BLTs with a fresh twist: avocado and pesto mayonnaise. Summertime’s favorite sandwich!

BLATs — Bacon, Lettuce, Avocado & Tomato with Pesto Mayo

Give the classic BLT a little upgrade. I like to call this version a BLAT: bacon, lettuce, avocado, and tomato. The real difference is the sauce — a simple pesto mayonnaise that brightens the sandwich and pairs beautifully with ripe summer tomatoes. When tomatoes are in season there’s nothing better than a good BLT, but adding avocado and a touch of basil pesto makes it feel a little more special without complicating the process.

Why this works

This sandwich balances textures and flavors: crispy, smoky bacon; cool, crisp lettuce; creamy avocado; and sweet, juicy tomato. The pesto mayonnaise adds herbaceous depth and a touch of richness so every bite tastes layered and fresh. Use the best seasonal tomatoes you can find — heirlooms or other vine-ripened varieties — and keep the rest simple.

Ingredients

• Thick-cut bacon
• Green lettuce, washed and chilled
• Tomatoes, preferably heirloom or other seasonal tomatoes, thickly sliced
• Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
• Avocado, halved, pitted and sliced
• 2 heaping tablespoons good-quality mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon basil pesto (jarred is fine)
• Bakery white bread, sliced (or your preferred sandwich bread)

Instructions

1. Fry the bacon until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
2. Toast the bread slices to your preferred level of golden brown.
3. In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise and basil pesto until smooth. Taste and adjust the ratio if you prefer more or less pesto.
4. Assemble the sandwiches: spread a generous layer of pesto mayo on one slice of toast. Top with lettuce, 2–3 slices of bacon, and thick tomato slices. Sprinkle the tomato with a little kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper.
5. Add avocado slices on top of the tomato, then spread a bit more pesto mayo on the second slice of toast and place it on top. Press down gently and cut the sandwich in half.
6. Serve immediately while the bacon is still warm and the toast is crisp.

Tips for the best BLAT

• Choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes. Thick slices hold up well in the sandwich and deliver the most juice and sweetness.
• Use thick-cut bacon for a satisfying crunch and smoky flavor. If you prefer less fat, drain thoroughly on paper towels.
• If avocados are not quite ripe, slice them thin and lay them on the sandwich a few minutes before serving so they soften slightly from the residual heat of the bacon.
• Swap the bread if you want a whole-grain or sourdough version — the pesto mayo complements many styles of bread.

Recipe Notes

Make as many sandwiches as you like. Two to three slices of bacon per sandwich is a good guideline depending on how thick your bacon is and how hearty you want the sandwich to be. The pesto mayo can be scaled up easily — mix equal parts mayo and pesto for a stronger basil flavor, or reduce pesto for a subtler herb note.

Nutrition (approximate per sandwich)

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Fat: 36 g
• Fiber: 6 g

This BLAT is a simple, seasonal sandwich that celebrates summer tomatoes and the bright flavor of basil. It takes just minutes to prepare and makes a satisfying lunch or light dinner. If you try this version, adjust the pesto-to-mayo ratio to suit your taste and enjoy the fresh, balanced flavors.