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You are here: Home / Recipes / Lunch

Easy Pesto Caprese Sandwich

📋 Modified: Jul 23, 2024 Published: Jul 6, 2021 by 👩🏻‍🍳 Jami Powell · This post may contain affiliate links · 💬 2 Comments

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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.

Prosciutto Caprese Sandwich on wooden cutting board

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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.

Jump to:
  • Why We Love This Recipe
  • Pesto Caprese Sandwich Ingredients
  • Substitutions & Variations
  • How to Make an Easy Pesto Caprese Sandwich
  • Expert Tips for Success
  • Storage
  • Recipe FAQs
  • More Italian Recipes You'll Love ♥️
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Share Your Thoughts

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

Can I use store-bought pesto for the Caprese sandwich?

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.

What is the best type of bread for a Caprese sandwich?

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.

How can I make this Caprese sandwich vegetarian?

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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Did You Like This Caprese Sandwich Recipe?

  • Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Star Rating if think this Easy Caprese Sandwich with Pesto is amazing!

📖 Recipe

prosciutto caprese sandwich open faced with all of the fixings.

Pesto Caprese Sandwich

Jami Powell
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.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Lunch
Cuisine Italian
Servings 2
Calories 351 kcal

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.

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Video

Notes

Storage Store leftover caprese sandwich in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Freeze Freezing is not recommended.
Reheat To reheat, place the sandwich in a toaster oven or on a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Substitutions
  • 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.
Adjustments Cooking time may need to be adjusted based on the geography of the area (high vs. low elevation), cookware (stoneware vs traditional bakeware), and outdoor temperature if grilling.
Nutrition information is only an estimate

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 351kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 14gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 46mgSodium: 565mgPotassium: 122mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1792IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 1046mgIron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?Tag @powell.family.cooking on Instagram

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Comments

  1. Erica says

    July 21, 2022 at 1:39 am

    5 stars
    This sounds so yummy! Running to the store now for supplies.

    Reply
    • Jami Powell says

      July 19, 2023 at 4:41 am

      Yay! 😊 It’s delicious!

      Reply
5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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