This Turkey Pesto Sandwich is the perfect use for Thanksgiving leftovers! A hearty sandwich made on fresh sourdough bread, slathered with a pesto mayo, and layered with turkey, roasted red peppers, and gooey mozzarella. This an easy lunch you can make in just 10 minutes.
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The Best Turkey Pesto Sandwich
Oh my, this turkey pesto sandwich is easily one of the best sandwiches I have ever made! Fresh sourdough is spread with a creamy pesto mayo, layered with turkey, mozzarella, and roasted red peppers. The sandwich is then toasted till golden and crispy, and cut to reveal that gooey cheese pull.
Plus there's no worries if you have a gluten or dairy intolerance. With just a few simple substitutes this sandwich can satisfy everyone.
Crispy, flavorful, and the perfect use for holiday leftovers- this sandwich is one of a kind. If you're not into sandwiches, be sure to check out this pesto chicken wrap!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
*Full measurements can be found in recipe card below*
- Sourdough bread: I LOVE using sourdough bread to make hearty sandwiches. Both homemade or store-bought will work, but you can also substitute with your favorite bread or use gluten free if needed
- Mayonnaise: For the best flavor, use a mayo made with avocado oil. You can also skip it entirely and just spread on the pesto
- Pesto: Both homemade pesto or store bought will work. It's up to you to decide what works best. Most pesto contains parmesan cheese, so use a vegan pesto if dairy free.
- Turkey: This turkey pesto sandwich is a fantastic way to use up leftover Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey, but deli turkey also works well
- Mozzarella: Mozzarella totally takes this sandwich from good to GREAT. Once toasted, the cheese gets ooey, gooey, and perfectly melty. Havarti, sharp cheddar, or American cheese are all good substitutes, though, but you can also use your favorite dairy free cheese
- Roasted red peppers: You can use jarred roasted red peppers, but in a pinch, sun dried tomatoes are a suitable substitute
- Spinach: I like to add a little bit of baby spinach to my sandwich for a bite of freshness. Arugula is another good choice if you prefer that
How To Make This Turkey Pesto Sandwich
- In a small bowl, mix together the pesto and mayo, then spread evenly on the inside of both slices of sourdough bread
- Next. lay the mozzarella cheese on one side and the roasted red peppers on the other
- Distribute the turkey meat evenly on one side and top it with a handful of spinach
- Season with salt and pepper, then top the sandwich with the half holding the roasted red peppers
- Heat a non-stick griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter in it
- Once hot, lay your sandwich in it and cook for 3-4 minutes a side, or until golden brown on both sides
- Turn off the heat and carefully pull the turkey pesto sandwich out. Cut in half, serve, and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Toast your sourdough first if you want to eat this sandwich cold
- Skip the mayo and just smear on the pesto if you want to make the sandwich a bit lighter
- Fresh mozzarella melts better than slices
- Both leftover turkey and turkey lunchmeat will work
- Cook the pesto turkey sandwich until golden brown and crispy on both sides
- Serve immediately for best flavor
Frequently Asked Questions
Mozzarella is probably the best cheese to pair with pesto because it has a sweet, mild flavor that allows the flavor of the pesto to shine through. Havarti or burrata are 2 more mild flavored options.
Either will work! If you have the time, homemade pesto truly has an out of this world flavor, but store-bought is a great shortcut choice.
Pesto can be used for so many other dishes! You can add it to pasta, scrambled eggs, wraps, or serve over chicken, or alongside a caprese salad.
Yes, you can. While I personally like it warm and toasty with melted cheese, you can totally skip that step. Just be sure to toast your sourdough slices before smearing on the pesto mayo.
What To Serve With A Pesto Turkey Sandwich
This pesto turkey sandwich is definitely a hearty dish, so I suggest lightening it up with a simple salad, fresh cut veggies, or a side of berries.
Storing and Reheating Instructions
STORING: This sandwich is best served fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
REHEATING: Like I said before, it's best fresh, but can be reheated in the air fryer at 350F for 3-4 minutes or in a dry, hot skillet and just cook over medium heat for 3 minutes a side.
Did you make this recipe?
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PrintTurkey Pesto Sandwich
This Turkey Pesto Sandwich is the perfect use for Thanksgiving leftovers! A hearty sandwich made on fresh sourdough bread, slathered with a pesto mayo, and layered with turkey, roasted red peppers, and gooey mozzarella. This an easy lunch you can make in just 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 4 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 Minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 Servings 1x
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 slices sourdough bread
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons pesto
- 2 ounces mozzarella cheese
- 4 ounces turkey breast (deli meat or leftover turkey work well)
- 2 pieces of roasted red peppers
- ¼ cup baby spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the pesto and mayo, then spread evenly on the inside of both slices of sourdough bread
- Next. lay the mozzarella cheese on one side of the bread and the roasted red peppers on the other
- Distribute the turkey meat evenly on one side and top it with a handful of spinach
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then top the sandwich with the half holding the roasted red peppers
- Heat a non-stick griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter in it
- Once hot, lay your sandwich in it and cook for 3-4 minutes a side, or until golden brown and crispy on both sides
- Turn off the heat and carefully take the turkey pesto sandwich out the cut in half, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
- Toast your sourdough first if you want to eat this sandwich cold
- Skip the mayo and just smear on the pesto if you want to make the sandwich a bit lighter
- Fresh mozzarella melts better than slices
- Both leftover turkey and turkey lunchmeat will work
- Cook the pesto turkey sandwich until golden brown and crispy on both sides
- Serve immediately for best flavor
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days
Keywords: pesto turkey sandwich, turkey pesto sandwich recipe, leftover turkey sandwich
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