Mini Bagel Sandwiches with Turkey, Lettuce, and Tomato

In law school, when I was short on cash (almost always), or on a health kick (every time my jeans felt too tight), I would decide to be good and pack myself lunch everyday. I ate the same thing every single day — turkey sandwich on wheat — but I never got bored of eating it, because I always loaded it down with my favorite fixings. Avocado, lots of leafy greens, cream cheese, bacon, onions…mmm! That’s the best thing about making your own sandwiches, you know — you get to put whatever you want on it, and nobody can charge you extra for anything.

Of all the lunches I brought to school, it was my bagel sandwiches that elicited the most looks of envy from my friends. While they were eating semi-congealed slices from the nearby pizza joint, or turkey and American cheese on plain white bread, I was chowing down on a toasted everything bagel smeared with onion & chives cream cheese and stacked high with lettuce, tomatoes, provolone, honey roasted turkey, and ripe avocados. Simple, healthy yet flavorful, and very satisfying. Not to mention, super easy to make.

And, you know how everything tastes better in miniature? Also true for bagel sandwiches. Especially since mini bagels are lower in calorie than regular bagels, and you can eat two in one sitting without going over your daily limit. You’re technically eating the same amount of food as you would with a regular bagel sandwich, but the fact that you’re technically eating two sandwiches makes you feel like you’re treating yourself when you’re really still being good. Tricky, tricky!

Mini Bagel Sandwiches with Turkey, Lettuce and Tomato

Ingredients:
– 2 mini bagels, toasted
– 4 slices honey roasted turkey, folded in half (more if desired)
– 1 slice provolone, divided into 4 pieces
– 2 thick slices tomato
– 1/2 avocado, sliced (optional)
– Generous handful of spinach or lettuce
– 1 tsp mayonnaise

Steps:
(1) Divide your ingredients evenly into two equal portions — 2 slices of turkey, 1/2 slice provolone (2 pieces), 1 slice tomato, 1/2 of the avocado slices, 1/2 of the spinach/lettuce per bagel.
(2) Layer each ingredient on the two bottom halves as you wish.
** I usually start with lettuce on the bottom, then tomato, then avocado, then turkey, then cheese. My cats are usually prowling around my ankles by this point, so I take some time to feed them tidbits of turkey/cheese.
(3) Smear mayo evenly on the two top halves, and replace them on top of each sandwich.
(4) Enjoy immediately, with baked chips or sliced fruit.

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