If you are in search of a lunch that feels both indulgent and refreshing, the Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia Turkey Sandwich Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This dish beautifully combines the savory, herby flavors of pesto with the sweet tang of sun-dried tomatoes baked right into the focaccia bread, creating a sandwich that’s bursting with layers of deliciousness. Every bite offers a satisfying mix of textures, from the crisp toasted focaccia crust to the tender turkey and fresh greens inside. Whether you’re packing a quick lunch or entertaining, this recipe is simple to make yet endlessly impressive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but play an essential role in balancing flavor, texture, and freshness in your sandwich. Each element contributes something special to make this sandwich truly sing.
- Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia: The star bread featuring sun-dried tomato flavor and a soft, chewy texture that crisps beautifully when toasted.
- Deli turkey (7 oz): Offers lean, tender protein with a subtle savory taste that complements the bold bread perfectly.
- Large tomato: Adds juicy freshness and a vibrant splash of color when thinly sliced.
- Greens (sprouts, microgreens, or spinach): Provide a light, peppery crunch and a hint of earthiness.
- Red onion slices: Bring a sharp bite and mild sweetness to balance the sandwich.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Adds creaminess and richness to the sandwich base.
- Pesto (1/4 cup): Packs an herby, garlicky punch that ties the whole sandwich together beautifully.
How to Make Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia Turkey Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Focaccia
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toasting the focaccia for about 5 to 8 minutes until it’s just slightly crispy is key to creating a sandwich with excellent texture—it makes the bread sturdy enough to hold all the fillings without getting soggy and adds a wonderful warm crunch.
Step 2: Prepare the Pesto Mayo
While the bread is toasting, combine the mayonnaise and pesto in a small bowl. This creamy, flavorful spread elevates the sandwich by adding moisture and a savory, herby taste that beautifully complements the sun-dried tomato notes in the bread.
Step 3: Slice the Toasted Focaccia
Once toasted, slice the focaccia horizontally in half. This step preps your bread to be the perfect sandwich canvas. Set the top slice aside while you layer on those delicious greens, turkey, and other fillings.
Step 4: Assemble Your Sandwich Layers
Spread a generous layer of pesto mayo on the bottom slice of focaccia to enhance every bite with creamy brightness. Then, carefully layer the turkey slices, tomato, your chosen greens, and red onion. Finish with one more thin spread of pesto mayo on top before placing the focaccia half back on, creating a mouthwatering stack of flavors and textures.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Gently press down on the sandwich to keep everything snugly packed. To make sharing or serving easier, cut the sandwich into six pieces. These smaller portions are perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying snack, showcasing the beautiful layers inside.
How to Serve Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia Turkey Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper can add an extra fragrant touch and a burst of flavor. A few extra microgreens on top make the sandwich pop visually and add a fresh bite.
Side Dishes
A crisp side salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with this sandwich, balancing the richness of the pesto mayo. Alternatively, some crunchy kettle-cooked chips or a bowl of tomato soup can round out this meal for cozy, satisfying comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at gatherings, present the sandwich pieces on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra pesto mayo for dipping. You can also stack the ingredients open-faced on the focaccia slices for a colorful, shareable appetizer-style presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 24 hours, making it a perfect next-day lunch option.
Freezing
This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh because the bread’s texture and the fresh tomato don’t freeze well. However, you can freeze the turkey and pesto mayo separately if you want to prep components ahead of time for a quick assembly later.
Reheating
To revive your sandwich, unwrap and toast the bread separately in the oven until crisp, then reassemble with fresh tomato and greens. This way, you maintain the ideal texture without sogginess or wilted ingredients.
FAQs
Can I substitute the deli turkey with another protein?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken breast or even thinly sliced roast beef can be great alternatives that work well with the pesto and focaccia flavors.
Is it possible to make this sandwich vegan?
Yes, simply swap out the turkey for a plant-based deli slice and replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo. Just make sure your pesto is vegan or use a vegan-friendly version.
What kind of greens work best in this sandwich?
Sprouts, microgreens, and baby spinach are all excellent choices. They add freshness without overpowering the other flavors.
Can I use regular focaccia instead of the sun-dried tomato version?
You can, but the sun-dried tomato focaccia adds a unique depth of flavor that really makes this recipe special. Plain focaccia will still work but won’t have the same distinctive taste.
How long does it take to prepare this sandwich?
The entire process takes about 18 minutes, from toasting the bread to final assembly, making it perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a sandwich that’s quick to make yet impressively flavorful, the Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia Turkey Sandwich Recipe is sure to become a new favorite. It’s incredibly versatile, packed with fresh ingredients, and perfectly balanced with creamy pesto mayo and savory turkey. Trust me, once you try this, it will be your go-to for lunches that feel way more special than your average sandwich. Give it a whirl and enjoy every delicious bite!
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Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia Turkey Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia Turkey Sandwich is a deliciously quick and easy meal that combines toasted sun-dried tomato focaccia bread with savory deli turkey, fresh tomato slices, crisp greens, and a flavorful pesto mayo spread. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or light dinner, it offers a harmonious blend of textures and tangy herb flavors.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 loaf of Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia
Protein
- 1 package (7 oz) deli turkey
Vegetables
- 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
- A handful of greens (e.g., sprouts, microgreens, spinach)
- A few slices of red onion
Condiments
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup pesto
Instructions
- Preheat and Toast the Focaccia: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the loaf of sun-dried tomato focaccia directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet and toast it for 5 to 8 minutes until it is slightly crispy and warmed through.
- Make the Pesto Mayo: While the focaccia is toasting, combine 1/4 cup of mayonnaise and 1/4 cup of pesto in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly until well blended to create a flavorful pesto mayo spread.
- Slice the Focaccia: Remove the toasted focaccia from the oven and carefully slice it horizontally into two even pieces. Set the top piece aside for assembly.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread a generous layer of the prepared pesto mayo on the bottom half of the toasted focaccia. Layer the deli turkey evenly on top of the pesto mayo, followed by the thinly sliced tomato, a handful of fresh greens, and slices of red onion. Add another layer of pesto mayo over the vegetables for extra flavor.
- Complete and Serve: Place the top piece of focaccia back onto the sandwich, gently pressing down to hold the ingredients together. For easier serving and portion control, cut the sandwich into six pieces. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute the deli turkey with roasted chicken or your preferred deli meat for variation.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, omit the turkey and add extra greens or cheese.
- Pesto mayo can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and used in other sandwiches or as a dip.
- To add a little extra crunch, consider adding sliced cucumbers or bell peppers.
- Store leftover sandwich pieces wrapped tightly in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours to maintain freshness.
