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Close-up of a pesto caprese sandwich with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil leaves on a wooden cutting board.
Alyssa

Pesto Caprese Sandwich

Pesto Caprese Sandwich is an easy vegetarian sandwich recipe for a picnic or a party. It features tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and pesto.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2 people
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 7-8 cups packed basil leaves
  • 8-10 cloves garlic peeled
  • 1/3 cup walnuts toasted
  • 1/2 cup vegetarian parmesan grated
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil more as needed (use divided)
  • black pepper couple twists
  • salt to taste
  • 2 pairs Panini/ciabatta bread/sourdough or of choice
  • 2 count ripe but firm tomatoes thinly sliced
  • 4 slices fresh mozzarella or more if desired
  • 1 fistful baby spinach or greens of choice
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic reduction
  • salt pinch
  • pepper couple twists
  • garlic powder pinch
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herb blend

Method
 

  1. Pulse garlic in your food processor.
  2. Add walnuts and pulse again.
  3. Now throw in the basil, cheese, salt, and pepper. Pulse with pouring oil from the chute to aid blending. Reserve some oil to top the pesto.
  4. Thinly slice the tomatoes and fresh mozzarella.
  5. Place spinach, tomatoes, and cheese on a plate. Drizzle it with some olive oil, balsamic reduction, a pinch of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried Italian herbs.
  6. Slightly warm up the bread if desired.
  7. Spread pesto on slices of bread. Add in tomatoes followed by spinach and mozzarella cheese layer. Add another bread slice on the top and gently press the sandwich.
  8. With a sharp knife cut it into four equal pieces. If desired secure each piece with a toothpick or cocktail pick.

Notes

This sandwich is great for picnics or parties.