Name: Smoked Pulled Turkey Sandwich
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 cups smoked pulled turkey; 1/2 cup Alabama white sauce (divided); 4 large bakery buns; 1 cup kale slaw

When you're looking for a barbecue sandwich that's a little more light, but still indulgent, this smoked pulled turkey sandwich is a win!

5 from 1 vote

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By Christie Vanover | Published May 5, 2022 | Last Updated June 27, 2022

Pulled Turkey Sandwich with Alabama White Sauce

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This ain’t your mama’s turkey sandwich on wheat bread with lettuce. Oh no! This is an indulgent barbecue sandwich piled high with smoked pulled turkey smothered in Alabama white sauce with kale slaw.

How to build the perfect sandwich

All good sandwiches start with a good bun. You can see in the pictures, I used a large bakery bun, but this sandwich is also great on brioche buns, croissants and even in wraps. You’re welcome to toast the buns, if you’d like, but honestly, the slaw provides enough crunch, I don’t think the buns need it.

What makes this sandwich different from most turkey sandwiches is the turkey itself. It’s not made with sliced deli meat. I like to smoke whole turkeys year round and save the pulled meat in the freezer for quick and easy recipes like this.

Be sure to check out my smoked pulled turkey recipe, so you can stock up on pulled turkey, too.

Every good sandwich needs something fresh. For added crunch, freshness and flavor, I top the pulled turkey with creamy kale slaw.

Sandwiches almost always have condiments like mayo or mustard. So to finish everything up, toss the turkey in Alabama white sauce and add more to the top bun.

What is Alabama White Sauce

Alabama white sauce is a perfect sauce for this recipe, because it’s mayonnaise based, and turkey and mayo go together like peanut butter and jelly.

The sauce was created by Big Bob Gibson in Decatur, Alabama, in the 1920s. You can read more about its history and get the full recipe in the above link.

Its ingredients includes, mayo, vinegar, apple juice, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper and a few other seasonings. It can be served hot or cold.

Can pulled turkey sandwiches be made in advance

You can make every component of this sandwich ahead of time. Just wait to assemble it so the bun doesn’t get soggy.

The white sauce can be saved in the fridge for about 2 weeks. The slaw and turkey can be mixed up and saved for 2-3 days.

You can pack everything up and take it on a picnic or bring it to a potluck, or just make sandwiches each day, using different buns for variety.