Caprese Sandwich with Pesto Spread
⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes • 🍳 Cook Time: 5 minutes
Creamy mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil create a perfect trio of flavors, enhanced by a luscious homemade pesto.
This sandwich celebrates the classic flavors of the beloved Caprese salad, reinvented into a handheld delight. This vegetarian-friendly sandwich brings a touch of sophistication to your midday meal, making it a wide-loved choice for anyone seeking a balanced and delicious lunch option. Revel in the simplicity and elegance of this Caprese Sandwich with Pesto Spread, where wholesome ingredients come together to create a taste sensation that delights the senses and nourishes the body.
Ingredients
🍽️ Servings: 2 • 🔥 Calories/Serving: —
8 slices whole grain bread
1 cup fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves
1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 large ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
Balsamic glaze for drizzling (optional)
Steps
Step 1
Prepare the Pesto Spread: In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, spinach leaves, pine nuts (or walnuts), grated Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
Step 2
Add the Olive Oil: With the food processor running, gradually add the extra-virgin olive oil in a steady stream until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired.
Step 3
Toast the Bread: Lay out the slices of whole grain bread and toast them lightly in a toaster or a toaster oven. This step adds a delightful crunch to the sandwich.
Step 4
Assemble the Sandwiches: On one side of each bread slice, spread a generous amount of the prepared Pesto Spread. Layer tomato slices and fresh mozzarella cheese on top of the pesto.
Step 5
Add a Drizzle of Balsamic Glaze (Optional): For added sweetness and a balsamic twist, you can drizzle a touch of balsamic glaze over the mozzarella and tomato.
Step 6
Close the Sandwiches: Top each sandwich with another slice of bread, pesto side down, to create a delicious and wholesome Caprese Sandwich. Arrange the Caprese Sandwiches on a serving platter and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Make it your own!
If preferred, you can use store-bought pesto as a convenient alternative. When using store-bought pesto, exclude the basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts (or walnuts), Parmesan cheese, and olive oil from the list of ingredients.
Customize the Pesto Spread by adding a touch of lemon juice or more garlic for added zest and flavor.
