If you need a quick meal made with simple ingredients try making turkey pesto sandwiches! These sandwiches have so much extra flavor from the pesto mayo plus packed with protein and lots of veggies! This sandwich is the perfect way to use leftover turkey after the holidays or make any time of the year with turkey from the deli!
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Why This Turkey Pesto Sandwich Recipe Is The Best!
The best part of this sandwich is the pesto aioli! Pesto adds so much flavor to an otherwise ordinary sandwich! Make this delicious meal any day of the week for lunch or even dinner. Pair it with an easy fruit salad or pasta salad for a light meal!
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
pesto aioli- is a mixture of mayonnaise and pesto. The mayo mellows the bold flavors of the pesto. Get the complete pesto aioli recipe here.
whole grain bread- any type of crusty bread will work. Use your favorite bread.
turkey- choose a deli turkey brand that is nitrate free. Check out the deli meats at your local grocery store for their recommendations. This sandwich could also be a great way to use up leftover turkey after the holidays or rotisserie chicken.
cheese- I love either cheddar cheese or provolone cheese but you could pick any type you like. Mozzarella cheese or goat cheese both pair well with pesto.
Step-By-Step instructions
Start by spreading the side of each slice of bread with two tablespoons pesto aioli. Use a sharp knife and cutting board to slice the veggies thin.
Layer bread slices with a slice of cheese, turkey slices, sliced tomatoes, sliced cucumber and spinach.
Expert Tips
- Slice the cucumbers and tomatoes very thin. It makes it easier to layer the sandwich.
- Make the sandwich when you are ready to eat so that the bread does not get soggy. If making this sandwich for a work or school lunch, the best way to make the sandwich is to package the pesto mayo in a separate container.
Variations
There are so many different ways you can build this sandwich. If you do not care for cucumbers and tomatoes add your favorite veggies! Here's a few ideas.
- red peppers
- thin slices of red onion
- sun dried tomatoes
- olives
You can also turn this into a hot sandwich by using a panini press or grill pan. To make into a turkey panini you will want to spread butter on the top of the slices to get those grill marks.
Should I Use Homemade Pesto?
Make your own pesto by blending fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, olive oil and parmesan cheese in a food processor. Try this homemade pistachio pesto recipe for a unique twist on pesto. Or to make this an easier meal with store bought basil pesto.
Serving Suggestions
Soup and sandwiches always comes to mind when thinking of pairings. If you want a quick comfort soup try these easy Vitamix soup recipes!
Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup Recipe
Easy Vitamix Tomato Basil Soup (Ready in 10 Minutes!)
Looking For Other Great Sandwich Recipes? Try These!
Turkey Reuben with Homemade Thousand Island
Healthy California Chicken Salad Recipe
Did you try this recipe? Please let me know what you think! Leave a comment below, and a 5- star rating. I would love to hear from you! Subscribe Here to get new recipes sent straight to your inbox!
Pesto Turkey Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 slices whole wheat bread
- 1 slice cheddar cheese
- 3 ounces sliced deli turkey
- 2 tablespoons pesto aioli
- 1 small tomato, sliced thin
- cucumber slices
- spinach
Instructions
- Mix the pesto aioli. Spread the pesto mixture on both sides of bread.
- Wash and slice vegetables. Layer the sandwich with turkey, cheese and vegetables.
Nora
This is such a great, simple recipe! Perfect for a quick lunch snack at work! Since you have to wear a mask anyway, the garlic doesn't matter. 😀
nancy
you had me at pesto. it really worked well with the turkey - i'm totally making this again tomorrow for lunch
Crystal
This looks amazing! Now I have something to look forward to besides my usual turkey and cheddar.
Jeannie
such a filling sandwich that is easy to make!
Shilpa
Love this recipe. Easy peasy lunch for weekdays.
Ellen
Going to try this one. My husband loves pesto on anything. He will be very surprised when he opens his lunch box tomorrow.
bobbieblue
Hi Ellen, That's a great idea. I hope he likes his surprise!