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Pesto Caprese Sandwich

Pesto Caprese Sandwich: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic

Enjoy this Pesto Caprese Sandwich, a delightful vegetarian dish bursting with fresh flavors, perfect for lunch or a picnic.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 2 sandwiches
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Pesto
  • 2 cups Basil Leaves packed leaves for best taste
  • 2 cloves Garlic peeled
  • 0.5 cups Vegetarian Parmesan or nutritional yeast for dairy-free
  • 0.5 cups Extra Virgin Olive Oil add more if needed
  • 1 cup Walnuts or pine nuts as an alternative
For the Sandwich
  • 2 slices Ciabatta Bread or focaccia/sourdough as alternatives
  • 2 large Ripe Tomatoes any firm variety
  • 8 ounces Fresh Mozzarella increase quantity to suit taste
  • 1 cup Baby Spinach or preferred greens
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil for drizzling
  • 2 tablespoons Balsamic Reduction store-bought or homemade
  • to taste Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Italian Herbs) adjust according to taste

Equipment

  • food processor
  • Skillet

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a food processor, pulse together garlic cloves and walnuts until finely chopped. Add basil leaves, vegetarian Parmesan, salt, and pepper. While blending, drizzle in olive oil until smooth.
  2. Slice tomatoes and mozzarella into even rounds. Arrange them on a platter with spinach. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic reduction, and sprinkle with seasonings.
  3. Spread pesto on one side of each ciabatta slice. Layer tomatoes, spinach, and mozzarella on one slice, then top with the other slice, pesto side down.
  4. Grill or toast the sandwich on a skillet for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Alternatively, cut into quarters for serving cold.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sandwichCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 15gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Pesto can be refrigerated for a week or frozen in small portions for long-lasting flavor.

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