Some sandwiches are just iconic, and this one has the star power to prove it. Featured in a buzz-worthy Super Bowl ad for Hellmann’s mayonnaise, this sandwich became an instant classic thanks to Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan reenacting their legendary deli scene from When Harry Met Sally. After she’s had a bite and recreated her reaction, a bystander says, “I’ll have what she’s having!” And honestly, who wouldn’t? It’s an easy but delish sandwich; here’s how to make it.

A freshly made turkey sandwich on whole-grain bread, layered with lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, and cheese, served on a wooden cutting board. The sandwich is cut in half, revealing the colorful and fresh ingredients inside.

This isn’t just any sandwich—it’s the perfect balance of fresh, flavorful ingredients layered between golden, toasty rye bread. Crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, tender turkey, creamy Swiss cheese, and the tangy crunch of a half-sour pickle come together in one unforgettable bite. Whether you’re recreating the scene at home or just looking for a quick and satisfying meal, this sandwich is worth all the hype.

Open-faced sandwich with turkey, lettuce, and sliced tomatoes on one slice of bread, with mayo on the other on a wooden board.

Ingredients

Light rye bread – Look for unseeded rye bread, but you could use any kind of bread, really.
Swiss cheese – Thinly sliced.
Beefsteak tomato – Sliced nice and thin.
Leaf lettuce
Half sour dill pickle – Sliced thinly so you get pickle in every bite.
Sliced turkey – Use good quality deli turkey, sliced not too thin.
Salt and pepper
Hellmann’s® Real Mayonnaise

How to make What She’s Having Sandwich

Toast the bread until golden brown and crisp.
Squeeze a generous squiggle of Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise onto one slice of toasted bread.
Place one whole leaf of leaf lettuce on the mayo-coated bread.
Layer the sliced turkey evenly over the lettuce.
Add the slices of Alpine Swiss cheese on top of the turkey.
Slice the half sour dill pickle lengthwise and arrange it so that every bite gets a bit of pickle.
Thinly slice the beefsteak tomato into paper-thin slices and layer them over the pickle.
Season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
Place the second romaine lettuce leaf on top of the seasoned tomato slices.
Spread another generous layer of Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise onto the second piece of toasted bread.
Press the sandwich together, slice in half, and enjoy!

Step-by-step process

Ingredients of What She's Having Sandwich laying on top of white marble countertop. — Ingredients.

A close-up of sandwich ingredients arranged on a wooden cutting board. A slice of rustic bread with a zigzag drizzle of mayonnaise is in the foreground. To the right, several folded slices of turkey or ham are seasoned with black pepper. In the background, sliced pickles and fresh tomato slices are neatly arranged. — Ingredients.

Chef Jenn’s Tips

Use high-quality rye bread—it makes all the difference in flavor and texture.
Make sure to toast the bread just right—crispy enough to hold up but not too hard.
Thinly slice the tomato so it doesn’t overpower the sandwich.
Try using Hellmann’s Chipotle Mayonnaise for a spicy kick!

Make It A Meal

Pair this sandwich with a classic deli-style side like a bowl of homemade tomato soup, a crisp dill pickle, or a handful of kettle chips. For a lighter option, serve it with a simple mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette. If you want to elevate your meal, go for an old-school diner experience with a tall glass of iced tea or a vanilla milkshake!

Close-up turkey sandwich with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and cheese on whole-grain bread, cut in half and served on a wooden board.

Storage

This sandwich is best enjoyed freshly made, but if you need to prep ahead, keep the ingredients separate and assemble just before serving. If storing leftovers, wrap the sandwich tightly in parchment paper and refrigerate for up to 12 hours.

Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan sitting on a couch. — Photo credit: Hellmann’s.

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