In our busy house, turkey pesto focaccia sandwiches are definitely on the busy sports night meal rotation. With all these ingredients on hand, they can be put together and ready to go in less than ten minutes. They’re perfect for picnics or a delicious lunchbox surprise. Made with homemade focaccia buns and creamy homemade mayonnaise, these sandwiches are as fresh as can be! What really takes this sandwich to the next level is the incredible pesto.
What is Pesto?
Pesto is a bright green, fragrant sauce that comes from Genoa, Italy. The name comes from the Italian word “pestare,” which means “to pound” or “to crush.” This is because it was traditionally prepared with a mortar and pestle. The classic version, pesto alla genovese, mixes fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil into a delicious paste that’s both earthy and lively, with a hint of nutty garlic goodness.
While most people think of pesto with pasta, it has so many other amazing uses! It’s fantastic as a spread for turkey pesto focaccia sandwiches. It is also great with grilled meats or veggies, in soups, or as a pizza base. You don’t need much- a little pesto goes a long way!
Nutritionally, pesto is packed with healthy fats from olive oil and nuts, plus plenty of antioxidants from the basil and garlic. And let’s not forget that Parmesan adds some protein and calcium. If you’re vegan or have dietary restrictions, you can easily make a version without the cheese or with plant-based substitutes.
In short, pesto is so much more than just a sauce—it’s a fun celebration of fresh ingredients and traditional Italian cooking. Whether you make it from scratch or grab a jar from the store, it brings an exciting burst of flavor. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s loved by so many!
Homemade vs Store bought Pesto
Pesto is very easy to make in about five minutes with just a few ingredients. These ingredients include fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, extra virgin olive oil, fresh Parmesan, salt, and pepper. See the simple recipe. Run it through the food processor and it’s ready just like that. You can keep it in the fridge for about a week, or if you want to save it for later, freeze it for up to six months. I love freezing it in ice cube trays and then putting the cubes in a freezer-safe bag. That way, you can pull out just what you need without defrosting a whole batch!
If you’re short on time or can’t find the right ingredients, don’t worry—organic pesto is easy to find in stores or online.
Turkey Pesto Focaccia Sandwich Preparation, Servings, and Storage
These yummy sandwiches can be thrown together in just ten minutes! Be sure to use fresh homemade focaccia buns, mayonnaise, and pesto for the best flavor. Plus, using organic turkey, provolone, roasted red peppers, and spinach means you’re making a sandwich without any weird additives. This recipe makes four sandwiches, perfect for enjoying with the family or prepping for the week. Just keep the ingredients separate until you’re ready to eat or assemble them a few hours before lunchtime for maximum freshness!
Turkey Pesto Focaccia Sandwiches
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 Focaccia buns
- 4 tbsp Pesto
- 1/2 pound Deli turkey
- 4 slices Provolone cheese
- 1 pint jar Roasted red peppers
- 1 cup Spinach
- 4 tbsp mayonnaise
Instructions
- Slice each of the focaccia buns and spread pesto on the bottom bun. Spread the mayonnaise on the top bun.
- Layer the deli turkey, provolone, roasted red pepper, and spinach onto the bun and put the top bun onto the sandwich.
- Serve immediately or wrap in parchment paper for storage.
Nutrition
