Jan's Health Bar Turkey Sandwich with Avocado, Microgreens and Spike Seasoning
Oven-roasted turkey, avocado, microgreens, cucumber, tomatoes, and Spike seasoning on Ezekiel sprouted grain bread. Inspired by Jan's Health Bar in Huntington Beach, a California favorite since 1972.
Jennifer Ann Blair writes about food, wine, and the stories that live in recipe boxes.
In 1972, inside Huntington Surf and Sport, Jan’s Health Bar opened. If you haven’t heard of it, it’s beloved in Southern California. Those who stayed go back often. If you’ve moved away, it’s the first stop when you visit.
Jan’s eventually moved to its own location on Main Street. It’s still there. 50 years in operation, 8 locations, now run by Poppy Holguin, Jan’s first employee. She happily took over the business when Jan decided to retire. They still serve delicious, nutritious food. Still friendly and memorable. Still feeding the local community and neighborhoods. Jan’s mission was always to respect the product she created. Poppy kept it that way.
This sandwich recipe is inspired by Jan’s — delicious, filling, satisfying. It’s the perfect sandwich to eat before heading back out for another swim or surf. Easy to make, with a long list of variations. Vegetarian or not, gluten-friendly or not, cheese or not. Oven-roasted turkey, avocado, microgreens, cucumber, tomatoes, and Spike seasoning on Ezekiel sprouted grain bread. Served with Have’a Corn Chips, naturally. Substantial enough to keep Duke Kahanamoku out in the water all afternoon!
We moved to Huntington Beach when I was seven. Our neighbors were Huntington High people. My parents sent my sisters and me to Mater Dei. Both great schools. Each different in their own way. We all still knew each other, chilled downtown, tried our hands at surfing, and walked the 1,850-foot Pier. We checked out the surfers in their wetsuits and the musicians rolling in for the night. The Golden Bear on Main Street hosted everyone. The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Reel Big Fish, ska-punk, heavy metal, hippies still going strong. Even with all that, it was still a quieter haven of slower life than it is now.
Notes
Bristol Farms carries an oven-roasted turkey that is worth seeking out. You don’t have to use it, but it makes a difference. I’m picky about deli meat, so I stick to Bristol Farms. Jan’s uses thick-sliced deli turkey. If you can find it at a quality deli counter, go that route.
Jan’s uses vegan bacon bits. I tested Louisville Jerky Co. Bacon Bits Toppin’s, which are highly rated. They taste like Play-Doh to me. I left them out. You decide.
Spike seasoning is a seasoned salt blend — garlic, herbs, a little heat, no added MSG. Available at most grocery stores, Whole Foods, and Amazon. Jan’s uses it on everything. Once you have it you’ll use it on everything too. Taste test it yourself.
To make this vegetarian, substitute the turkey with Jan’s vegetarian turkey if you’re near a location. At home I used Unreal Roasted Turkey Premium Plant Based Deli Slices from Whole Foods. I blended it in the food processor with two tablespoons of vegan mayo and a teaspoon of Spike seasoning until it reached a scoopable consistency. It won’t be exactly Jan’s but it’s close enough to meet your nutritional needs. One package makes four scoops.
Jan’s offers other protein options. You could do the same: chicken breast, tuna salad, chicken salad, or skip the protein entirely and let the avocado do the work. I skip the avocado. I can’t eat it. My mom eats it like everyone else.
Wheat bread is what Jan’s uses to make their sandwiches. I used Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Grain Bread. But, like the turkey option, you can choose the bread that suits you best. I also made a version with ciabatta from Bristol Farms. A bit softer than the wheat bread, with a different flavor, but holds up well and makes a great alternative. Gluten-free bread is also an option. And if you find the bread weighed down by all the additions, consider toasting it to firm it up.
While You’re Here…
Jennifer Ann Blair writes about what’s worth remembering — a recipe, a person, a sandwhich that sustains you.