This Italian-inspired Ciabatta Sandwich is a flavorful and loaded lunch!
I was raised in a large Italian family, which meant it was always loud, it was always crowded, and there was always a full kitchen. Even though we argued about pretty much everything, we could always manage to come together over food … even when we were arguing about food.
My nonna was an Italian chef back in her day, and many of my relatives own their own restaurants and delis—where many more relatives have worked over the years. I myself spent a couple of my college years working at a sandwich shop, slicing fresh meats and cheeses, making my own pesto, and serving customers with my signature Italian charm. As an Italian, there are few things I love more in this world than food. As a sandwich shop employee, there were few things I loved more than our signature ciabatta sandwich.
It’s been nearly a decade since I worked in that sandwich shop, but to this day I make that ciabatta sandwich more often than I’m willing to admit. It’s an easy recipe, and it makes for a gourmet lunch full of Italian flavors. This ciabatta sandwich has layers of deli meats, real mozzarella cheese, fresh tomatoes, peppers, greens, and an aromatic pesto that sells the whole thing. If you love an old-school Italian sub, you’ll love this ciabatta sandwich.
Is This Ciabatta Sandwich Healthy?
Like all good Italian food, you have to enjoy this ciabatta sandwich in moderation if you’re following a healthy diet. The ingredients in this sandwich are fresh and light, but they stack up—pun intended! Pair your ciabatta sandwich with a healthy salad or side of fruit to balance your meal. You can also make this ciabatta sandwich vegetarian by ditching the turkey and salami and loading up on more veggies!
How To Make Homemade Pesto
Despite being named after its warm, fluffy, toasted bread, the star of the ciabatta sandwich is actually the pesto. Sure, you can use your favorite jar of pesto for a quick, easy, and tasty lunch. But if you want my best recommendation, you’ve got to make the pesto from scratch. It’s not as challenging as you’d think! Just follow this recipe from my friends at FFF (it’s gluten AND dairy-free!) All you need is pine nuts, some fresh basil, and a few pantry staples to up your sandwich game forever. Plus, you can enjoy it on pizza, pasta, and every other Italian dish you can think of!
How to make ahead and store
To save time down the line, you can prep your ingredients ahead and store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Once assembled, you can individually wrap your ciabatta sandwiches and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
I always love to eat my ciabatta sandwich with a side of soup, especially in the colder months. This Broccoli Cauliflower Soup, a classic Tomato Rice Soup, or an Italian-inspired Tortellini Soup all make for great choices.
Of course, you also can’t go wrong if you serve your ciabatta sandwich with a side of Homemade Potato Chips, French Fries, or Onion Rings.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf ciabatta bread
- 4 tablespoons pesto sauce
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese sliced
- 10 ounces sliced deli turkey
- 6 ounces Italian dry salami
- 1 large tomato sliced
- 2 tablespoons roasted red peppers chopped
- Fresh arugula leaves
- Fresh basil leaves chopped
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
- Balsamic vinegar for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Cut the ciabatta loaf horizontally to open and prepare for layering.
- Spread the pesto sauce evenly on both cut sides of the bread.
- Place the sliced mozzarella cheese on the bottom half of the bread.
- Layer the deli turkey and Italian dry salami over the cheese.
- Top with sliced tomato, roasted red peppers, and fresh arugula and basil. Sprinkle on some salt and pepper and then drizzle on balsamic vinegar if using.
- Carefully close the sandwich with the top half of the bread, slice into individual portions, and serve.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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