Name: Summer TLT Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tbsp tamari; 2 tbsp maple syrup; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 2 tbsp vegetable broth or water; 1 tbsp olive oil, plus more for cooking; 1 tsp liquid smoke (optional); 2 tsp nutritional yeast (optional); 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp ground coriander; 1/4 tsp allspice; Pinch of white pepper; 1, 16 oz block of super firm tofu, drained and patted dry; Kosher salt, to taste; 2 ripe avocados, pitted and flesh removed; Juice and zest of 1 lime; 1/4 cup dill, minced; Pinch of salt, to taste; 3-4 ciabatta sandwich rolls; Lettuce leaves; 8-10 thick slices of ripe tomatoes; Lime wedges, for serving; Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling (optional); Pinch of salt, for tomato seasoning (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 15 reviews

If you are looking for a fresh, flavorful, and utterly satisfying sandwich to enjoy on a warm day, the Summer TLT Sandwich Recipe is your new go-to delight. Combining smoky, spiced tofu slices with creamy avocado, zesty lime, and juicy tomatoes layered on crusty ciabatta, this sandwich packs bright colors, vibrant tastes, and a wonderful mix of textures that will elevate your lunch or picnic game. It’s a perfect plant-based twist on the classic BLT, and once you try this Summer TLT Sandwich Recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white plate holding five rectangular slices of tofu, laid flat in a loose, slightly overlapping arrangement. Underneath and around the tofu is a dark reddish-brown spicy sauce with visible fine chili flakes, creating a thin layer that clouds the plate's surface and some streaks near the edges. The tofu pieces have a smooth, pale cream texture with small pores, contrasting sharply with the rich color of the sauce. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Summer TLT Sandwich Recipe relies on a handful of simple but important ingredients that each bring something special to the table—from the earthy tofu that soaks up all the smoky marinade to the rich avocado and tangy lime that brighten every bite. These ingredients come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture that make this sandwich irresistible.

Tamari (3 tbsp): This gluten-free soy sauce adds a deep, savory umami base for the marinade.
Maple syrup (2 tbsp): Balances the salty tamari with a touch of natural sweetness.
Apple cider vinegar (2 tbsp): Adds tang and brightness to the marinade’s overall flavor.
Vegetable broth or water (2 tbsp): Helps mix and mellow the marinade.
Olive oil (1 tbsp plus more for cooking): Brings richness and helps achieve a beautiful crisp on the tofu.
Liquid smoke (1 tsp, optional): Gives the tofu a smoky depth without needing a grill.
Nutritional yeast (2 tsp, optional): Adds a subtle cheesy, savory note.
Smoked paprika (1 tsp): Intensifies the smoky flavor, enhancing the sandwich’s character.
Garlic powder (1 tsp): Gives a warm, pungent undertone.
Onion powder (1/2 tsp): Adds subtle savory sweetness.
Ground coriander (1/2 tsp): Introduces a light, citrusy warmth.
Allspice (1/4 tsp): Provides a hint of spice complexity.
White pepper (pinch): Offers gentle heat without overpowering.
Super firm tofu (1 block, 16 oz): The protein star that takes on all the delicious marinade flavors.
Kosher salt (to taste): Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
Ripe avocado (2): For creamy, luscious spread with lime zest and juice.
Lime (juice and zest of 1): Brightens the avocado and complements the tomato slices wonderfully.
Dill (1/4 cup, minced): A fresh herbal burst that elevates the avocado spread.
Ciabatta sandwich rolls (3-4): A sturdy bread with a crisp crust and soft interior to hold all the fillings.
Lettuce: Adds refreshing crunch and color.
Thick slices of tomatoes (8-10): Juicy, ripe tomatoes bring that classic freshness and bright acidity.
Lime wedges: For an optional final squeeze that wakes up the sandwich.

How to Make Summer TLT Sandwich Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by whisking together tamari, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, vegetable broth, olive oil, liquid smoke, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground coriander, allspice, and a pinch of white pepper in a large shallow bowl or container. This marinade is the magical blend that will infuse the tofu with smoky, sweet, and spicy notes. Mixing it well ensures every strip of tofu gets perfectly coated.

Step 2: Slice the Tofu

Place the drained, pat-dried tofu on a cutting board and slice it lengthwise in half to get two thinner slabs. Then turn the slabs cut side down and carefully slice across into very thin strips about 1/8-inch thick. These thin, delicate strips mimic bacon’s texture and allow the marinade to soak in beautifully.

Step 3: Marinate the Tofu

Gently dip each tofu strip into the marinade, making sure both sides are thoroughly coated. This step is crucial for building rich flavor — let each strip bathe in the marinade briefly before cooking to soak up all the deliciousness.

