Pesto Caprese Sandwich

This simple yet elegant Caprese sandwich with pesto is the perfect way to enjoy the fresh and classically Italian flavors of summer! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep work, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal ready in minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Caprese Pesto Sandwich Recipe:

• Quick and easy: This pesto mozzarella sandwich requires zero cooking, making it perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends. Using store-bought pesto and balsamic glaze also keeps the prep time minimal.
• Packed with flavor: Despite its simplicity, the tried and true combination of juicy tomato, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil creates a symphony of fresh flavors in every bite. 
• Versatile: This pesto sandwich recipe is easy to customize with added protein, veggies, and any of your favorite toppings. 

Let’s Get Started! Here’s What You’ll Need:

Ingredients

Sandwich or Slider Rolls - While you can make this pesto sandwich with any kind of bread, I like to reach for smaller rolls, such as traditional dinner or ciabatta rolls, similar in size to the tomatoes and mozzarella for mini caprese sandwiches. 

Mozzarella Cheese - Choose fresh mozzarella cheese rather than the shredded variety. For an extra authentic Italian experience, use buffalo mozzarella. 

Fresh Tomatoes - On-the-vine tomatoes pair best with this mozzarella pesto sandwich, but a large heirloom, beefsteak, or Roma tomato also work if needed.

Balsamic Glaze - Thicker and sweeter than classic balsamic vinegar, this glaze adds a sweet and dimensional finish to the sandwiches. Use your favorite brand, or you can make your own balsamic glaze if you don’t have any on hand. 

Basil Pesto - Reach for your favorite store-bought brand, or grab your food processor and make your own for this sandwich with pesto.

Fresh Basil - Make sure to use fresh basil leaves and not dried basil, this doubles as our leaf so the two aren’t interchangeable in this basil pesto sandwich.

Equipment: 

Knives and Cutting Board — Use a serrated or chef knife to slice the sandwich rolls, cheese, and tomatoes. You will also need a butter knife to spread the pesto. Of course, if you make your own pesto sauce or balsamic reduction, you will need a bit more.

How to Make Pesto Caprese Sandwiches

Prepare the ingredients.  

Cut each roll into halves, then slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into ½ to ¾ inch thick slices. 

Add the condiments.  

Spread a generous amount of pesto on top of one half of the bread, then spread the balsamic glaze on the other half.

Assemble the sandwich. 

Stack the tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil on the bottom piece of bread before topping with the other half.

Serve and enjoy!

Dig in!

Recipe Success Tips

• Use fresh ingredients. This caprese sandwich recipe with pesto relies on fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil for the best flavor. Choose tomatoes that are in season and ripe and basil that is deep green. 
• Avoid using balsamic vinegar. Balsamic vinegar is a runny liquid, while balsamic glaze has been reduced which makes it more viscous – this will prevent the mozzarella pesto sandwich from getting too soggy or messy.
• Try it panini style. If you have a little extra time on your hands, this recipe can also make a delicious caprese panini! Simply swap out the rolls for a flatter option like sourdough bread slices, assemble the sandwich, and heat in an oiled skillet over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes on each side until the bread is golden-brown and the cheese is melted. 

Serving Suggestions 

This tomato pesto sandwich is great on its own for a light and refreshing lunch or a quick dinner, but is also delicious paired with the following options:  

• Fresh fruit, a side salad, or roasted veggies, such as this Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash
• Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken for a hearty main that compliments the Italian flavors
• A bowl of soup – these sandwiches perfectly complement many easy slow-cooker soup recipes!

Storage Directions

These sandwiches with pesto are best made fresh and eaten right away, as storing them in the fridge can cause them to turn soggy. If you need to prepare ahead of time, slice the rolls, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil and store them sliced. Then spread on the sauces and assemble right before serving.

More Delicious Sandwich Recipes 

• Easy Crescent Sandwiches
• Pretzel Bun Sandwiches
• Honey Mustard Chicken Wrap
• Croissant Breakfast Sandwich
• Salmon Caesar Salad Wrap

Enjoy!

I hope you love this sandwich twist on the classic caprese salad. Be sure to come back and leave a review so I know how it went for you- I love hearing about your kitchen adventures!

📖 Recipe