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If you’ve never had a Southern tomato sandwich, you’re in for a treat. At its heart, it’s nothing more than ripe summer tomatoes, good bread, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper—but when tomatoes are at their peak, that’s all you need.
I didn’t discover this Southern classic until later in life, and after my first bite I immediately understood why generations of gardeners wait all year for tomato season. Sweet, juicy tomatoes paired with toasted bread and a light layer of mayonnaise make one of the simplest—and most satisfying—summer lunches imaginable.
My lighter version uses light bread and light mayonnaise, but still delivers all the fresh tomato flavor that makes this sandwich such a seasonal favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Southern Tomato Sandwich
- Ready in about 10 minutes.
- Just a handful of simple ingredients.
- A delicious way to enjoy peak summer tomatoes.
- Light enough for lunch yet surprisingly satisfying.
- Easy to customize with herbs, cheese, or avocado.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Light sandwich bread – I used light Italian bread, but any good sandwich bread works. White, whole wheat, or sourdough are all great choices.
- Perfectly ripe tomato – The better the tomato, the better the sandwich.
- Light mayonnaise – Adds richness without overpowering the tomato.
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper – Essential for bringing out the tomato’s flavor.
Make It Your Own
This classic is wonderful just as it is, but here are a few easy ways to change it up:
- Add fresh basil for a Caprese-inspired twist.
- Layer on sliced avocado for extra creaminess.
- Add thinly sliced red onion for a little bite.
- Tuck in a few lettuce leaves for crunch.
- Spread the bread with seasoned mayonnaise (a little garlic powder, black pepper, or chopped herbs).
How to Make Classic Southern Tomato Sandwich
Step 1: Gather and prep your ingredients.
- 2 slices light bread
- 1 medium size beefsteak tomato, perfectly ripe
- 1 tablespoon light mayonnaise
- salt and black pepper
Step 2: Toast your bread and let cool slightly before spreading with mayonnaise.
Step 3: Core and thickly slice your tomato.
Step 4: Assemble your sandwich, cut in half and enjoy immediately.
Tips for Success
- Use the ripest tomatoes you can find.
- Slice the tomatoes thick enough that they stay juicy.
- Salt the tomatoes just before serving for the best flavor.
- Toasting the bread helps keep the sandwich from becoming soggy.
- Eat it immediately while everything is fresh.
How Many Calories and WW Points?
According to my calculations, each serving has 135 calories.
To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
To keep the calories and Weight Watchers points low I opted for light bread and light mayonnaise, but of course, the choice of ingredients is always yours 🙂
If you’ve made this Easy Classic Tomato Sandwich Made Lighter, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.
Classic Southern Tomato Sandwich
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 slices light bread (I used Village Hearth Light Italian)
- 1 medium beefsteak tomato, perfectly ripe
- 1 tablespoon light mayonnaise (I used Hellman's)
- Pinch Salt & pepper
Instructions
- Toast the bread to your liking. Let it cool a little while you prepare your tomato. Cut out the core and cut into thick slices with a sharp serrated knife to prevent squishing it.
- Spread the toast with the light mayonnaise. Layer as many of the tomato slices as you can on top of one one piece of toast. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Top with the other piece of toast, cut in half. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
(Must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.) 4 PointsPlus (Old plan)
Make It Your Own
This classic is wonderful just as it is, but here are a few easy ways to change it up:- Add fresh basil for a Caprese-inspired twist.
- Layer on sliced avocado for extra creaminess.
- Add thinly sliced red onion for a little bite.
- Tuck in a few lettuce leaves for crunch.
- Spread the bread with seasoned mayonnaise (a little garlic powder, black pepper, or chopped herbs).
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
FAQs
What kind of tomatoes work best?
Large beefsteak tomatoes are traditional, but any ripe, flavorful summer tomato works beautifully.
Can You Make It Ahead?
This sandwich is best assembled just before eating. If preparing ahead, slice the tomatoes and toast the bread separately, then assemble right before serving.
Should I toast the bread?
It’s optional, but I prefer toasted bread because it adds texture and helps keep the sandwich from getting soggy.
Can I make this with regular mayonnaise?
Absolutely. Light mayonnaise simply keeps the calories a little lower.
Why do you salt the tomatoes?
Salt enhances the tomato’s natural sweetness and brings out its juices and flavor.
What can I add to a tomato sandwich?
Fresh basil, avocado, red onion, lettuce, fresh mozzarella, or even a sprinkle of Everything Bagel seasoning (affiliate link) are all delicious additions.
My favorite summer sandwich. I usually sprinkle the tomatoes with some Furikake (Japanese seasoning for rice or just about anything). Another favorite embellishment is to mix a tablespoon of grated parmesan or cheddar cheese with the mayo before spreading on the sandwich.
Love your embellishment suggestions, Carol! Thanks for taking the time to share them 🙂 ~Martha
Untoasted bread is also great.