Tomato Sandwiches Get A Major Flavor Boost With A Scoop Of This Classic Side

Tomato sandwiches are a true custom of the American South, best eaten during the summer when these red fruits are at their ripest and juiciest. This sandwich's flavor lies in its simplicity, layering fresh tomatoes between mayonnaise-slathered slices of bread. Salt and pepper give it an extra zing, but the tomato is the true standout, especially when you choose the large-and-in-charge beefsteak tomato variety. The one thing that could make this sandwich better is adding another Southern classic: coleslaw.

Coleslaw brings in extra texture and crunch, providing a satisfying contrast to the softness of the tomato. The sharp acid of the coleslaw's vinegar also complements the mayonnaise and the tomato's sweet and tangy notes. To make this variation, prepare your tomato sandwich as you normally would, cutting the tomato slices thick so they'll stay intact, and add a scoop or two of coleslaw on top. Some coleslaw and tomato sandwich recipes incorporate heat with a splash of hot sauce. Try adding Szechuan condiments to your sandwich for deeper flavors from the chili paste and citrusy Szechuan peppercorns.

Though variations of coleslaw abound, Southern coleslaw dressing usually contains mayonnaise, so you might go easy with spreading this condiment on the sandwich bread to avoid an overload. Some sogginess is to be expected from a tomato sandwich made well, but you don't want your bread to fall apart. Untoasted white bread is the standard, but you can break with tradition and toast yours beforehand to stave off sogginess. You might also skip the bread mayo entirely and use another sauce or condiment, such as tzatziki, for a Greek-inspired swap that ups the tang.

If you want to change up your coleslaw, try gochujang slaw or even BLT coleslaw for fun riffs. Make BLT coleslaw with cherry or grape tomatoes that offer more sweetness than larger tomatoes to balance the acidity of the vinegar. Those who prefer slaws with a little less sweetness can whip up a caraway coleslaw with mustard and bittersweet caraway seeds, or toss in chopped dill pickles. The countless variations of coleslaw and tomato sandwich toppings you can add mean you'll never get bored with this meal.