This pesto prosciutto panini sandwich is spread with delicious basil pesto and filled with fresh mozzarella cheese, slices of tomato, and a bunch of arugula.
When my husband and I were dating, we went on lots of picnics. It was so fun to pack the picnic basket and go on a date where we could chat and continue to learn more about each other. Well, we recently went on our first one since being married. It was time to get the picnic basket out again.
Sometimes, though, it’s hard to know what to pack for a picnic lunch. I want a good meal, but also something that’s easy to make and transport. Pesto prosciutto panini sandwiches are perfect for that!
Plus, if you’re a gardener who has fresh basil lying around, you can make your own basil pesto for this recipe! Or, if you’re like me, you love baking bread and want any excuse to make fresh bread for a homemade sandwich.
Okay, enough talk. Let’s get into the reasons WHY you’ll love this recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Pesto Prosciutto Panini Recipe
There are many reasons why you will love this pesto prosciutto panini, whether that’s for a picnic or not. Here are just a few of them:
- It’s easy to make. This panini really doesn’t take that long to bring together. The meat and the cheese can be bought pre-sliced at the grocery store which saves a lot of time. Pesto and bread can be made at home, or you can save time by buying it!
- Panini’s are delicious either hot or cold. Wether you eat this panini freshly pressed or take it on a trip with you, the temperature really doesn’t matter at all. This panini will taste delicious whether it’s hot or cold.
- Fresh veggies and homemade bread pack in health benefits. While this panini is so yummy and delicious, the fresh tomatoes, arugula, and basil pesto are also packed with nutrients so you won’t feel sluggish after eating it! Make your own panini bread as well to avoid many additives that store bought bread has.
- You can use up excess basil to make your own pesto! I love this basil pesto recipe to make my own!
Now, let’s get to making this panini!
Tools You May Need
Panini press or cast iron skillet
Bread knife-Cutco is my all time favorite knife brand!! I used this bread slicer every single day.
Pesto Prosciutto Panini Ingredients
Prosciutto
Mozzarella cheese
Slicing tomato
Arugula
Pesto (store-bought or homemade)-I like Rao’s Homemade brand!
Panini bread (store bought or homemade)-I used this no knead panini bread recipe and absolutely loved the results!
How To Make A Pesto Prosciutto Panini
First, slice your bread in half and spread on the pesto. If you’d like to make your own, this pesto recipe is a good one!
Second, top the bread and pesto with about one cup of fresh arugula.
After that, place about 3 slices of mozzarella cheese onto the bed of arugula.
Next, add on the weight of your tomato to keep the arugula and cheese in tact.
Now, place about 5 slices of prosciutto onto each panini sandwich.
Finally, press each sandwich in a panini press. Or, grill each sandwich in a cast iron skillet, similar to the way you would cook a grilled cheese, until the mozzarella has melted slightly and each side is toasted brown!
Pesto panini sandwiches are also delicious eaten cold. Wrap the sandwiches up in parchment paper or aluminum foil and pack them for a picnic lunch!!
Pesto Prosciutto Panini Picnic Lunch!
Want to take these pesto prosciutto panini sandwiches on a nice picnic? Here’s a complete list of recipes and supplies that would make the perfect picnic lunch!
Snacks:
Desserts:
Sourdough chocolate chip cookies
Strawberries and cream cookies
Picnic Supplies:
FAQ:
What is the best bread to use for a panini?
The best kind of bread to use for a panini is a bread that is sturdy enough to hold up while being pressed. It was quick and easy which is just what I was looking for. Other breads that are good for a panini include focaccia and ciabatta.
Are prosciutto sandwiches healthy?
Prosciutto is higher in sodium, so you don’t want to eat too much of it. Although, prosciutto in moderation paired with fresh ingredients and veggies is good for you.
What food is good for a picnic lunch?
Pesto prosciutto panini’s a great sandwich recipe for a picnic lunch. Other food that goes well in a picnic lunch is potato chips, homemade cookies, pickle spears, potato salad, broccoli salad, BLT’s, and charcuterie boards.
What are cold meats for a picnic?
Cold meats that would work well for a picnic include ham, prosciutto, salami, turkey lunch meat, cold baked chicken, cold baked turkey, and bacon.
Did you love this recipe?!
If you loved this panini recipe, we’d love for you to leave a five star review! Let us know in the comments below how your picnic lunch turned out. What snacks and sides did you bring along to enjoy?
Pesto Prosciutto Panini
This easy and delicious pesto prosciutto panini is full of fresh ingredients and can be enjoyed cold of fresh off the press!
Ingredients
- 2 sandwiches worth of desired panini bread
- 3 Tablespoons pesto (homemade or storebought)
- 2 packs prosciutto
- 1 log mozzarella cheese
- 2 Cups arugula
- 1 slicing tomato
Instructions
1. Slice your bread in half and spread on 2 tablespoons of the homemade (or store bought) pesto.
2. Next, add 1 cup of the arugula onto the sandwich.
3. Add three slices of the fresh mozzarella
4. Slice 3 pieces of tomato and add onto the sandwich.
5. Add about 5 slices of prosciutto onto the panini.
6. Finish it off by adding 3 more pieces of mozzarella and drizzle with a tablespoon of pesto.
7. Press in a panini press for about 7 minutes or until the cheese is just melted. A skillet will work just as well for this step!
8. Repeat step 1-7 for the second sandwich.
9. Enjoy panini hot or cold!
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