Description
Mediterranean-inspired Pesto Turkey and Avocado Bacon Sandwich blends fresh ingredients with classic flavor profiles. Crisp bacon, creamy avocado, and herbaceous pesto create a gourmet lunch experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein and Cheese:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) thinly sliced turkey or roasted chicken
- 6 slices Gouda or Havarti cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon
Bread and Vegetables:
- 1 loaf ciabatta bread (halved, lightly toasted)
- 1 avocado (sliced)
- 4 cups shredded lettuce
- 1/3 cup sliced dill pickles
- 1/3 cup sliced pepperoncini
Sauces and Seasonings:
- 1/4 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1–2 cloves garlic (grated)
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Whisk the Caesar dressing and pesto together in a small mixing bowl until thoroughly combined, creating a unified, creamy sauce.
- Gently excavate the interior of the ciabatta bread’s top slice, creating a hollowed-out space to enhance the sandwich’s texture and capacity for fillings.
- Generously spread the pesto Caesar dressing across both interior surfaces of the bread, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor penetration.
- Carefully mash the avocado with a fork, seasoning it delicately with salt to elevate its natural creaminess and taste.
- Layer the ingredients strategically: first place the cheese, followed by the smooth avocado spread, then arrange the turkey slices evenly.
- Add crispy bacon strips for a smoky crunch, followed by fresh greens and tangy pickles to introduce varied textures and complementary flavors.
- Carefully position the top bread slice, gently pressing down to compress the sandwich and integrate all ingredients.
- Optionally, wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 hours to allow flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, slice the sandwich diagonally into two or four portions, revealing the beautiful layers and making it easier to eat.
Notes
- Customize the pesto Caesar dressing by adding fresh herbs like basil or chives for extra flavor complexity.
- Prevent avocado browning by adding a squeeze of lemon juice when mashing, which helps maintain its vibrant green color.
- Make this sandwich gluten-free by substituting ciabatta with gluten-free bread or using large lettuce leaves as a low-carb wrap alternative.
- Prepare sandwich components ahead of time and assemble just before serving to maintain bread’s crispness and prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg