1. Prepare Your Ingredients: If toasting bread, toast it now to your desired level of crispness—light toasting adds structure without making it too crunchy to bite through. While bread toasts (or if using untoasted), prepare your other ingredients.
2. Prepare the Avocado: Cut the avocado in half lengthwise, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh. Slice the avocado into thin strips (about ¼-inch thick), or mash it with a fork if you prefer a spread. Drizzle with lemon or lime juice and gently toss or spread to coat—this prevents browning and adds brightness. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Prepare Vegetables: Wash lettuce leaves and pat completely dry with paper towels—wet lettuce makes soggy sandwiches! Slice tomato into ¼-inch thick slices. Place tomato slices on paper towels and gently pat to remove excess moisture and seeds. This prevents a soggy sandwich!
4. Spread the Condiments: Lay both bread slices on a clean plate or cutting board. Spread mayonnaise on one slice and mustard (if using) on the other slice, covering edge to edge. The fat-based spread creates a moisture barrier that keeps bread fresh longer.
5. Layer the Lettuce: Place lettuce leaves on the mayo-spread slice. Lettuce creates a protective barrier between the bread and juicy ingredients like tomato.
6. Add the Turkey: Layer the turkey slices on top of the lettuce, folding or stacking them for even distribution and good coverage.
7. Add the Tomato: Layer tomato slices over the turkey. Season the tomato lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.
8. Add the Avocado: Arrange avocado slices (or spread mashed avocado) over the tomato. Make sure it’s evenly distributed for avocado in every bite.
9. Add Optional Ingredients: If using bacon, cheese, onion, cucumber, sprouts, or other add-ins, layer them now on top of the avocado.
10. Close the Sandwich: Place the second bread slice on top (mustard side down if you used it). Press down very gently to help everything adhere together without squashing.
11. Cut and Serve: Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the sandwich in half diagonally (triangles are easier to eat!) or straight down the middle. For easier handling, you can cut into quarters. Serve immediately and enjoy!

For Meal Prep:

• Prepare all components separately
• Store turkey, lettuce, and tomatoes in separate containers
• Slice avocado fresh each day (or store with lemon juice in airtight container)
• Assemble sandwich fresh each morning in 3-4 minutes