Turkey Avocado Sandwich

● United States
Origin Story

The turkey avocado sandwich is a product of California cuisine's influence on American eating from the 1980s onward. As avocados became widely available outside California and their health profile became well-known, they replaced mayo as the binding fat in lighter, more health-conscious sandwiches that became synonymous with West Coast eating.

Cultural Significance

The turkey avocado sandwich is shorthand for California healthy eating — it appears at every health-food café, gym café, and hotel restaurant across the United States. It's the default lunch of the health-conscious American, the sandwich that says 'I make good choices.' Its ubiquity has become its own cultural marker.

Turkey Avocado Sandwich sandwich
The Recipe

Spread mashed avocado seasoned with lemon juice and salt on toasted whole grain bread. Layer sliced turkey breast, Swiss or provolone cheese, sliced tomato, alfalfa or broccoli sprouts, and thinly sliced red onion. Season with black pepper and close the sandwich. Cut on the diagonal.