Summer Rachel Sandwich
About This Rachel Sandwich Recipe
This is my summer take on the classic Rachel sandwich, and it is elite. Melty Swiss, juicy heirloom tomatoes, shaved smoked turkey, and the most addictive sweet-tangy coleslaw layered on buttery toasted sourdough. The Honey Dijon Horseradish Mayo pulls everything together with that perfect sweet-spicy bite. It’s fresh, comforting, messy, delicious, and very easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Summer Rachel
Fast — You can get this on the table in under 20 minutes.
Perfectly balanced — salty, sweet, tangy, creamy, crunchy, melty.
Summery — heirloom tomatoes + cold turkey + crisp coleslaw = peak warm-weather vibes.
Customizable — swap breads, cheese, turkey, or make it spicy.
Crowd-pleasing — a sandwich nobody will forget.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Sandwich
Sourdough bread
Butter
Swiss cheese
Heirloom tomato
Shaved smoked turkey
Homemade coleslaw
Honey Dijon horseradish mayo
Coleslaw
Coleslaw mix
Mayonnaise
Honey
Dark brown sugar
Sweet pickle relish
Dill relish
Dijon mustard
Honey Dijon Horseradish Mayo
Mayonnaise
Honey
Prepared horseradish
Dijon mustard
How to Make It
Start by mixing the quick coleslaw so it can chill and soak up flavor. Whisk together the Honey-Dijon Horseradish Mayo. Butter one side of each slice of sourdough and spread the mayo on the opposite side. Toast the bread in a skillet, mayo-side up, and layer on Swiss and shaved turkey so the cheese melts. Add tomato slices and a scoop of chilled coleslaw, then top with the remaining bread slices. Slice and serve immediately.
Tips for Success
Dry your tomatoes — dab with a paper towel so your sandwich isn’t soggy.
Cover the pan — helps melt the Swiss perfectly.
Let the coleslaw sit 20 minutes — it gets creamier and better.
Butter + Mayo → perfect toast — crispy outside, flavorful inside.
Use really good bread — sourdough makes all the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes — provolone, havarti, or muenster all melt beautifully.
Can I make the coleslaw ahead?
Absolutely. Up to 24 hours in advance is ideal.
What if I don’t like sweet coleslaw?
Cut the honey and brown sugar in half (or omit completely).
Can I swap the turkey?
Shaved rotisserie chicken, ham, or leftover roasted turkey all work.
What to Serve With This Sandwich
Kettle chips
A simple green salad
Soup
Pickles (always)
Fresh fruit for a lighter summer pairing
More Recipes You’ll Love
Rachel Sandwich
Ingredients
- 8 slices sourdough bread
- Butter, for spreading on the bread
- 8 slices Swiss cheese (2 per sandwich)
- 1 large heirloom tomato, sliced
- 1 lb shaved smoked turkey
- Prepared coleslaw
- Honey horseradish mayo
- 14 oz bag coleslaw mix
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish
- ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the coleslaw mix with mayonnaise, honey, brown sugar, both relishes, and Dijon mustard until well combined. Refrigerate until you're ready to assemble the sliders after baking. You can reduce the amount of sugar/honey if you're not a big fan of sweet coleslaw.
- Stir together mayo, honey, horseradish, and Dijon. Adjust horseradish to taste.
- Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- On the opposite side of each slice, spread a thin layer of honey horseradish mayo.
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Place bread slices butter side down (mayo side up).
- Top half of the slices with 2 slices of Swiss and a generous pile of shaved turkey.
- Cover the pan to help the cheese melt, cooking 3–5 minutes until the bottoms are golden and the cheese is gooey.
- Remove from heat and add sliced tomato and a scoop of coleslaw on top of the turkey.
- Top with the remaining slices of bread, toasted side out.
- Slice and serve immediately.
