Turkey pesto Sandwich
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This Turkey Pesto Sandwich is the best choice for a hearty and filling lunch or a quick weeknight dinner. Customizable and so quick and easy, this toasted sandwich is packed with flavor!
Love this sandwich? Try another handheld meal with these Chicken Salad With Pineapple, this Salmon Salad Sandwich, or a batch of these Ultimate Guacamole Breakfast Sandwiches!
Why you will love this turkey sandwich recipe
- Good for one: If you’re cooking for one and want something that’s perfect to fill you up and keep you satisfied, this turkey pesto sandwich is the one.
- Good on the go: This sandwich is perfect for picnics or outdoor sporting events when you want to pack something quick and easy!
- So much flavor: With refreshing and savory flavors and warm toasty bread, this recipe is everything you could want in a sandwich!
What to put on a turkey sandwich
Pesto: An easy way to add a burst of fresh herbal flavor to your sandwich.
Mayo: Mayo is optional but it gets mixed with fresh lemon juice and basically turns the pesto into a simple aioli and makes it so creamy!
Veggies: I like to use tomato, roasted red pepper, and basil leaves.
Ciabatta: Feel free to use another kind of bread, but I love the chewy and hearty quality of ciabatta.
Balsamic glaze: Adds some complex sweetness with a hint of sour.
Mozzarella: This mild and tasty cheese is the perfection addition to your turkey pesto sandwich.
Turkey: Feel free to use leftover turkey from a holiday meal or buy some thinly sliced turkey breast from the grocery store.
What is the best cheese for turkey sandwiches?
I like to use mozzarella cheese, especially because it melts easily and takes on a comforting and gooey quality when baked. Other cheeses that pair well with turkey are Swiss cheese, provolone cheese, American cheese, or a good sharp cheddar cheese.
How to make a Turkey Sandwich
Step 1. Make sandwich spread. Combine the pesto, mayonnaise, and lemon juice in a small bowl.
Step 2. Prepare bread. Slice your ciabatta in half and then each piece in half lengthwise. Spread each piece of bread with the pesto mixture, then toast in a 400 degree oven for 4 to 6 minutes.
Step 3. Season tomatoes. While the bread toasts, sprinkle salt and pepper over the tomato slices.
Step 4. Assemble sandwich. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the toasted bread, then add red peppers, slices of cheese, turkey, basil, and tomatoes. Top with the remaining slice of bread, then slice in half and enjoy!
Can I make it warm?
You can turn this sandwich into a panini or turkey melt with a panini press or bake the entire thing in the oven or air fryer for a nice hot turkey sandwich.
What condiments go well with turkey sandwich?
Mustard would add a nice pungent bite to your turkey pesto sandwich. Yellow mustard is fine, but a good quality Dijon would really take your sandwich to the next level!
Spicy mayo or honey mustard make delicious condiments as well.
More turkey sandwich ideas
- For other topping ideas, use fresh lettuce, red onions, bean sprouts, arugula, spinach, or another type of meat like ham, salami, or capicola.
- Use other slices of bread like rye bread or a classic white sandwich bread for this classic turkey sandwich.
- Turkey and Cheese Sandwich: For a pared-down version of this turkey pesto sandwich, omit all of the additional toppings. Toast the bread with the pesto spread, then add turkey slices and your favorite cheese and pop it back in the oven to melt.
- Turkey Avocado Sandwich: Add some thin slices of avocado or mash the avocado and add seasonings like salt and pepper, chili powder, or red pepper flakes. Bacon is another one of my favorite toppings!
- Turkey Cranberry Sandwich: If you have leftovers from your Thanksgiving turkey or another holiday dinner, adding cranberry sauce and stuffing to your sandwich is a fantastic way to use those leftovers for a brand new and delicious meal!
Storing and reheating
If you do have leftovers or want to save one of the sandwiches, wrap them in some plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep in the fridge for a day or two.
I prefer to store the toppings separately so the bread doesn’t get soggy.
You can reheat your sandwich in the oven at 350 degrees until it’s golden brown and crispy again. You can also eat it cold if you prefer!
Turkey sandwich calories
Depending on what toppings you add to your sandwich, the amount of calories will vary. With all of the ingredients that are included by default in this recipe, turkey sandwich calories will be about 500 per sandwich. Leave out ingredients like the cheese and mayo for a lighter option.
Leftover turkey recipes you will love
- White Turkey Chili
- Turkey Pot Pie with Biscuits
- Leftover Turkey Tacos
- Thanksgiving Turkey Fried Rice
- Leftover Turkey Enchiladas
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Turkey Pesto Sandwich
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup pesto
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 of a lemon, juice
- 1 ciabatta loaf
- 1 beefsteak tomato thinly sliced
- 1/4 tsp flaky salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- balsamic glaze
- 1 large roasted red pepper sliced in half
- fresh mozzarella thinly sliced
- 3/4 lb thinly sliced turkey
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 F and combine the pesto, mayonnaise, and lemon juice in a small mixing bowl.3/4 cup pesto, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 of a lemon,
- Slice the ciabatta loaf in half then slice each piece in half lengthwise.1 ciabatta loaf
- Spread a generous amount of the pesto aioli over all four pieces of bread and toast them, pesto aioli side up, in the oven for 4-6 minutes or until toasted to your liking.
- While the bread is toasting, season the tomatoes with salt and pepper.1 beefsteak tomato, 1/4 tsp flaky salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
- When the bread is toasted, drizzle the balsamic glaze over two pieces of the bread and then begin layering the ingredients, red pepper, mozzarella, turkey, basil, and tomatoes. Top each sandwich with the remaining ciabatta, slice in half and enjoy!balsamic glaze, 1 large roasted red pepper, fresh mozzarella, 3/4 lb thinly sliced turkey, 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
