Turkey BLT with Balsamic Avocado Mayo

Updated: Dec 5, 2025 by Lisa

If you love a classic sandwich with a little extra something, this Turkey BLT is about to earn a spot in your regular lunch rotation. Crisp bacon, lettuce and juicy tomatoes pair with tender turkey and a creamy spread for a sandwich that has everything you crave. It feels familiar yet a little elevated, making it just as perfect for an easy weeknight dinner as it is for packing up for lunch.

A turkey blt sandwich sliced in half on a white plate.

Sandwiches are a favorite lunch option for good reason. They are easy to assemble, can be made ahead, and hold up well in a lunch box. But sandwiches are not just for kids headed to school. This turkey BLT is loaded with goodness, from protein and fresh veggies to healthy fats and plenty of flavor, making it a solid choice for a satisfying midday meal.

I actually created this sandwich after Panera discontinued the Roasted Turkey and Avocado BLT and replaced it with a grilled chicken BLT. I missed those familiar flavors, so this version starts with everything you love about a classic BLT, then the turkey and balsamic avocado mayo take it over the top. It feels familiar but fresh, with a modern twist that makes you actually look forward to lunchtime.

Jump to:

Ingredients
Instructions
Variations/ Substitutions
Storage
Top Tips
Serving Suggestions
FAQ
Have Leftover Turkey?
RECIPE

Ingredients

Avocado – Choose a ripe avocado that gives slightly when pressed for easy mashing and the creamiest texture. If avocado is unavailable, hummus can work as a spread with a different flavor profile.
Mayonnaise – Use a good quality mayonnaise for the best flavor and creamy consistency. You can swap in Greek yogurt or avocado oil mayo if preferred.
Balsamic Vinegar – A smooth, slightly sweet balsamic adds depth without overpowering the spread. Red wine vinegar can be used in a pinch.
Bread – Wheat or white bread both work well, and toasting helps prevent the sandwich from getting soggy. Sourdough or multigrain are good alternatives.
Tomato – Use a ripe, in-season tomato for the best flavor and slice it just before assembling. Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes hold up well.
Bacon – Cook until crisp so it adds texture to the sandwich. Air fryer bacon is easy and delicious. Turkey bacon can be substituted if you prefer.
Turkey – Leftover roasted turkey adds great flavor, but deli-style turkey works just fine. Choose a thicker cut for a heartier bite.
Lettuce – Large, crisp leaves add crunch and structure. Romaine or butter lettuce are good substitutes.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, mix avocado, mayonnaise and vinegar.

Avocado mayo is spread onto toasted bread.

Step 2: Spread the avocado mixture on the 4 slices of bread.

Tomato and bacon is layered onto bread spread with balsamic avocado mayo.

Step 3: Layer tomatoes and bacon onto the bread.

Turkey and lettuce are added to the turkey BLT sandwiches.

Step 4: Add turkey and lettuce and serve.

Hint: Toasting the bread adds structure and helps keep the sandwich from getting soggy.

Variations/ Substitutions

Bread Options – Swap wheat or white bread for sourdough, multigrain, ciabatta, or a toasted croissant for a richer sandwich.
Turkey Swap – Use smoked turkey, peppered turkey, or rotisserie chicken if turkey is not available. Using leftover turkey is also a frugal option.
Bacon Alternatives – Air Fryer turkey bacon works well, or try pancetta for a slightly more savory bite.
Mayo Variations – Add a pinch of garlic powder, Dijon mustard, or black pepper to the balsamic avocado mayo for extra flavor.
Tomato Options – Roma tomatoes hold up well, or use sliced cherry tomatoes when larger tomatoes are out of season.
Lettuce Choices – Romaine, butter lettuce, or arugula all work depending on whether you want more crunch or a peppery note.
Wrap It Up – Turn this into a wrap using a flour tortilla or spinach wrap for an easy packable lunch.
Cheese Options – Add sliced provolone, Swiss, or mozzarella for a mild, creamy layer that pairs well with the turkey and avocado. Sharp cheddar works if you want a bolder flavor.

Storage

To transport your assembled sandwich in your lunch box, wrap it tightly in parchment paper or plastic wrap and keep it chilled with an ice pack.

Leftovers are best stored unassembled. Keep the turkey, bacon, tomato, lettuce, and bread in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The balsamic avocado mayo should be stored in a small container with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to limit browning, and used within a day or two.

Top Tips

Toasting the bread adds structure and helps keep the sandwich from getting soggy.
Use a ripe avocado so the mayo blends smoothly without lumps.
Cook the bacon until crisp, so it adds texture and does not get chewy once assembled.
Slice the tomatoes just before building the sandwich to avoid excess moisture.
Layer lettuce next to the bread to create a barrier between the spread and juicy ingredients.

Sliced turkey blt sandwiches on a plate with chips and a glass of tea in the background.

Serving Suggestions

This Turkey BLT pairs really well with something warm and cozy on the side. A bowl of Vegetable Barley Soup or Tuscan Bean Soup turns it into a filling lunch or easy dinner. It also works nicely with lighter options, like a Crunchy Romaine Salad with Fennel or a scoop of Caprese Pasta Salad with Pesto, when you want to keep things fresh and balanced.

For more of a deli style meal, serve this sandwich with homemade pickles, crunchy fries, or chips. Pan Roasted Potato Salad with Arugula and Crispy Prosciutto is a great option if you want the meal to feel more special while Cranberry Pecan Blue Cheese Salad adds color and flavor to the plate.

FAQ

How do I keep the avocado mayo from turning brown?

Store it in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface and use it within a day.

Should I serve this Turkey BLT warm or cold?

This sandwich is great cold, but you can lightly toast the bread and warm the turkey and bacon if you prefer it slightly warm.

Have Leftover Turkey?

Try these recipes:

If you like this Turkey BLT recipe, please leave a 5-star rating.

RECIPE

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save