The tomato sandwich might just be the absolute best sandwich for summer

I’ve been a vegetarian for roughly a decade and while there isn’t much I miss about eating meat, sandwiches are the exception.

Not only are they easy to throw together when you need a quick lunch, but soup and a sandwich was always one of my favorite meals.

Of course, grilled cheese is still an option for those who aren’t vegan but, other than that, I’m pretty much restricted to a bunch of vegetables — which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Especially when I can make my all-time favorite summer sandwich with fresh-from-the-garden tomatoes.

The sandwich is so simple, and I’ve always made it with just sliced-up tomatoes, salt and mayonnaise. But this recipe from Sweet Little Bluebird — which also calls for pepper — sounds amazing! You could also consider adding basil for an extra kick of flavor.

While I love all tomatoes, the key here is fresh tomatoes. So if you have a garden or farmers’ market nearby, your sandwich will be even better.

Not to mention the added benefit of heading outside to get your produce!

If the thought of just tomatoes, mayo, salt and pepper doesn’t appeal to you (though I promise it’s delicious!), you can also spice it up with the addition of basil, cheese or, really, anything else you want.

This recipe for a tomato sandwich with basil mayonnaise, for example, is sure to boost the flavor a bit.

You could also take a suggestion from EatingWell and add melted provolone cheese, which can be done quickly and easily in your toaster oven.

If you’re feeling really adventurous, make a peanut butter and tomato sandwich or, if you eat meat, try this recipe from JIF for a peanut butter BLT.

While I can’t speak for the taste of this one, I can tell you that my neighbor and I used to eat peanut butter and lettuce sandwiches when we were kids and that is delicious!

If you’re seeking another light, summery, tomato-based meal, try your hand at making a cool and refreshing tomato-cucumber gazpacho.

This cold soup can be made with a variety of veggies — or even fruits — but this simple recipe pairs sweet tomatoes with cool cucumbers and seasonings.

Another super-light yet satisfying summer meal comes to us from blogger Tori Avey in the sweet-savory combination of watermelon and feta cheese.

With the addition of mint leaves, this summery salad is simple yet flavorful, and visually impressive with all the vibrant colors. Garnish with a bit of lime if you like!

For another crisp and colorful summertime salad option, try whipping up some rainbow slaw, as dreamed up by the bloggers at Evergreen Kitchen.

This vegan and gluten-free recipe uses an array of bright vegetables — like cabbage, peppers, carrots, tomatoes and olives — and makes for a perfect weeknight dinner or a pretty offering to present at a barbecue or picnic. You could also add in some avocado for a bit of healthy fat!

With all these amazing-looking options, your whole season’s meals are sorted! What’s your favorite deliciously light dish to make in the summer?