The Easiest Ciabatta Sandwich Ever
Okay, so this isn’t some gourmet sandwich, but it’s my go-to when I’m feeling lazy and want something more exciting than a plain old turkey sandwich. It’s basically a glorified deli sandwich, but sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
Honestly, the best part about this ciabatta sandwich is how quickly it comes together. Like, seriously, 10 minutes tops. Which is perfect when you’re starving and don’t want to spend a ton of time in the kitchen.
Pro tip: You can absolutely use pre-sliced deli cheese. I usually do! It saves so much time and makes clean-up even easier. Because let’s be real, sometimes doing dishes is the biggest obstacle to cooking.
What You’ll Need
▢ 1 loaf ciabatta bread, cut horizontally to assemble
▢ 1/4 cup pesto sauce
▢ 10 ounces deli turkey
▢ 4 ounces Italian dry salami
▢ 1 large tomato, sliced
▢ 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
▢ fresh basil leaves
Steps
- Slice the ciabatta loaf horizontally to assemble the sandwich open-faced.
- Spread the pesto sauce on both sides of the loaf. (Honestly, store-bought sauce works fine here)
- Layer the sliced mozzarella cheese on the bottom half of the loaf.
- Next, layer on the turkey and salami.
- Add the sliced tomatoes and fresh basil leaves. (If I don’t have any on hand, I just skip it.)
- Carefully close the sandwich and slice it into smaller pieces to enjoy!
Substitutions That Actually Work
- No pesto? Use any spread you like! Hummus, mustard, or even a vinaigrette would be good.
- Swap the turkey and salami for any deli meat you prefer. Roast beef, ham, or even chickpea salad would be delicious.
- Add some roasted red peppers or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
Making It Diabetes-Friendly
- Choose a whole-wheat ciabatta bread for higher fiber content.
- Go easy on the pesto, as it can be high in fat and calories.
- Load up on veggies like spinach, cucumbers, or bell peppers to add volume and nutrients.
Tips & Storage
- Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or foil to store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- If you’re packing this for lunch, add the tomatoes and basil right before eating so the bread doesn’t get soggy. Nobody likes a soggy sandwich!