Arugula and Avocado Sandwich With Turkey (Friendship Sandwich)

This sandwich’s signature is its ratio of greens and vegetables to meat and cheese. It’s 4-to-1, greens to protein, and will make you feel like you’re eating a salad. It’s inspired by a sandwich made by longtime friends pastry chef Natasha Pickowicz and writer-comedian Alison Leiby. Crunchy and filling, it’s also an incredibly refreshing take on a picnic lunch, one that incorporates layers of flavor but doesn’t feel heavy. The creaminess of the cheese and avocado act as a spread for the bread, negating the need for mayonnaise or mustard.

Makes 2 servings.

4 thin slices Jewish rye bread, semolina bread or 2 thin and crusty sandwich rolls, split

1 ripe Hass avocado, pitted, peeled and sliced 2 ounces thinly sliced roasted turkey breast Fine salt, to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 ounces (about 2 large handfuls) arugula, spinach, butter lettuce, Little Gem or a combination

1 ounce alfalfa sprouts

1 Persian cucumber, thinly sliced on a bias

2 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, thinly sliced Pickles, for serving (optional)

Chips, preferably potato, for serving (optional)

On a cutting board, lay the bread out. Top one slice, or one half of the roll, with a few slices of avocado. Top the avocado with half of the turkey and lightly season with salt and pepper. Layer on half of the greens, sprouts and cucumber, and lightly season with more salt and pepper. Top with slices of cheddar. Place another slice of bread atop the cheddar, and press down gently to help secure the bread to the fillings. Repeat with remaining ingredients to make the second sandwich.

Slice each sandwich in half and serve, with pickles and chips on the side, if desired.

Variations: If you cannot have gluten, use a gluten-free bread or wrap.

No avocado? Skip it, or consider replacing it with a touch more cheese.

Not a meat eater? Omit the turkey. Add a smear of hummus for a little protein.

This sandwich doesn’t have a spread because of the creaminess of the avocado and cheese. That said, feel free to add one if you’d like.

Per serving (1 sandwich): 464 calories, 24 g total fat, 7 g saturated fat, 38 mg cholesterol, 772 mg sodium, 44 g carbohydrates, 8 g dietary fiber, 5 g sugar, 22 g protein

Adapted from pastry chef Natasha Pickowicz and writer-comedian Alison Leiby.

the avocado, so the sandwich has just a touch of creaminess. Season it as you build the sandwich to ensure every bite has good flavor. Finally, make a second sandwich, so there’s one for you and one for a dear friend.