Name: Pesto Caprese Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 7-8 cups packed basil leaves; 8-10 cloves garlic, peeled; 1/3 cup walnuts, toasted; 1/2 cup vegetarian parmesan, grated; 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (use divided); Couple twists black pepper; Salt to taste; 2 pairs Panini or ciabatta bread, sourdough, or bread of choice; 2 ripe but firm tomatoes, thinly sliced; 4 slices fresh mozzarella (or more if desired); Fistful baby spinach or greens of choice; 2 teaspoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon balsamic reduction; Pinch of salt; Couple twists black pepper; Pinch of garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herb blend

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Introduction

This Pesto Caprese Sandwich combines fresh basil pesto, ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and baby spinach for a vibrant and flavorful meal. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, it highlights simple ingredients with bold taste.

Four small sandwich pieces sit on a white marbled surface, each sandwich cut into a square with about four layers visible: a thick golden top bread layer, a layer of green pesto spread beneath it, a thick white cheese layer, a layer of fresh green leaves and red tomato slices, and a bottom bread layer matching the top. Each sandwich is topped with a bright red cherry tomato skewered with a light brown bamboo pick with a looped top. The background shows a blurred glass jar with a green herb mixture. A corner of a white cloth with blue stripes is visible in the lower right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

7-8 cups packed basil leaves
8-10 cloves garlic, peeled
1/3 cup walnuts, toasted
1/2 cup vegetarian parmesan, grated
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
Couple twists black pepper
Salt to taste
2 pairs Panini, ciabatta, sourdough, or bread of choice
2 ripe but firm tomatoes, thinly sliced
4 slices fresh mozzarella (or more, if desired)
Fistful baby spinach or greens of choice
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic reduction
Pinch of salt
Couple twists black pepper
Pinch garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herb blend

Instructions

Step 1: In a food processor, pulse the garlic cloves until finely chopped.
Step 2: Add the toasted walnuts and pulse again to combine.
Step 3: Add the basil leaves, grated parmesan, salt, and black pepper to the processor.
Step 4: While pulsing, slowly pour in the olive oil through the chute to help blend the pesto smoothly.
Step 5: Reserve some olive oil to drizzle over the finished pesto as needed.
Step 6: Thinly slice the tomatoes and fresh mozzarella and arrange them with baby spinach on a plate.
Step 7: Drizzle the tomato and mozzarella mixture with olive oil, balsamic reduction, a pinch of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried Italian herbs.
Step 8: Slightly warm the bread slices if preferred for easier assembling.
Step 9: Spread a generous layer of pesto on each bread slice.
Step 10: Layer the tomatoes, spinach, and mozzarella on top of the pesto-covered bread.
Step 11: Top with another pesto-spread bread slice and gently press the sandwich together.
Step 12: Using a sharp knife, cut the sandwich into four equal pieces and secure with toothpicks if desired.

Tips & Variations

Toast the walnuts lightly for a deeper flavor in the pesto.
Swap walnuts for pine nuts or almonds depending on your preference.
Add fresh basil leaves to the sandwich layers for even more herbaceousness.
Use balsamic glaze instead of reduction for a slightly sweeter finish.
Try adding roasted red peppers or avocado slices for extra creaminess.

Storage

Store any leftover pesto in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning, refrigerated for up to 5 days. The assembled sandwiches are best eaten fresh but can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently in a pan or toaster oven to avoid melting the mozzarella too much.

How to Serve

The image shows six small sandwich pieces arranged on a white board with a wooden section on top. The sandwiches have a light brown, soft bread crust. Inside, each piece has three main layers: a layer of green leafy spinach at the bottom, a white cheese slice in the middle, and a layer of red tomato slices above it. Some sandwiches are topped with a whole red cherry tomato held by a small wooden skewer. In the center of the board, there is a small glass jar filled with green pesto sauce, with a white spoon inside it. To the top left, there is a small white bowl holding halved red cherry tomatoes. The whole setup is placed on a gray surface that has been changed to a white marbled texture with a striped cloth visible on the bottom right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this sandwich vegan?

Yes, substitute the vegetarian parmesan and fresh mozzarella with your favorite vegan cheese alternatives to keep it plant-based.

What bread is best for a Caprese sandwich?

Crusty breads like ciabatta, sourdough, or Panini rolls work best as they hold the ingredients well and provide a satisfying texture.