A no-bread club sandwich stacked with chicken, bacon, ham, and cheese—wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb twist on a deli classic.
📋 Recipe Card
👨🍳 Servings: 1–2
⏱ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 10 minutes (for bacon/chicken)
🕒 Total Time: 20 minutes
🏷️ Tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, No-Cook Option
🍽 Dietary Info: Gluten-Free | High-Protein | Low-Carb
🛒 Ingredients Checklist
Main Ingredients:
Iceberg lettuce leaves (large, whole)
Cooked chicken breast (sliced or shredded)
Bacon (crispy)
Deli ham (thin sliced)
Cheese (any type you like)
Tomato slices
Mayonnaise
Optional Add-ons:
Avocado slices
Mustard or aioli
Pickles or cucumber slices
👩🍳 Instructions
Prepare Your Ingredients
Cook the bacon until crispy. Warm the chicken if needed.
Trim lettuce leaves into square-ish shapes for easier layering.
Build the Base Layer
Lay 2 lettuce leaves flat on a plate.
Spread 1 tablespoon of mayo across the leaves.
Add the Meats & Cheese
Layer ham, chicken, and cheese on top of the lettuce/mayo base.
Add the Middle Layer
Place 2 more lettuce leaves over the meats.
Spread the remaining mayo on this layer.
Top It Off
Add tomato slices and crispy bacon.
Finish with the final 2 lettuce leaves.
Secure & Slice
Insert 4 toothpicks (one in each corner) to hold everything in place.
Use a sharp knife to slice diagonally from corner to corner, making 4 mini sandwiches.
💡 Notes & Tips
Iceberg lettuce works best for structure and crunch.
Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
If your lettuce leaves are fragile, double them up for more stability.
You can build this ahead and wrap in parchment for an on-the-go lunch!
🥪 A Sandwich Without the Bread
Who says you need bread to enjoy a good club sandwich? This crisp, creamy, salty-stacked creation hits all the right notes—without the carbs. It’s perfect for low-carb lunches, meal prep, or even as a fun party tray snack. Plus, it’s packed with protein and seriously satisfying.
📸 Step-by-Step Assembly Guide
1. Prep & Layer Your Base
Use two large lettuce leaves as the foundation. Think of them as your sandwich “bread.”
Tip: Try to find large, intact iceberg leaves for best structure.
2. Add Your First Fillings
Spread mayo, then layer with ham, chicken, and cheese.
Quick Tip: Fold or layer the meats neatly to keep the sandwich from slipping.
3. Second Layer
Add another set of lettuce leaves and repeat with mayo.
4. Bacon & Tomato Finish
This is your flavor crown. Stack bacon and tomatoes for that classic club combo.
5. Seal the Deal
Top with your final lettuce leaves, add toothpicks, and slice carefully.
Serving Tip: Serve with pickle spears or keto chips on the side.
🧂 Ingredient Insights & Swaps
Lettuce:
Iceberg = crunch + structure. You can also try romaine or butter lettuce, but use extra leaves for durability.
Protein Options:
Chicken: Grilled, rotisserie, or deli-style
Ham: Smoked or black forest works great
Bacon: Turkey bacon or plant-based if desired
Cheese:
Any sliced cheese works—cheddar, provolone, Swiss, or pepper jack for some heat.
Condiments:
Classic mayo keeps it simple, but feel free to sub in garlic aioli, mustard, or even ranch dressing.
🔄 Variations & Serving Suggestions
Turn It Into a Wrap:
Stack and roll everything inside a large lettuce leaf, burrito-style, for a lettuce wrap version.
Low-Cal Version:
Skip bacon and mayo, and sub in mustard and extra veggies like cucumber or red onion.
Keto Upgrade:
Add avocado slices and a fried egg for a breakfast-style version.
Make It a Meal:
Serve with:
Keto coleslaw
Hard-boiled eggs
A handful of nuts or olives
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Meal Prep:
Wrap individual wedges tightly in parchment or plastic wrap. Best eaten within 1 day for peak freshness.
Storage:
Store wrapped in the fridge. Lettuce may wilt slightly, so keep tomatoes separate if packing ahead.
Reheating:
Not needed—this is a chilled, no-reheat sandwich!
🧾 Nutrition (Per Full Sandwich)
Calories: ~410 kcal
Protein: ~32g
Fat: ~30g
Carbs: ~4g (Net: ~3g)
Fiber: ~1g
Allergens: Contains egg (mayo) and dairy (cheese). Gluten-free if deli meats are certified.
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I use different meats?
A: Absolutely—try turkey, roast beef, or even leftover grilled meats.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use dairy-free cheese or skip cheese entirely.
Q: Can I meal-prep these for the week?
A: For best results, prep all components and assemble the sandwich the day of. Otherwise, wrap tightly and refrigerate overnight.
Q: Is this good for keto?
A: Definitely. It’s naturally low in carbs and high in healthy fats and protein.
💬 The Ultimate Breadless Sandwich
This lettuce club is fast, flexible, and super satisfying—proving you don’t need bread to have a killer sandwich. Whether you’re eating low-carb or just want a light yet hearty meal, this recipe is a must-try.
📣 Ready to Ditch the Bread?
Tried this lettuce club sandwich? Share your version in the comments below or tag me @YourBlogHandle. Add avocado? Extra cheese? Let me see your stack!
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