Traffic Lights
Colorful traffic light sandwiches combining fresh vegetables, eggs, and bread, perfect for kids' lunches or fun snack times, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spread all slices of bread with butter, then spread the whole wheat slices with Thousand Island dressing.
- Cover one-third of the area of the whole wheat slices with shredded lettuce, reserving a little for later.
- Remove egg yolks from the whites and arrange yolk slices over the center area of the bread, reserving a little.
- Place five slices of tomato over the remaining area on the bread.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Using a small 3/4-inch plain or fluted rounded cookie cutter, cut out six holes from each slice of white bread.
- Place bread, buttered sides down, over the fillings and press together firmly.
- Cut each sandwich neatly in half to form 'traffic lights'.
- Chop the reserved lettuce and tomato, and slice the egg yolk; use to fill the relevant holes in the sandwich.
- Garnish with a few green onion flowers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using flavored bread like sourdough or rye, or substitute the Thousand Island dressing with a tangy aioli. Ensure the butter is well-softened to spread easily, and consider using fresh herbs for added flavor. If time allows, let the assembled sandwiches sit for a few minutes to meld the flavors before cutting them into 'traffic lights'.
Serving Suggestions
These 'traffic lights' make for a fun lunch or party snack and pair beautifully with a light salad or a bowl of soup. Consider serving with a side of chips or fresh fruit for a complete meal. For a light dessert, try serving with slices of Fresh Strawberry Angel Cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the sandwiches in a toaster oven or a skillet over low heat until warmed through, ensuring the bread stays crispy. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Traffic Lights contains roughly 626 calories, with 13g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (26% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1066mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the fillings and assemble the sandwiches a few hours in advance. Keep the sandwiches covered in the refrigerator to prevent them from drying out. Just cut them right before serving for the best presentation.
What can I use instead of eggs?
If you're looking for a vegan alternative, consider using sliced avocado or marinated tofu for a similar texture. You can also incorporate more vegetables like roasted peppers or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, simply substitute the bread with your favorite gluten-free bread. Ensure all other ingredients, like the dressing and seasoning, are certified gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).