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GET IT NOWMy Bell Pepper Sandwich Hits Every Sandwich Note
My bell pepper sandwich started as a fun way to try the TikTok trend, but now it’s one of my go-to healthy lunches when I want something fast, fresh, and packed with flavor. Here’s why:
- Lighter, but just as delicious – This bell pepper sandwich has all the classic turkey sandwich vibes I crave, but skips the bread and doubles down on veggies instead. The combo of crisp bell peppers, smoky bacon, creamy avocado, and tangy mustard hits every note.
- Totally customizable – I’ve swapped the turkey for ham, chicken, or even tuna salad. It’s basically a sandwich formula you can mix and match.
- Mess-free meal – These hold together surprisingly well and don’t get soggy, so I’ve even packed them for road trips and beach days.
- Crunch lovers, this is for you – The bell pepper “bun” gives a satisfying crunch you just don’t get with bread. If you like cucumber subs, this has that same fresh vibe, just a little more sturdy and filling.
If you’re looking for a colorful, crave-worthy lunch that takes minutes to make, make this one with me!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my bell pepper sandwich recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
- Bell peppers – These are the “bread” for the sandwich. I usually go with red for the sweetness, but any color works. Green has more of a bite, while yellow and orange are a little milder and sweeter.
- Mayonnaise – I like using my avocado oil mayo because the ingredients are cleaner, but regular mayo is totally fine too.
- Dijon Mustard – Whole grain adds a nice tang, but you can use any mustard you love. Classic yellow, spicy brown, or even sugar free honey mustard if you’re not keeping it low carb.
- Lettuce – Green leaf or romaine both work well. Just something with a little structure so it doesn’t wilt too fast.
- Deli Meat – I used deli turkey (look for one without added sugar), but you can totally do ham, roast beef, or even chicken slices. Basically whatever’s in your fridge.
- Cooked bacon – I usually microwave or air fry bacon when I’m in a rush, but if I’m meal prepping, I’ll make a whole batch of bacon in the oven so I have extras ready to go.
- Cheese – I went with provolone here, but honestly, use what you love. Cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack are all delicious options.
- Avocado – Just make sure it’s ripe but not too soft. If it gives a little when you press it, it’s probably perfect.
VARIATION: Make it vegetarian.
Skip the deli meat and layer in some cauliflower hummus, your favorite cheese, crunchy cucumber slices, and a handful of alfalfa sprouts. It’s super fresh and still totally satisfying.
How To Make A Bell Pepper Sandwich
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
- Prep the peppers. Slice off the stem, cut each bell pepper in half, and scoop out the ribs and seeds. You want nice, sturdy halves to hold everything in.
- Assemble. Spread the mayo and mustard on the inside of each half. Then start layering: lettuce, turkey, cheese, bacon, and avocado. Just pile it all on two of the halves.
- Top and enjoy. Pop the other pepper halves on top and that’s it. I love how fast this bell pepper sandwich comes together, and it seriously hits the spot.
My Recipe Tips
- You want bell peppers that are big and flat. The smaller, round ones are cute, but I’ve found they just don’t hold fillings as well.
- I always start with the lettuce first so it catches the mayo and mustard. It keeps things from sliding around. Then I stack heavier stuff like meat and cheese next, with avocado near the top so it doesn’t squish out.
- If the bottom bell pepper half is wobbly, I shave off a thin slice to level it out. Makes stacking everything way easier (and less messy to eat).
- I only used half an avocado for this recipe, so I stash the rest in my avocado saver (love this thing!). It keeps it from browning too fast. You can also freeze avocado in chunks for smoothies or guac later.
Bell Pepper Sandwich (5-Min Recipe)
My bell pepper sandwich is crunchy, fresh, and packed with turkey, bacon, cheese, and avocado. No bread needed and you won’t even miss it!
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Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
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Using a knife, remove bell pepper stem, then cut bell pepper in half. Cut away the ribs and seeds.
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Spread the mayonnaise and whole grain mustard evenly over bell pepper halves.
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Layer the remaining ingredients on 2 of the bell pepper halves in this order: one leaf of lettuce, half the turkey slices, 2 slices of provolone, 2 slices of cooked bacon, and half of the avocado slices.
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Top the sandwiches with the other half of the red bell pepper.
LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 bell pepper sandwich
- Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you you build a sturdier sandwich, keep things from sliding around, and make the most of your avocado.
- Store: You can keep the bell pepper sandwich in the fridge for a few hours. If you’re making it ahead, I’d leave out the avocado until the last minute so it doesn’t brown.
- Meal prep: Go ahead and slice the peppers and get everything ready, but wait to assemble until you’re ready to eat. It only takes a minute to throw it together!
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy.
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Bell Pepper Sandwich
Serving Ideas
This bell pepper sandwich makes an easy lunch on its own, but you can totally turn it into more of a meal. I like serving it with fruit salad, a handful of nuts, or a quick side salad. It also pairs well with zucchini chips, a hard boiled egg, or even a cozy soup if you’re craving something warm.
14 Comments
Doug J
0Love this recipe! Its filling and tastes great!
Melanie
0This is delicious. I have a bag of baby bell peppers and I sliced about 8 of them in half, seeded them, then sliced up some smoked ham lunch meat into long sticks, did the same with some sliced sharp cheddar, put a little mayo in one side of each pepper, put them together and it was so crunchy and yummy! My next sandwiches will be turkey, bacon, guacamole.
Katie
0This is such a fun twist on a sandwich. I love the crunch and freshness the bell pepper adds! We love this one.
Natalie
0Yum! This looks fantastic. I’m going to give this a try
Amy L Huntley
0Healthy and Low Carb! Win, Win! So filling too!
Kristyn
0What a awesome way to use bell peppers!! Love them & love this! I don’t miss the bread at all!
Natalie
0What a great & delicious idea!! It’s so crisp & tasty!! I think I will make my sandwiches like this from now on!
Swathi
0Keto bell pepper sandwich is yumm
Samantha
0Yum! I love how easy this is to make! Perfect for back to school time coming up. Will definitely try this one!
Ann
0For those on keto looking for a unique recipe, this is it.
Beth
0Oh wow! I love this idea and so will my hubby. We are going to love this recipe for lunch today! So much healthier and looks very delicious! Definitely going to be a hit!
Sam
0This was a very creative recipe. It was surprisingly delicious too. Who knew bell peppers would make delicious sandwich bread. I will definitely be making it again.
Paula
0This is a great idea. I made them and the fam loved them!
Renee Thiegpin
0This is such a great idea! We loved it! Thanks for this recipe.