Name: Turkey Caprese Sandwich
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 6 ciabatta bread pieces; 1/2 pound turkey slices or deli meat of choice; 1 large tomato (sliced); 2 cups fresh spinach; 4 ounces pesto; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese; 3 Tablespoons balsamic glaze

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Even better than your favorite cafe’s version, this Turkey Caprese Sandwich is stuffed full of fresh veggies, flavorful herbs, and protein for a kid-friendly lunch or dinner perfect for picnic season, packed lunches, and more!

What Is Caprese?

Typically, Caprese is a simple Italian salad made out of sliced tomatoes, fresh Mozzarella, and basil that is seasoned with salt and olive oil. However, the term Caprese also defines the flavor of any foods that use this classic combination of flavors. From Caprese pasta to Caprese Avocado Toast, this Turkey Caprese Sandwich, and more, the options are endless!

Are Caprese Sandwiches Healthy?

Generally speaking, yes, Caprese sandwiches are healthy. They contain a good balance of carbs, fats, and proteins to keep you full. Plus, there’s a good dose of vitamins, nutrients, and fiber, too! However, feel free to make changes, substitutions, and variations to fit your specific needs.

sliced bread in a baking dish topped with pesto

sliced bread in a baking dish topped with pesto and cheese

Caprese Sandwich Ingredients

There’s no right or wrong way to make a Caprese sandwich! Many versions are made vegetarian while others are loaded with chicken, turkey, and more. For our recipe, we kept things fairly simple, opting for fresh veggies and a bit of protein to keep you full. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Bread – We love to use thick Ciabatta bread buns, but any thick, crusty bread such as sourdough or French bread would be great, too!

Turkey – Any deli meat you prefer can be substituted. Or, leave it off completely to make this a vegetarian Caprese sandwich.

Veggies – We included fresh spinach and sliced tomatoes, but you could add any veggies you have on hand such as cucumbers or sliced peppers.

Pesto – Savory and full of fresh, herbaceous flavor, a smear of pesto helps replicate the restaurant-style sandwiches we love.

Balsamic Glaze – Thick and slightly sticky, balsamic glaze has a slight sweetness that tastes great!

Cheese – We used a combination of fresh and shredded Mozzarella, but feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese such as provolone or goat cheese, too.

sliced ciabatta buns in a white baking dish layered with pesto, spinach, and turkey

Sliced ciabatta buns in a white baking dish layered with pesto, spinach, turkey, and tomatoes

sliced ciabatta buns in a baking dish layered with pesto, spinach, tomatoes, turkey, and mozzarella

How to Make the Best Turkey Caprese Sandwich

The thing that truly elevates this Caprese sandwich is that it is baked in the oven and served warm and slightly toasted. Here’s what you need to do to achieve the best sandwich you’ll ever taste!

Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
Add half of the bread to the bottom of a baking dish.
Smear 1 tablespoon of pesto on each piece of bread, and layer the rest of the ingredients ending with a drizzle of balsamic.
Place the other piece of bread on top of each sandwich.
Cover, and bake for 15-20 minutes.

9" x 13" White Ruffled Rectangular Ceramic Baking Dish + Reviews | Crate & Barrel

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sliced ciabatta buns in a white baking dish topped with pesto, spinach, turkey, tomatoes, mozzarella, and balsamic glaze

turkey caprese sandwiches in a white baking dish ready to be baked

Serving Suggestions

Feel free to serve these sandwiches on their own or with your favorite easy sides for a complete meal! Some of the best pairings include:

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes! This recipe is best served right away. However, if you want to make it ahead of time, it can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days.

More Sandwiches You’ll Love

There’s never a bad time for a good sandwich! Whether you’re looking for a tasty make-ahead lunch or easy dinner, these recipes will always hit the spot.

This Spanakopita Grilled Cheese has all the flavor of traditional spanakopita with the ease and convenience of a grilled cheese.
The best make-ahead breakfast, these Protein Packed Egg Muffins are a time-saving dream on busy mornings!
Super simple and overflowing with flavor, these Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks are the ultimate kid-friendly recipe.
A hands-off version of a classic Southern staple, this Slow Cooker Po’ Boy recipe is a sandwich no one can resist!