Living in Georgia, I often imagine what classic American dishes would be like if they had grown up alongside me in Egypt. I make “Nachos” with flatbread chips, tangy feta, Kalamata olives, parsley, dill, and mint, for example. Pistachios give my cooling Cucumber Salsa a nice crunch. But tomato sandwiches — the pride and joy of the American South — may be the most controversial. If you want to get a Southerner (or Midwesterner) mad at you, tell them you don’t really get the appeal of mayo on tomato sandwiches. I’ll start by saying that if you love a very classic tomato sandwich, I support you! But if you’d like a little “upgrade,” try my twist. I swap the mayo for tangy labneh, a strained yogurt cheese that is equally as rich but also holds its weight flavor-wise, bringing creaminess to the party but with good tang as a plus one. No regrets! And I will say I have made a few southern converts.
Tomato Sandwich 2.0 Ingredients and Substitutions
I wanted a next-level tomato sandwich, but that doesn’t mean it has to be complicated. You only need 4 ingredients (plus salt and pepper) to make this simple recipe:
Labneh: Labneh is a tangy, thick, and creamy cheese made by straining yogurt until most of the liquid has been removed. You can make your own Labneh with just yogurt and salt, or look for traditional labneh at the grocery store. Or swap with another creamy spread, like Whipped Feta or Farmer’s Cheese. Extra virgin olive oil: Whipping labneh with a spoon and olive oil transforms its thick, tangy texture into something smoother and silkier. A high-quality oil with a pleasant flavor is essential. READ MORE: How to Taste Olive Oil: A Step-By-Step Guide to Go From the Basics to the Pros TRY IT: Browse my hand-picked selection of extra virgin olive oils. Bread: Sandwich bread is the most traditional, but no need to limit yourself. Swap with gluten-free or whole wheat, or serve open-faced on sourdough or Rosemary Focaccia. Tomato: Any juicy seasonal variety will work, but I love the full flavor of heirlooms for this sandwich (see more tips in the “What Tomatoes Are The Best for a Sandwich?” section below). Seasoning: Kosher salt and black pepper draw out the tomato’s natural sweet, bright, and savory flavor.
What Tomatoes Are The Best for a Sandwich?
Generally speaking, you want a tomato that’s sweet and flavorful but not too watery. Varieties that stay rather firm when ripe, like Roma or small on-the-vine tomatoes, are ideal for sandwiches. For a tomato sandwich though, I like an heirloom. They’re typically the most flavorful, which is important when they’re playing the starring role. Look for heirlooms that aren’t overly ripe, soft, or large, as these tend to be too watery. A perfectly ripe heirloom on the smaller side is your best bet for a next-level tomato sandwich.
How to Make a Mediterranean-Style Tomato Sandwich
It takes 3 steps and about 5 minutes to make a Mediterranean-style tomato sandwich:
Whip and soften the labneh for spreading. In a small bowl, stir 3 tablespoons labneh with a generous drizzle of olive oil until well combined. Add more olive oil as necessary until the labneh is glossy and spreadable. Build the sandwich. Spread a thick layer of the labneh on 2 toasted slices of bread. Top with sliced tomatoes, then season with salt and pepper. Serve. Cut the sandwich in half crosswise and enjoy!
Ways to Mix it Up
A classic Southern tomato sandwich keeps it extra simple with just tomatoes, mayo, salt, and pepper, but I’ll admit I like to jazz mine up with extra flavor-makers when I have them on hand. Some additions and variations:
Fresh herbs: Add fresh basil leaves, parsley, mint, or dill. Spices: A few generous pinches of za’atar will add an aromatic, tart, and nutty quality. And if you like heat, try Urfa Biber or Aleppo pepper. Stock up on these Mediterranean pantry staples and more at our shop. Add a puckery hit with a couple of Olive Oil Fried Lemon Rings. Sprinkle the tomatoes with a teaspoon of Egyptian Dukkah for crunch and a Middle Eastern-style flavor boost. (This is exactly why I keep a small jar in my freezer!) Add a briney spread, like Olive Tapenade or Tonnato (Italian Olive and Caper Sauce). If you’re a true mayo-lover, try an upgrade with Garlicky Aioli in place of the labneh. It has similar vibes but more flavor, and uses higher-quality oil than the store-bought stuff.
What to Serve with Tomato Sandwiches
If you’d like to give your Southern comfort lunch a healthy Mediterranean twist, swap the sweet tea for tart and antioxidant-rich Karkade (Hibiscus Tea). Browse all Mediterranean recipes.
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