomato: sliced tomato yields delicious texture to a turkey sandwich.
- Pickles: crunchy pickles meet soft and savory sandwiches…what more could you want?
- Avocado: avocado tastes amazing, and you won’t have to pay an arm & a leg for it at home!
- Guacamole: you’ll love the incredible flavor it spreads into sandwiches.
- Grilled Onion: leftover onions from dinner? Fill your sandwich with these delicious grilled veggies.
- Red Onion: a bit stronger and more oniony, but still tasty and mouthwatering.
- Shallot: similar to a regular onion, but with a more subtle flavor for less onioney sandwiches.
- Jalapeño: fresh or pickled are amazing flavor enhancers for dull turkey sandwiches.
- Banana Peppers: for a sweet peppery taste, try topping with banana peppers.
- Olives: creates muffuletta-style sandwiches.
- Bell Pepper: red, green, or yellow bell peppers add so much veggie flavor to a turkey sandwich.
- Mushrooms: thinly sliced mushrooms add the right amount of flavor that enhance sandwiches.
- Garlic: pickled garlic is a turkey sandwich staple because it creates an outstanding crunch with subtle garlic flavor.
- Corn: delicious, crunchy, and full of fiber for a veggie filled lunch.
- Artichoke: fresh spinach and artichoke is a match made in turkey sandwich heaven.
- Bacon: mmmmm crispy and mouthwatering bacon AND turkey!
- Pastrami: a mixture of smoked sausage and roast beef flavor for a more desirable turkey sandwich.
- Pepperoni: pepperoni is inexpensive and creates a sandwich full of pizza flavor.
- Salami: thin-sliced salami is peppery, flavorful, and mouthwatering on a turkey sandwich.
- Ham: ham is a staple, so why not fill your sandwich with your favorite deli-style ham?
- Roast Beef: roast beef holds a smoky flavor for flavor packed sandwiches.
- Smashed Chickpeas: recreate this smashed chickpea sandwich and simply add your delicious, sliced turkey!
- Mashed Beans: any beans will do for a savory bean spread. Heat up canned beans and mash for a quick and flavorful turkey sandwich filling.
- Fried Egg: fried eggs are loaded with protein for a thick and filling turkey sandwich.
- Hummus: use your favorite local grocery store option or make your own sandwich spread.
The Ultimate Turkey Club Sandwich | Perfect for a Quick and Delicious Lunch!
FAQ
What goes well with turkey in a sandwich?
Cheese: Swiss, provolone, and cheddar cheeses all pair well with turkey. Buy slices directly from the deli counter, or slice off the block with a cheese slicer. Lettuce: Green leaf or romaine lettuce adds much needed crunch. Remove the thick rib from romaine lettuce to make it easier to build the sandwich.
What condiments go on a turkey sandwich?
- Mustard — Brown, Dijon, Spicy and Honey Mustard make good options.
- Mayonnaise — Regular or Chipotle Mayonnaise is tasty.
- Guacamole — This is great alone but you might also like it with bacon too.
- Cranberry sauce. Any form of this is great with turkey.
- Pickles.
What makes a good turkey sandwich?
Start with a spread of your favorite condiment – be it classic mayo, zesty mustard, or a flavorful aioli. Place the turkey slices evenly, ensuring each bite is a perfect combination of flavors. Add a layer of crisp, fresh veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions for a satisfying crunch.
What condiments pair well with turkey?
Consider a chutney with fresh and dried fruit, a tangy citrus marmalade, and even bacon onion “jam.” The recipes we’ve gathered are sweet and tart or savory and aromatic, they include the spices, nuts, and deep flavors we associate with autumn and winter, so you won’t miss the cranberries one bit.