Step 4: Cook the Tofu

Heat some olive oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Carefully arrange the tofu slices in a single layer with some space between them. Cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes, then flip and cook the other side for 3 to 4 minutes. If the tofu looks dry, brush it with more marinade as it cooks to keep it moist and flavorful. Cook until the tofu is nicely browned and lightly crisp around the edges, then transfer to a plate and sprinkle with kosher salt if desired. Repeat with the remaining tofu batches.

Step 5: Make the Avocado Spread

In a bowl, mash together ripe avocado, lime zest, lime juice, minced dill, and a generous pinch of salt using a fork until smooth and creamy. This spread is the creamy, tangy element that adds richness and a fresh herbal kick to the sandwich.

Step 6: Assemble the Summer TLT Sandwich Recipe

Slice the ciabatta rolls in half and spread the avocado mixture generously on both the top and bottom halves. Layer with thick tomato slices — optionally sprinkle them with lime juice, salt, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for an extra burst of flavor. Add the crispy tofu strips and fresh lettuce before closing the sandwich with the top bun. Each bite will be a delightful combination of crunchy, creamy, smoky, and fresh.

How to Serve Summer TLT Sandwich Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a sandwich with five visible layers. The bottom layer is a toasted sandwich bun piece with light golden brown color and a slightly crispy texture. Above it is a layer of chunky green spread, likely avocado or guacamole, with small herb flecks mixed in. Next, there are two thick, vibrant red slices of tomato with a smooth, juicy surface. Above the tomato is a layer of dark brown crispy strips, possibly grilled mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute. On top of these strips lies a fresh bright green lettuce leaf with visible veins and a slightly crinkled texture. The sandwich is finished with a golden brown toasted bun piece on the top, showing a soft yet firm texture with a light crust. The background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Pair your Summer TLT Sandwich Recipe with lime wedges on the side for that optional squeeze of extra brightness. You can also sprinkle extra fresh dill or cracked black pepper on top if you want an herbal or slightly spicy kick. Simple garnishes like these add fresh layers and make every bite exciting.

Side Dishes

This sandwich pairs perfectly with crisp, refreshing sides such as a crunchy green salad, a crisp pickle, or even a handful of kettle-cooked chips. For something more substantial, a light quinoa or couscous salad with fresh herbs and lemon complements the sandwich’s flavors brilliantly without overpowering it.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting a summer picnic or casual brunch, consider cutting the Summer TLT Sandwich Recipe into smaller finger sandwiches for a fun, shareable presentation. Using colorful parchment paper or wrapping them in fresh lettuce leaves for a low-carb option adds a charming and practical twist that will impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover tofu or avocado spread, keep them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Tofu will stay good for up to 3 days, while avocado spread is best within 24 hours to avoid browning. Store the sandwich components separately for the freshest flavor.

Freezing

The tofu strips freeze well once cooked and cooled. Lay them out on a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing avocado spread or assembled sandwiches as they won’t maintain their texture and flavor well.

Reheating

Reheat tofu strips in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed and crisp again. Avoid microwaving your avocado spread or sandwich to keep that fresh, creamy texture intact. Assemble sandwiches right before eating for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use regular soy sauce instead of tamari?

Yes, you can substitute regular soy sauce, but tamari is preferred if you want a gluten-free option and a slightly milder flavor. Tamari also tends to have a richer umami taste that pairs beautifully with this recipe.

Is there a way to make this sandwich oil-free?

You can reduce the oil by using a non-stick pan or baking the tofu strips instead of pan-frying. For baking, place the marinated tofu on a parchment-lined tray and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway until crisp.

What if I don’t have liquid smoke?

Liquid smoke adds that signature smoky flavor, but you can omit it if unavailable. To compensate, increase the smoked paprika slightly or try a small pinch of chipotle powder for smoky heat.

Can I make this sandwich gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use gluten-free tamari or soy sauce and swap the ciabatta roll for your favorite gluten-free bread. The sandwich will taste just as delicious.

How ripe should the avocado be for the spread?

Choose avocados that are ripe but still firm to the touch—soft enough to mash easily but not overripe or mushy. This ensures a creamy, smooth spread without any bitterness or stringy texture.

Final Thoughts

This Summer TLT Sandwich Recipe is a celebration of fresh, vibrant, and bold flavors that come together effortlessly to create a satisfying meal. Whether you are making it for a sunny lunch or a laid-back weekend picnic, this sandwich will brighten your day and leave you wanting more. Don’t wait to share this delicious, plant-powered joy with your loved ones—trust me, once you try it, it will become a beloved favorite!