Easy Turkey Pesto Sandwich Recipe That Packs Fresh Flavor
Crafting a delectable turkey pesto sandwich brings pure culinary joy to lunch routines.
Layers of succulent meat nestled between fresh bread create an irresistible midday meal.
Fragrant basil-infused pesto adds vibrant green complexity to each delightful bite.
Crisp ingredients complement the tender sliced turkey with remarkable texture contrasts.
Mediterranean-inspired flavors dance across your palate, promising satisfaction in every mouthful.
Simple yet sophisticated, this sandwich emerges as a quick gourmet solution for hungry souls.
Savor each incredible combination and let your taste buds celebrate this effortless culinary adventure.
What Makes Turkey Pesto Sandwich So Good
Turkey Pesto Sandwich Ingredients
Bread:Sandwich Filling Proteins:Sandwich Vegetables and Spreads:Cooking Ingredients:How to Prepare Turkey Pesto Sandwich
Step 1: Prepare Bread Base
Grab your favorite bread slices.
Gently brush one side of each slice with olive oil or spread creamy butter across the surface.
This will help create a golden, crispy exterior when grilled.
Step 2: Layer Delicious Ingredients
Spread a generous layer of zesty pesto on the non-oiled side of two bread slices.
Then stack your ingredients in this order:Spread a thin layer of creamy mayonnaise on the non-oiled side of the remaining bread slices.
Place these slices mayonnaise-side down to complete the sandwich.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Warm up a skillet or panini press over medium heat.
Carefully place your assembled sandwiches into the pan.
Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until the bread turns a beautiful golden brown and the cheese melts into gooey deliciousness.
If using a panini press, follow the device’s specific instructions for optimal pressing.
Step 4: Slice and Serve
Remove the sandwiches from heat and let them rest for a minute.
Slice diagonally to create two perfect halves that showcase all the delicious layers inside.
Step 5: Enjoy Your Creation
Serve the sandwiches while warm.
Pair with crispy chips, a fresh salad, or tangy pickles for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Turkey Pesto Sandwich Tips
How to Store Turkey Pesto Sandwich Properly
Turkey Pesto Sandwich Side Options
Perfect Flavor Companions: Fresh and Zesty Pairings
Sandwich Style Twists for Turkey Pesto
FAQs
Crusty sourdough or ciabatta bread are ideal because they hold up well when grilled and provide a nice crispy texture with a sturdy base for the fillings.
Yes, simply replace the turkey with grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted vegetable slices to maintain a similar protein and flavor profile.
Pat tomato and avocado slices dry before adding them to the sandwich, and spread pesto and mayonnaise sparingly to reduce moisture that could make the bread soggy.
No, a regular skillet works perfectly fine. Just use a spatula to press down gently on the sandwich while cooking to achieve a similar pressed effect and golden-brown crust.
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Turkey Pesto Sandwich Recipe
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
Description
Savor Mediterranean flavors with this irresistible turkey pesto sandwich, where tender slices of roasted turkey mingle with zesty basil pesto. Crisp artisan bread and fresh ingredients create a quick, satisfying meal perfect for lunch or casual dining.
Ingredients
Protein:
- 1/2 pound (226 grams) sliced turkey breast
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
Bread and Spreads:
- 4 slices bread (sourdough, ciabatta, or whole grain)
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) pesto sauce
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) mayonnaise (optional)
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil or softened butter
Fresh Ingredients:
- 1 ripe tomato (sliced)
- 1/2 avocado (sliced)
- Handful of fresh spinach or arugula
Instructions
- Prepare bread surfaces by lightly coating one side of each slice with olive oil or softened butter to enhance flavor and create a crispy exterior.
- Apply a delicate layer of pesto sauce on the non-oiled side of two bread slices, creating a vibrant green base for the sandwich.
- Arrange sliced turkey evenly across the pesto-covered bread, ensuring complete coverage for consistent taste in every bite.
- Layer mozzarella cheese slices directly onto the turkey, allowing the cheese to melt and bind the ingredients together during grilling.
- Add fresh tomato and creamy avocado slices over the cheese, introducing additional texture and moisture to the sandwich.
- Sprinkle a handful of crisp spinach or peppery arugula leaves to provide a fresh, green component and slight crunch.
- Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the non-oiled side of the remaining bread slices for extra richness and tang.
- Carefully place the mayonnaise-coated bread slices facing down onto the prepared fillings, completing the sandwich assembly.
- Preheat a skillet or panini press to medium heat, ensuring an even cooking surface around 350°F.
- Grill the sandwich for 3-4 minutes per side, rotating to achieve a golden-brown exterior and completely melted cheese.
- Remove the sandwich from heat, allowing it to rest for one minute to settle the ingredients.
- Slice diagonally and serve immediately with accompaniments like chips, mixed salad, or tangy pickles.
Notes
- Choose a sturdy artisan bread like sourdough or ciabatta that can hold up to grilling without falling apart or becoming soggy.
- Let cheese sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before assembling to ensure smoother, more even melting during grilling.
- Use homemade or high-quality store-bought pesto for a more vibrant, fresh flavor that elevates the entire sandwich experience.
- Swap turkey with grilled chicken, use gluten-free bread for celiac diets, or replace cheese with vegan alternatives for plant-based preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Olivia Bennett
Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Education
Schoolcraft College
With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.