Italian Pesto Sandwich

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This delicious picnic sandwich is the perfect combination of Italian flavors and textures. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a tasty snack, the Italian Pesto Sandwich is sure to satisfy. Packed with fresh pesto, juicy tomatoes, and melted cheese, this sandwich is sure to become a favorite.

So grab your ingredients and let’s get started on making the perfect Italian Pesto Sandwich!

Close up of Italian Pesto Sandwich, with lettering on bottom.

Italian Pesto Sandwich

Making the perfect Italian Pesto Sandwich is a breeze! All you need is a few simple ingredients and you can have a delicious picnic sandwich in no time.

Making the perfect Italian Pesto Sandwich is all about the details. Start with a fresh, crusty bread and you’re halfway there!

Two Italian Pesto Sandwiches stacked on top of each other tomato peaking behind it.

Ingredients to Make an Italian Pesto Sandwich

This Italian Pesto Sandwich is the perfect picnic sandwich! It’s a classic Italian sandwich that’s easy to make and sure to please. Start with:

  • 1 focaccia or ciabatta loaf
  • ½ cup basil pesto
  • ½ lb sliced pepperoni and mortadella (any other Italian cold cuts)
  • ½ lb sliced provolone cheese
  • 1 cup fresh spinach 
  • 1 cup arugula
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
Ingredients for Italian Pesto Sandwich.

How to Make an Italian Pesto Sandwich

Cut the bread in half horizontally. Take the bottom part of the sandwich and spread the pesto sauce all over it using a spoon to help you in this process.

Adding meat to Italian Pesto Sandwich.

Layer your favorite Italian cold cuts, in this case pepperoni and mortadella. Place the cheese slices over the meat.

Adding cheese to Italian Pesto Sandwich.

For the green layer you can use spinach, arugula, basil or all of them. In this case spinach and arugula. You can choose if you are going to cut them or just lay down the leaves. Make sure to wash it before you use it in the sandwich. 

Place the other half of the loaf on top.

Place a baking tray (or any other flat object) on top and put some weight on it, about 4lb of weight. Before you do this step you can also wrap your sandwich with plastic wrap.

using weight to smash down, Italian Pesto Sandwich.

Leave the sandwich with the weight on for at least 6 hours or best, overnight. Unwrap the sandwich (if you wrapped it) and cut into 8 pieces.

Tips for Making the Best Italian Pesto Sandwich

Making the perfect Italian Pesto Sandwich is all about the details. Start with a fresh, crusty baguette and slice it lengthwise. The crustiness is going to add a decadent texture – so don’t use a stale baguette.

For a more traditional Italian sandwich, try adding some cured meats like salami or prosciutto. The salty flavor of the meats will pair perfectly with the pesto and mozzarella.

You can also add some fresh arugula or spinach for a bit of crunch.

No matter what ingredients you choose, the Italian Pesto Sandwich is sure to be a delicious and satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions for the Italian Pesto Sandwich

The Italian Pesto Sandwich is a great choice for a picnic sandwich. It’s easy to make, and it’s packed with flavor.

Serve it with a side of chips or a salad for a complete meal.

For a more traditional Italian lunch, try adding some mozzarella cheese and tomatoes on the side.

You can also add some fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor. No matter how you serve it, the Italian Pesto Sandwich is sure to be a hit.

Two Italian Pesto Sandwiches on whitewashed board.

The Italian Pesto Sandwich is a delicious and easy-to-make picnic sandwich that is sure to please. With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can make the perfect Italian Pesto Sandwich.

Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a tasty snack, this sandwich is sure to hit the spot.

Plus, with the added bonus of being able to customize the sandwich to your own tastes, you can make it your own. So, why not give it a try? You won’t regret it!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Italian Pesto Sandwich?

An Italian Pesto Sandwich is a delicious picnic sandwich made with pesto, fresh vegetables, and cheese. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic Italian sandwich without having to leave the house.

What ingredients do I need to make an Italian Pesto Sandwich?

To make an Italian Pesto Sandwich, you’ll need pesto, fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, lettuce, and onions, and cheese. You can also add other ingredients such as olives, artichokes, or roasted red peppers.

What is the best way to assemble an Italian Pesto Sandwich?

To assemble an Italian Pesto Sandwich, start by spreading a generous layer of pesto on both slices of bread. Then, layer the vegetables and cheese on one slice of bread. Finally, top with the other slice of bread and press down lightly.

Italian Pesto Sandwich, held in hand outside.

What tips can you provide for making the best Italian Pesto Sandwich?

To make the best Italian Pesto Sandwich, use fresh ingredients and high-quality pesto. Also, be sure to use enough pesto to ensure that the sandwich is flavorful. Finally, be sure to press down lightly on the sandwich when assembling it to ensure that all the ingredients stay in place.

What are some serving suggestions for an Italian Pesto Sandwich?

An Italian Pesto Sandwich is a great option for a picnic or lunch. It can also be served as an appetizer or snack. It pairs well with a side salad or chips.

Can I make an Italian Pesto Sandwich ahead of time?

Yes, you can make an Italian Pesto Sandwich ahead of time. To do so, assemble the sandwich as directed and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, store it in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Is an Italian Pesto Sandwich suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, an Italian Pesto Sandwich is suitable for vegetarians. It is made with fresh vegetables and cheese, and does not contain any meat or animal products.

Italian Pesto Sandwich, squares stacked with lettering on top.

More Fun Picnic Ideas You’ll Love

Planning a picnic can be so much fun! To help you get your little outdoor excursion pulled together, we’ve got some more fun picnic ideas we think you’ll love:

Italian Pesto Sandwich, before cut into squares.

Italian Pesto Sandwich

Italian Pesto Sandwich is the the perfect picnic sandwich for the best Italian picnic! Planning an Italian-themed date? This is the sandwich!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 sandwiches
Calories 756 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 focaccia or ciabatta loaf
  • ½ cup basil pesto
  • ½ lb sliced pepperoni and mortadella any other Italian cold cuts
  • ½ lb sliced provolone cheese
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • 1 cup arugula
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Layer your favorite Italian cold cuts, in this case pepperoni and mortadella. Place the cheese slices over the meat.
    ½ lb sliced pepperoni and mortadella, ½ lb sliced provolone cheese
    Adding meat to Italian Pesto Sandwich.
  • For the green layer you can use spinach, arugula, basil or all of them. In this case spinach and arugula. You can choose if you are going to cut them or just lay down the leaves. Make sure to wash it before you use it in the sandwich.
    ½ cup basil pesto, 1 cup fresh spinach, 1 cup arugula, Salt to taste, Black pepper to taste
    Adding cheese to Italian Pesto Sandwich.
  • Place the other half of the loaf on top.
    1 focaccia or ciabatta loaf
  • Place a baking tray (or any other flat object) on top and put some weight on it, about 4lb of weight. Before you do this step you can also wrap your sandwich with plastic wrap.
    using weight to smash down, Italian Pesto Sandwich.
  • Leave the sandwich with the weight on for at least 6 hours or best, overnight. Unwrap the sandwich (if you wrapped it) and cut into 8 pieces.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sandwichCalories: 756kcalCarbohydrates: 59gProtein: 35gFat: 42gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 1969mgPotassium: 231mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1946IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 504mgIron: 2mg
Keyword italian pesto sandwich
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