Sunday, 25 May 2025

Sandwich Spread Recipes with Tomatoes and Dill

Sandwich Spread Recipes with Tomatoes and Dill

There’s something undeniably comforting about a well-made sandwich, especially when it's dressed with a flavorful homemade spread. While store-bought condiments can get the job done, crafting your own spreads at home allows you to control the ingredients, intensify the flavors, and tailor everything to your tastes. Among the most refreshing combinations? Tomatoes and dill. This tangy, herbaceous duo is bright, slightly sweet, and incredibly versatile—ideal for elevating sandwiches from basic to unforgettable.


Here are three homemade sandwich spread recipes that spotlight tomatoes and dill in unique and delicious ways: a creamy tomato dill mayo, a zesty roasted tomato and dill hummus, and a chunky tomato-dill cream cheese spread. Each one brings a different texture and character to your sandwiches—perfect for weekday lunches, picnic baskets, or creative weekend brunches.


1. Creamy Tomato Dill Mayonnaise

This spread is silky smooth, tangy, and herb-laced—perfect for layering on deli sandwiches, grilled cheese, or even as a dip for fries. Using sun-dried tomatoes intensifies the tomato flavor without watering down the spread.


Ingredients:

½ cup mayonnaise (regular or light)


2 tablespoons finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained)


1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)


1 teaspoon lemon juice


1 teaspoon Dijon mustard


1 clove garlic, finely grated


Salt and pepper, to taste


Instructions:

In a bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until smooth.


Fold in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dill, and garlic.


Season with salt and pepper to taste.


Let the spread chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.


Usage Tips:

Slather on roasted turkey, grilled chicken, or roast beef sandwiches.


Use as a base for tomato and lettuce wraps.


Add a dollop to tuna salad for a fresh twist.


Why It Works:

Sun-dried tomatoes offer concentrated umami that balances beautifully with the brightness of dill and lemon. The mayonnaise provides a creamy vehicle for all the flavors to harmonize, while garlic and mustard deepen the flavor profile just enough to keep it interesting.


2. Roasted Tomato and Dill Hummus

For a Mediterranean-inspired, protein-rich spread, this roasted tomato and dill hummus brings a vibrant kick to any sandwich. Chickpeas give the base a creamy texture, while roasted tomatoes add depth, and dill keeps things bright.


Ingredients:

1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed


1 cup cherry tomatoes


1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for roasting)


1 tablespoon tahini


1 tablespoon lemon juice


1 garlic clove


1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1½ teaspoons dried dill)


Salt, to taste


Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes


Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cherry tomatoes with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Roast for 15–20 minutes until blistered and lightly caramelized. Let cool.


In a food processor, combine chickpeas, roasted tomatoes, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and dill.


Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Add a little water or extra olive oil for a creamier texture.


Season with salt and add spices if using. Blend again and chill before serving.


Usage Tips:

Spread on veggie sandwiches with cucumber, avocado, and sprouts.


Pair with grilled eggplant, feta, and arugula.


Use as a base layer in pita wraps with falafel or grilled chicken.


Why It Works:

Roasting the tomatoes removes excess moisture and enhances their sweetness, helping them blend smoothly into the hummus. Dill adds brightness, making this a rich yet refreshing spread. It’s vegan, hearty, and ideal for batch prep.


3. Chunky Tomato-Dill Cream Cheese Spread

This recipe celebrates texture, combining diced fresh tomatoes with creamy cheese and sprigs of dill. It’s a garden-inspired spread that's perfect for bagel sandwiches, cold-cut wraps, and even crackers.


Ingredients:

8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened


1 small ripe tomato, diced (seeds removed for less moisture)


2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill


1 tablespoon chopped scallions or chives


½ teaspoon garlic powder or 1 small grated garlic clove


½ teaspoon lemon zest


Salt and black pepper, to taste


Instructions:

In a mixing bowl, whip cream cheese with a fork or hand mixer until soft and fluffy.


Fold in the diced tomato, dill, scallions, garlic, and lemon zest.


Season with salt and pepper.


Chill for 20–30 minutes before spreading.


Usage Tips:

Spread on toasted bagels with smoked salmon or sliced cucumbers.


Use as a sandwich base with turkey, spinach, and pickled onions.


Spoon into lettuce wraps or use as a stuffed tomato filling.


Why It Works:

The richness of cream cheese balances the acidity of the fresh tomato and the herbal notes of dill. The lemon zest adds brightness, while scallions lend a subtle bite. It’s chunky, colorful, and great for open-faced sandwiches or tea sandwiches.


Storage and Customization Tips

All three spreads can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge:


Tomato Dill Mayo: lasts 5–7 days.


Roasted Tomato Hummus: best consumed within 4–5 days.


Cream Cheese Spread: keeps for 3–5 days depending on tomato moisture.


Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences. Want a spicy kick? Add a pinch of cayenne or chopped chili to any of the spreads. Prefer a milder flavor? Use roasted garlic instead of raw. For a vegan cream cheese alternative, swap in whipped cashew cream or plant-based spread.


Sandwich Pairing Ideas

To inspire your next sandwich adventure, here are a few pairings for each spread:


Creamy Tomato Dill Mayo:


Sourdough with roast beef, caramelized onions, and arugula


Toasted ciabatta with grilled chicken, lettuce, and sliced tomato


Roasted Tomato and Dill Hummus:


Pita stuffed with grilled zucchini, feta, and spinach


Multigrain bread with sprouts, avocado, and shredded carrots


Tomato-Dill Cream Cheese Spread:


Everything bagel with lox, red onions, and capers


Whole wheat sandwich with turkey, cucumber ribbons, and lettuce


Final Thoughts

Making sandwich spreads at home might seem like a small step, but it’s one that can make a major impact on your meals. These tomato and dill-based recipes are proof that fresh, flavorful ingredients can bring incredible life to your lunch routine.


Whether you're looking for creamy, zesty, or chunky textures, each of these spreads offers something unique. Experiment with ingredients, swap in new herbs or vegetables, and most importantly—enjoy the process of building better sandwiches, one homemade spread at a time.

Helpful Reading 

Carrot Cake Recipes and Cornbread Recipes 

https://www.amazon.com/Carrot-Cake-Recipes-Cornbread-Breakfast-ebook/dp/B0DJFHM3QQ

Dahlia Microfarming 

https://www.amazon.com/Dahlia-Microfarm-Starting-Profitable-Vegetables-ebook/dp/B0F4XYPR3Z/

3 Sisters Planting and Square Foot Gardening 

https://www.amazon.com/Sisters-Planting-Gardening-Beginners-Planters-ebook/dp/B0F2TQQH1R/

Growing Tomatoes and Making Salsa

https://www.amazon.com/Seed-Salsa-Tomatoes-Nutritious-Recipes-ebook/dp/B0F4PGRYF5/


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