This delicious and satisfying turkey pesto sandwich is a perfect way to use up turkey leftovers from the holidays, or enjoy turkey any other time of year. It is packed with protein, spinach, flavour, melty cheese, and can be easily made gluten free and dairy free.
A Delicious Turkey Pesto Sandwich
Sandwiches are definitely a comfort food to me. Two toasty slices of bread filled with delicious and hearty ingredients makes the best filling lunch any day of the week. When my hubby and I cooked a turkey on the smoker the other week we knew the leftovers would make great sandwiches for the days ahead.
This turkey pesto sandwich recipe is simple, super flavourful and such a great way to enjoy turkey!
The combination of perfectly cooked turkey breast with spinach, tomatoes, pesto, cheese, and an easy sun-dried tomato mayo sandwiched between two slices of sourdough bread, it’s truly divine. I used my panini press to make sure the bread was toasted just right and the inside ingredients were warm with the cheese perfectly melted. Let me tell you, it really tastes amazing and you are going to absolutely love it.
Turkey Pesto Sandwich Ingredients
To make these epic tasty sandwiches you actually don’t need many ingredients. While it has a ton of flavour, the ingredients are very simple and easy to put together.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Sourdough bread (regular or gluten free – for gluten free I like the Promise Gluten Free sourdough)
- Turkey breast (great for leftover sliced turkey)
- Spinach
- Tomato
- Pesto (for dairy free you can make your own at home, or purchase a store-bought dairy free version)
- Cheese (I used a dairy free cashew cheese, but you can choose any cheese you like – see tips in the next section)
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Mayonnaise
What cheese goes best with pesto?
When it comes to choosing a cheese for this turkey pesto sandwich, I recommend sticking with a mild white cheese. Goat cheese, havarti, or mozzarella cheese, provolone cheese, go wonderfully with pesto and turkey, or you can opt for a dairy-free cheese made from cashews. These cheeses are all mild and light in flavour and don’t compete too much with the stronger flavour of the pesto sauce.
If you want something a little stronger you can also try gouda cheese or Swiss for a more flavorful sandwich.
Should I use store-bought or homemade pesto?
Either or!
When I have the extra time I love making homemade basil pesto as I need dairy-free so I make mine with pine nuts, basil, spinach, oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Most often store-bought pesto contains parmesan cheese, so if you can tolerate dairy you can definitely go with a simple store-bought variety.
There are some store-bought pesto brands out there that do not contain added cheese, you can check out this list here to learn more.
How To Make Step-by-Step
It only takes about 10 minutes to whip up this incredible turkey pesto sandwich, and you only need to follow a few simple steps.
Here’s what you’ll do:
1. Make the sun-dried tomato mayo by adding the sun-dried tomatoes and mayo to a small bowl, and mix, mashing the tomatoes to really combine it well with the mayo.
2. Spread the mayo over one slice of the bread, and spread the pesto over the other slice of bread.
3. Layer one slice of the bread with the turkey, then top with another dollop of pesto.
5. Using a panini press, or a pan on the stovetop, heat the sandwich until the bread is just slightly toasted and golden brown, and the cheese begins to melt.
6. Slice and enjoy!
This sandwich is definitely one you’ll make again and again. I’m not kidding when I say you might even be tempted to cook a whole turkey in the middle of the summer just so you can make this sandwich with the leftovers! It’s that good. Everyone is always a big fan of this turkey sandwich.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy turkey leftovers? Tell me about it in the comments and be sure to pin the photo below the recipe to save this one for later!
Tasty Turkey Pesto Sandwich
This delicious turkey pesto sandwich is filling, flavourful, and so easy to make. It can also be made dairy free and gluten free!
Ingredients
- 2 slices sourdough bread (regular or gluten free - Promise Gluten Free brand is great!)
- 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon jarred sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 3 ounces cooked turkey breast (leftover turkey works wonderfully!)
- 1-2 slices cheese (mozzarella, havarti, dairy-free cheese all work great)
- 2 thick tomato slices
- 3 large leaves fresh spinach
Instructions
- Make the sun-dried tomato mayo by combining the sun-dried tomatoes and mayo to a small bowl. Mix together, mashing the tomatoes to combine well with the mayo.
- Spread the mayo over one slice of the bread, and spread the pesto over the other slice of bread.
- Layer one slice of the bread with the turkey, then top the turkey with another small dollop of pesto.
- Continue layering with the sliced cheese, sliced tomato, then spinach, and top with the other slice of bread.
- Using a panini press (or a pan on the stovetop***) heat the sandwich until the bread is just slightly toasted and browned and the cheese begins to melt, about 5 minutes, or 2-minutes on each side.
- Slice and enjoy!
Notes
If using a pan to toast/heat the sandwich, heat a pan over medium heat then place the sandwich in the pan and press down with a plate or another pan to mimic a panini press. Cook for 2 minutes or until lightly browned then flip the sandwich and repeat on the other side.
If using a panini press, set to 400 degrees and press the sandwich for approx. 5 minutes.
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Here Are Some More Great Turkey Recipes That You Will Love:
- Easy Greek Turkey Meatballs
- Best Ever Healthy Turkey Burger Recipe
- Smoker Maple BBQ Turkey
- Easy Greek Turkey Meatballs
- Turkey Sprout & Avocado Sandwich with Mom’s (Unreal!) Beet Horseradish
