Name: Turkey Pesto Panini Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 slices bread; ¼ cup pesto; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 6 ounces thinly sliced turkey breast (either deli turkey or leftover turkey); 3 ounces sliced provolone cheese; 1 cup baby spinach; ½ cup sliced roasted red pepper; 1 medium tomato, sliced

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 6 reviews

If you’re craving a sandwich that bursts with flavor while being incredibly simple to make, the Turkey Pesto Panini Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It combines tender turkey, fresh pesto, gooey provolone, and crisp veggies all perfectly toasted between golden bread. This panini delivers the perfect harmony of savory and fresh ingredients with an unbeatable crisp texture that will elevate your lunch or light dinner without any hassle. Trust me, once you try this, it will quickly become a go-to when you want something satisfying and delicious in minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ingredients for a sandwich arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There are four slices of light brown crusty bread placed on the top right corner. Below them, on a blue round plate, are three slices of pale yellow cheese stacked slightly overlapping. To the left, on a white round plate, two large light beige turkey slices sit flat. Above that are small white square dishes with green pesto, white creamy spread, and bright red roasted pepper strips. At the top left, a small black bowl is filled with fresh dark green spinach leaves. In the center, a small white round plate holds five bright red tomato slices stacked evenly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of freshness, creaminess, and crispy indulgence in your panini. The simplicity of these items allows each flavor to shine, creating a sandwich that feels luxurious but comes together effortlessly.

Olive oil: Brushing the bread with olive oil helps it toast up to a golden, crispy perfection without drying out.
Bread: Four slices of your favorite sandwich bread provide the sturdy yet tender base for all those delicious fillings.
Pesto: Adds a vibrant, herbaceous punch that pairs beautifully with the turkey and cheese.
Mayonnaise: A touch of creaminess that rounds out the pesto’s bold flavor and keeps everything moist.
Turkey breast: Thinly sliced turkey brings savory protein to the panini, whether deli-sliced or leftover roast.
Provolone cheese: Melts smoothly to add a luscious, mild cheesiness that binds the ingredients.
Baby spinach: Fresh greens contribute a slightly earthy note and a bit of crunch.
Roasted red pepper: Sweet and smoky, these add a pop of color and flavor intensity.
Tomato: Fresh tomato slices bring juiciness and brightness that keeps every bite refreshing.

How to Make Turkey Pesto Panini Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Panini Press

Start by preheating your panini press so it’s nice and hot when your sandwich goes on. This ensures the bread crisps perfectly and the cheese melts evenly without sticking.

Step 2: Oil the Bread

Brush one side of each bread slice lightly with olive oil. This little step is crucial for that golden, crunchy crust that makes a panini so irresistible.

Step 3: Spread Pesto and Mayonnaise

Spread a generous ¼ cup of pesto on the un-oiled side of two bread slices for a burst of fresh basil flavor. On the other two slices, spread mayonnaise on the un-oiled side to add creamy richness that balances the herbs and turkey.

Step 4: Layer the Filling

On the pesto side, pile on the turkey breast slices, then add provolone cheese, baby spinach, roasted red pepper strips, and tomato slices. Don’t be shy – layering generously means every bite is full of flavor and satisfying textures.

Step 5: Assemble and Cook

Place the mayonnaise-spread bread slices on top, mayo side down, forming two sandwiches. Place them on your preheated panini press and close the lid. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the bread is golden and crisp and the cheese has melted beautifully.

How to Serve Turkey Pesto Panini Recipe

The image shows a toasted sandwich cut in half and stacked, placed directly on a white marbled surface. The sandwich has three main layers: the top and bottom are golden-brown, grilled bread with visible grill marks and sprinkled chopped green basil on top. The middle layer contains melted white cheese that stretches slightly outside the sandwich, fresh dark green spinach leaves, and bright red tomato slices. There are a few loose green basil pieces and a small red cherry tomato next to the sandwich on the surface. The background is softly blurred white with tiled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To finish your Turkey Pesto Panini Recipe in style, consider a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves or a light drizzle of extra pesto on the side for dipping. A pinch of cracked black pepper over the tomato slices before closing the sandwich can also add a nice zing.

Side Dishes

This panini pairs perfectly with a crisp side salad or some crunchy vegetable chips. A bowl of tomato soup is a classic companion that complements the savory and creamy flavors flawlessly, making your meal cozy and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the panini diagonally for a classic café look, or cut into smaller finger sandwiches for a fun, shareable appetizer. Serve stacked on a wooden board with colorful sides for an inviting and stylish lunch spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from your Turkey Pesto Panini Recipe, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. The sandwich tastes best freshly toasted but keeps its flavor if stored well.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled but un-toasted paninis wrapped securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze them for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, defrost overnight in the fridge and then toast in the panini press until warm and crispy.

Reheating

Reheat your leftover panini in a panini press or skillet to revive that crispy bread and melted cheese. Avoid the microwave, as it tends to make the bread soggy. A few minutes of gentle crisping will make it taste almost as good as new.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese in the Turkey Pesto Panini Recipe?

Absolutely! While provolone gives a nice mild melt, you can swap it for mozzarella, Swiss, or even a sharp cheddar depending on your flavor preference.

Is it necessary to use a panini press, or can I cook this another way?

You can definitely use a grill pan or a regular skillet with a heavy lid or another pan pressed on top. Just be sure to press down firmly to get that crispy toasted finish.

Can I make this panini vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the turkey and add extra roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian twist on the Turkey Pesto Panini Recipe.

How can I make this sandwich gluten-free?

Use your favorite gluten-free bread variety in place of regular sandwich bread. Just be mindful that gluten-free bread may toast a little differently, so keep an eye on it.

What kind of pesto works best for this panini?

Traditional basil pesto works wonderfully for this recipe, but feel free to experiment with sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto for unique flavor profiles.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a warm, melty sandwich packed with fresh, vibrant flavors, and this Turkey Pesto Panini Recipe delivers just that in every bite. It’s quick, easy, and hard to resist once you’ve had a taste. Next time you want a satisfying lunch or light dinner that feels special but requires little effort, dive into this recipe—you won’t be disappointed!

Jessica

Turkey Pesto Panini Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need