When the warmer months roll around, we can’t wait to get outside, have fun in the sun, and enjoy the delicious harvests of the local farmers. One of our favorite spring and summer staples is the humble BLT sandwich. Although you can’t go wrong with the classic, we created a flavorful twist on the original to celebrate the tastes of the season!

The classic BLT layers bacon, lettuce, and tomato on your bread of choice to create a delicious and fresh bite that’s perfect to combat the heat. Today we are amping up the flavor with a super simple pesto spread to complement the traditional B, L, and T. 

This spread comes together in a flash and introduces one of our other favorite flavors of the season: basil. The mayo creates a creamy texture while the olive oil and basil bring the familiar pesto taste. Of course we couldn’t help but mix in some whole-milled flaxseed for texture and a boost of nutrients.

As with most of our recipes, feel free to make it your own by altering amounts of ingredients or adding in extra herbs and spices to up the flavor.

Make it Vegan

You can make this recipe vegan with just a few simple swaps. Use vegan mayonnaise for the pesto spread and swap out the bacon to pile the sandwich high with veggies or tempeh. 

Make it Lighter

If you don’t have any bacon on hand or you just want a lighter version of this BLT, swap in turkey bacon or skip the bacon altogether. Make the sandwich your own by packing on whatever other ingredients you have in your fridge. Try adding onions, sliced carrots, sliced peppers, cucumbers, or grilled chicken. 

Make it Filling

If you’ve had a long day of gardening or a heated pickleball tournament with friends, you may need something a little more substantial to keep your energy high. Layer up your sandwich with extra protein in the form of sliced turkey, chicken, or melty cheese.

For extra flavor, throw your sandwich on the grill or in a panini press to make a crispy crust and warm, flavorful center. 

Next time your local farmer’s market pops up, keep an eye out for some tomatoes, lettuce, bacon, and basil. Use these fresh ingredients and try out our take on this classic sandwich, packed with the power of flaxseed!