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Turkey Pesto Sandwich Recipe | Fresh, Easy & Delicious

I recently made this turkey pesto sandwich recipe, and I have to say—it completely transformed my lunch routine! The combination of herby pesto, marinated tomatoes, and tender turkey is simply irresistible. I loved how fresh and flavorful it tasted, yet it came together in no time. Every bite felt like a little gourmet treat.

Honestly, this sandwich has quickly become my go-to for a quick, satisfying meal. If you enjoy fresh, cheesy dishes, you might also like the Baked Caprese Chicken Recipe, which has a similar herby, melty flavor.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make one delicious turkey pesto sandwich:

2 slices multi-grain bread – I love this for its nutty flavor; sourdough or ciabatta works too.
2 ½ tbsp pesto – Use fresh or store-bought; homemade walnut kale pesto adds an amazing twist.
1 tbsp mayonnaise – Adds a creamy texture; I prefer real mayo over light for better flavor.
2 slices provolone cheese – Freshly sliced provolone melts beautifully; mozzarella or havarti are good alternatives.
2 slices marinated tomatoes – Make your own with sliced tomatoes, red wine vinegar, avocado or olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3 oz turkey deli meat – Either leftover roast turkey or sliced deli turkey works perfectly.
Handful of mixed greens – Adds crunch and freshness; spinach or arugula can substitute.

Marinated Tomatoes

1 tomato, sliced
3 tbsp red wine vinegar
4 tbsp avocado oil
1/8 tsp salt
Pinch of black pepper

Note: several servings

Variations

You can tweak this sandwich to suit your taste or dietary needs:

Dairy-free: swap cheese for a plant-based alternative.
Low-carb: use lettuce wraps instead of bread.
Flavor boosters: add roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for extra zing. You can also enjoy similar flavors in the Halloween Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe for a sweet treat after lunch.
Protein swap: try grilled chicken instead of turkey for a slightly different taste.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes

Equipment You Need

Cutting board – for slicing tomatoes and turkey.
Knife – for precise cuts of bread and toppings.
Bowl – to marinate the tomatoes.
Skillet or toaster – to toast bread or grill the sandwich.
Spoon – to spread pesto and mayonnaise evenly.

How to Make Turkey Pesto Sandwich Recipe?

Step 1: Marinate the Tomatoes

Slice your tomatoes and place them in a small bowl. Mix with red wine vinegar, avocado oil, salt, and pepper. Let them sit for 10 minutes to soak up all the flavors.

Step 2: Toast the Bread

Toast your bread slices lightly until golden. This adds a nice crunch and keeps the sandwich from becoming soggy when you add the tomatoes.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich

Spread mayonnaise on one slice of bread and pesto on the other. Layer provolone, marinated tomatoes, turkey slices, and mixed greens. Top with the remaining slice of bread. Press lightly and enjoy immediately or grill for a warm version.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

I always use freshly grated cheese—it melts better and tastes more vibrant.
Letting the tomatoes marinate longer really boosts the flavor.
Toast the bread just enough to hold the sandwich without becoming too hard.
I like to add a pinch of black pepper on the greens for an extra bite.

How to Serve Turkey Pesto Sandwich Recipe?

This sandwich is perfect on its own or with a side salad. Serve on a colorful plate and garnish with extra greens or a drizzle of pesto for a beautiful presentation. Cut diagonally for an elegant, café-style look.

Nutritional Information

Here’s what one sandwich roughly contains:

Calories: 450 kcal – a hearty lunch portion.
Protein: 25 g – perfect for keeping you full.
Carbohydrates: 35 g – mostly from bread and tomatoes.
Fat: 22 g – healthy fats from pesto and avocado oil.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing: Wrap sandwiches in plastic or store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
Freezing: Not recommended for fresh greens, but you can freeze unassembled turkey and pesto portions.
Reheating: Grill or toast slightly to warm cheese without wilting the greens.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This sandwich isn’t just tasty—it has so many perks:

Quick and easy to prepare, even on busy days.
Highly versatile with options for dietary swaps.
Fresh, herby flavor that feels gourmet yet homemade.
Perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or a cozy solo meal.
Customizable with your favorite cheeses, breads, or add-ins.

Ben Carraoli