California Club Sandwich
A sunny West Coast take on the classic triple-decker club sandwich. Layers of toasted sourdough, sliced turkey, crispy bacon, creamy avocado, and fresh veggies come together for a satisfying crunch in every bite. Perfect for a hearty lunch or a light dinner.
For 2 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Prepare all the fresh ingredients.
1.Slice the tomato into 4 even rounds.2.Halve the avocado, remove the pit, and slice the flesh into thin strips.3.Wash and dry the lettuce leaves.4.Mix the mayonnaise and dijon mustard in a small bowl to create a tangy spread. - mix · ~1 min
Season the sliced avocado and tomato.
Lay the avocado and tomato slices out and sprinkle evenly with the salt and freshly ground black pepper.
TIPSeasoning the produce directly instead of the whole sandwich gives you a brighter, more balanced flavor in every bite. - fry · ~10 min
Cook the bacon until crispy.
Lay the bacon slices in a cold frying pan. Place over medium heat and cook, turning occasionally, until evenly golden brown and crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
TIPStarting the bacon in a cold pan helps the fat render slowly, yielding extra-crispy bacon. - prep · ~3 min
Toast the sourdough bread slices.
Toast all 6 slices of sourdough bread to a light golden brown. This prevents the bread from getting soggy and adds a satisfying crunch to the finished sandwich.
- assemble · ~2 min
Assemble the first layer of the club sandwich.
1.Place one slice of toast on a clean cutting board.2.Spread a thin layer of the mustard-mayo mix on the bread.3.Arrange half of the turkey slices on top, followed by 2 lettuce leaves and 2 tomato slices. - assemble · ~2 min
Build the middle layer.
1.Place a second slice of toast on top of the first layer and gently press down.2.Spread more of the mustard-mayo mix on the top side of this middle slice.3.Layer the cooked bacon strips and the sliced avocado evenly across the middle toast. - assemble · ~2 min
Top off the sandwich and secure it.
1.Spread the remaining mustard-mayo mix on the third slice of toast.2.Place it, spread-side down, on top of the avocado and bacon layer.3.Gently press the sandwich together, then insert 4 sandwich picks through all layers to secure them. - prep · ~1 min
Cut the sandwich into triangles.
Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully cut the sandwich in half diagonally from corner to corner, creating two neat triangles.
- assemble · ~3 min
Repeat the process for the second sandwich.
Build the second club sandwich using the remaining ingredients following the exact same steps.
- serve · ~1 min
Serve immediately.
Plate each sandwich half cut-side up, revealing the beautiful layers. Serve with a side of crispy potato chips or a light salad.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use ripe but firm avocados so they hold their shape in the sandwich without turning mushy.
- 2Toast the sourdough just until lightly golden — over-toasting makes it hard to bite through all the layers.
- 3Pat the lettuce leaves completely dry; excess moisture will make the bread soggy.
- 4Let the cooked bacon drain on paper towels for at least a minute to remove excess grease.
- 5Insert four long sandwich picks before cutting to keep the tall layers from sliding apart.
- 6Use a serrated knife with a gentle sawing motion to cut through the crust without squashing the fillings.
- 7Assemble the sandwiches just before serving to keep the toast crisp and the avocado bright.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-carb
Replace the sourdough with large butter lettuce leaves or keto-friendly wraps. You get all the flavor and crunch with fewer carbs, ideal for low-carb or gluten-free diets.
smoked salmon swapSmoked salmon swap
Substitute thinly sliced smoked salmon for the turkey. The rich, briny salmon pairs beautifully with creamy avocado and tangy mustard-mayo, giving the sandwich a Pacific Northwest feel.
vegetarianVegetarian
Omit the turkey and bacon, and add extra avocado slices plus roasted red peppers or marinated artichoke hearts. You'll get a hearty, umami-packed veggie club without losing any satisfaction.
spicy chipotleSpicy chipotle
Mix 1 teaspoon of adobo sauce from chipotle peppers into the mayonnaise-mustard spread. The smoky heat adds a bold kick that complements the bacon and avocado.
double proteinDouble-protein
Double the turkey and add a layer of sliced hard-boiled egg. This turns the sandwich into a protein powerhouse, perfect for post-workout refueling or a filling lunch.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Heart-Healthy Fats
Avocado provides monounsaturated fats that support heart health and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins from the other ingredients.
Lean Protein from Turkey
Turkey breast is a lean source of high-quality protein, helping with muscle repair and keeping you full longer.
Good Source of Dietary Fiber
Sourdough bread and avocado both contribute fiber, aiding digestion and promoting steady energy release.
Low in Added Sugar
This sandwich contains no added sugars, relying on natural flavors from fresh produce and savory ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but sourdough's sturdy crumb and tangy flavor hold up best against the moist fillings. If using a softer bread, toast it extra well to prevent sogginess.
