Looking for a quick, delicious, and healthy lunch option? This Easy Pesto Caprese Sandwich is the perfect recipe for busy families and home cooks who want a taste of Italy at home. With layers of prosciutto, dry coppa, fresh mozzarella, and vibrant basil pesto, this sandwich is sure to become a family favorite.
Love this flavor combination? You may also enjoy our Burrata Caprese with Heirloom Tomatoes, our Balsamic-Glazed Caprese Chicken, or this Quick and Easy Arugula Prosciutto Salad Recipe.
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A Pesto Caprese Sandwich is inspired by the classic Italian Caprese salad, which traditionally includes tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. This sandwich takes those beloved ingredients and adds a few twists, such as prosciutto and dry coppa, to create a hearty, flavorful meal.
If you like this Italian recipe, try our Prosciutto Wrapped Cantaloupe or our or Authentic Chicken Saltimbocca Recipe with Prosciutto and Sage.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for a fast weeknight meal or a quick lunch.
- Healthy and Fresh: Uses fresh ingredients like tomatoes, arugula, and basil pesto.
- Versatile: Great for entertaining or a simple family meal.
- Delicious Flavor Combinations: The prosciutto and coppa add a savory depth that pairs perfectly with the fresh mozzarella and pesto.
Pesto Caprese Sandwich Ingredients
- French Loaf: Provides a sturdy base for the sandwich.
- Prosciutto: Adds a salty, savory flavor.
- Dry Coppa: Enhances the sandwich with its rich, cured taste.
- Buffalo Mozzarella: Offers a creamy, fresh texture.
- Roma Tomato: Adds a juicy, tangy element.
- Arugula: Provides a peppery crunch.
- Basil Pesto: Infuses the sandwich with herby goodness. Love this ingredient? Leftover pesto can also be added to this Casarecce Pasta or Easy Creamy Pesto Spinach Ravioli with Tomatoes dish.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For toasting the bread.
- Garlic: Adds a subtle garlic flavor when rubbed on the toasted bread.
- Italian Seasoning: Enhances the overall flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: For seasoning.
Garnish
- Balsamic syrup
- Fresh basil
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Buffalo Mozzarella: Substitute with regular mozzarella or burrata for a different texture.
- Prosciutto: Use turkey or chicken slices for a leaner option.
- French Loaf: Replace with ciabatta, sourdough, or whole grain bread.
How to Make an Easy Pesto Caprese Sandwich
Step One: Prepare the Bread
Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat. Slice the French loaf in half lengthwise. Brush olive oil generously over the top of each slice. Place the bread in the pan and toast for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Crush the garlic clove and gently rub it over the top of each toasted slice.
Step Two: Prepare the Ingredients
Spread a layer of basil pesto over one side of each slice of bread. Layer the slices of dry coppa, prosciutto, buffalo mozzarella, tomato, and fresh arugula on one slice of bread.
Step Three: Season and Assemble
Season with a pinch of salt, freshly ground pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drizzle balsamic syrup over the top and add fresh basil leaves if desired. Place the other slice of bread on top to complete the sandwich.
Step Four: Serve
Slice the sandwich in half and serve immediately.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
✔️ DO Grill it in a panini press if you prefer a toastier sandwich.
Storage
Store the leftover caprese sandwich in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Freezing is not recommended. To reheat, place the sandwich in a toaster oven or on a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, store-bought pesto works perfectly fine for this recipe. It saves time and still provides great flavor. You can also make homemade pesto if you prefer a fresher taste.
A French loaf is ideal due to its sturdy and chewy texture. Other good options include ciabatta, sourdough, or whole grain bread, which also offer a nice crust and hold the ingredients well.
To make the sandwich vegetarian, simply omit the prosciutto and dry coppa. You can add extra vegetables like roasted red peppers, zucchini, or avocado to enhance the flavor and texture.
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📖 Recipe
Pesto Caprese Sandwich
Equipment
- Frying pan
- Bread knife
- Cutting board
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 French loaf
- 3-4 slices prosciutto
- 6 slices dry coppa
- 3 slices buffalo mozzarella
- ½ Roma tomato sliced
- 1 bunch arugula lettuce
- 2 tablespoon basil pesto
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
Garnish
- fresh basil
- balsamic syrup
Instructions
- Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat. Slice the French loaf in half lengthwise. Brush olive oil generously over the top of each slice.
- Place the bread in the pan and toast for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Crush the garlic clove and gently rub it over the top of each toasted slice. Spread a layer of basil pesto over one side of each slice of bread.
- Layer the slices of dry coppa, prosciutto, buffalo mozzarella, tomato, and fresh arugula on one slice of bread.
- Season with a pinch of salt, freshly ground pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drizzle balsamic syrup over the top. Add fresh basil leaves for garnish if desired.
- Place the other slice of bread on top, slice the sandwich in half, and serve.
Notes
- Buffalo Mozzarella: Substitute with regular mozzarella or burrata for a different texture.
- Prosciutto: Use turkey or chicken slices for a leaner option.
- French Loaf: Replace with ciabatta, sourdough, or whole grain bread.
Erica says
This sounds so yummy! Running to the store now for supplies.
Jami Powell says
Yay! 😊 It’s delicious!