Summer is full of salads with fresh vegetables because the weather is hot, I don’t want to cook and great vegetables are in season.  I love making salad combinations for a unique twist each day.

But some days a salad is just not what I’m craving.  Some days I want a good old fashioned sandwich.  Okay let’s be real…old fashioned sandwiches were bologna and cheese on white bread…this is not an old fashioned sandwich.  This is a salad with potential to be my favorite meal of the summer and is so simple.

My favorite sandwiches these days are those with some crunch, protein, and great flavors.  My toaster oven is perfect for a great simple sandwich I can throw together on my lunch break and enjoy every bite.  I’ve even taken one on a road trip to enjoy instead of hunting for allergy friendly food.  *Note: I use a piece of foil in the toaster oven to prevent gluten contamination.*

Summer Toaster Sandwich

Brighten up a basic sandwich with toasted bread and hummus spread.  This vegetarian sandwich will keep you full all afternoon.

Ingredients (makes one sandwich)

• 2 slices of bread (I use Rudi’s Gluten Free Multigrain Bread)
• 1/8 cup Daiya Pepper Jack cheese shreds
• 2 tablespoons hummus, try different flavors
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 2 teaspoons honey mustard dressing (I use Bolthouse because I like the more mustardy flavor)

Instructions

1. Place both slices of bread on toaster oven rack (or under broiler in traditional oven) with Daiya cheese on on slice.  Toast for 2 minutes in toaster oven until cheese is melted and bread is slightly toasted. Remove them to a plate.
2. On the other slice of bread spread the hummus.  Add the spinach leaves and top with the honey mustard dressing.

A great simple side dish is a fresh apple or pear with a bit more honey mustard.  This lunch keeps me full through the rest of the afternoon and is satisfying for dinner after a late workout.

My goal of the summer is to love the food I’m eating instead of overdoing the salads because the vegetables are in season.  Try this sandwich for a change of pace and enjoy your lunch too.