This Heirloom Tomato BLT is the perfect summer sandwich! Upgrade your BLT with the seasonal twists of basil aioli and heirloom tomatoes.

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I am one of those people who will not eat raw tomatoes when they’re not in season. I’m not trying to be a snob about it, I promise! But the flavorless, anemic tomatoes that eke by in the grocery store during winter just do not cut it. At that point, you’re barely even eating a tomato. And that feels like a crime because in-season tomatoes are BURSTING with flavor. Sorry, but I just can’t accept anything less than that!

So here’s a recipe to make the most of summer heirloom tomatoes. Of course, you don’t have to use heirloom tomatoes, but why not? If they’re available to you, they’re a beautifully colorful addition to your summer produce shopping. I’ve paired these juicy, ripe tomatoes with a homemade basil aioli, that takes it up to an elite level of flavor. Basil and tomatoes are made for each other! The creamy, herby basil aioli is also contrasted by the peppery arugula, that I used here instead of lettuce. You can use regular sandwich lettuce, but I love the flavor of arugula.

Then, of course, there’s the bacon. You can use regular bacon, turkey bacon, or vegan bacon – whatever works for you! There are so many great options out there for my vegan and vegetarian friends. I don’t recommend skipping some form of bacon, though, because it adds a delicious salty, crispy element to the sandwich. I mean, it’s a BLT! An LT’s a lieutenant, not a sandwich! ;)

Lastly, feel free to add avocado to make it a BLAT. If you do so, be sure to toss the avocado in a little salt and lemon juice to boost the flavor and prevent it from browning. It’ll keep your sandwich fresh and delicious for longer!

Hope you enjoy this recipe! For a totally vegan version, try my Vegan BLT recipe.

Heirloom Tomato BLT FAQs

How to make the best BLT?

Here are some crucial steps to making the best BLT possible:

1. Use TOASTED bread. Toasting the bread helps keep the sandwich fresh, crispy, and not soggy. Be sure to get a nice golden brown color before spreading on the aioli!
2. Salt your tomatoes. This step helps remove excess water from the tomatoes, which prevents the sandwich from getting soggy. It’s super easy – lay out some paper towels, then place the tomatoes slices on them. Salt both sides of the tomato, then let sit for 5-10 minutes. After the time has passed, pat the tomatoes dry with more paper towels to remove excess moisture.
3. Use IN-SEASON tomatoes. Tomatoes are harvested in late summer, which is when they have peak flavor. If you use grocery store tomatoes in the fall, winter, or spring, they won’t taste the same. Once you’ve had ripe summer tomatoes, it’s hard to go back!

How to layer a BLT sandwich?

For this recipe, I layer on the basil aioli on both sides of the bread. Then I add the tomatoes, bacon, and arugula. This is my preference, but you can switch things around if you’d like! One thing I will note is that you should put any lettuce on top, to prevent it from being crushed by the other fillings.

Do you put mayonnaise in a BLT?

Usually yes, but in this version I use a mouth-watering basil aioli (which is basically an herby, garlicky variation of mayonnaise).

What are the best variations of a BLT? And how to jazz up a BLT?

To create variations of a BLT, get back to the basics – bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes. Try using black pepper bacon or bacon charred with hot honey for an interesting twist. For the lettuce, you can experiment with different greens like arugula, frisée, or rainbow chard. And of course, you can’t forget the tomatoes! It’s best to use a large variety of tomato that is easily sliceable.

Are heirloom tomatoes good for BLT?

Absolutely! Heirloom tomatoes are an excellent, seasonal option for BLTs. You can find them in most farmers’ markets, and in several grocery stores!

What are the best tomatoes for BLT?

In this recipe I call for heirloom tomatoes, but if you can’t find them, in-season beefsteak tomatoes will do.

What is the difference between heirloom and beefsteak tomatoes?

Heirloom tomatoes are seasonal variations of regular red tomatoes, like beefsteak tomatoes. The term “heirloom” doesn’t have a legal definition, and isn’t regulated by the FDA. However, true heirloom tomatoes are grown with open-pollination, meaning their flowers are fertilized naturally by birds, insects, bees, the wind, or rain. Heirlooms do not undergo any genetic modification. This heritage results in unique tomatoes, with a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors.

Beefsteak tomatoes, on the other hand, are cultivated genetically to produce large, red fruits. (Note – they’re not always red, but most beefsteak tomatoes you’ll find in the grocery store will be red.) They can be commonly found in most grocery stores.

What can I add to a BLT to make it better?

If you want to make your BLT better and have it suited for your tastes, try these tips:

• Add on mayo, aioli, or hot sauce that you like on the sandwich
• Add other veg like avocado, microgreens, red onion, or frisée
• Add a little smoked paprika when you salt the tomatoes (see the recipe)

P.S.

For more plant-forward recipes and New England lifestyle inspiration, be sure to follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok! If you make a recipe, please tag me in the photo and use the hashtag #wellandfull so I can see! I love seeing your creations!