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Fresh Summer Picnic Caprese Sandwich Recipe with Easy Zesty Pesto Mayo

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A light and flavorful Caprese sandwich perfect for summer picnics, featuring fresh heirloom tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and a zesty homemade pesto mayo.

Ingredients

  • Ciabatta bread or crusty baguette (freshly baked)
  • Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced (buffalo mozzarella recommended)
  • Heirloom tomatoes, ripe and juicy, sliced
  • Fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
  • Extra virgin olive oil (a drizzle)
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • Mayonnaise (1/2 cup, good quality brand like Hellmann’s or Duke’s)
  • Fresh basil leaves (about 1/4 cup, finely chopped)
  • Garlic, minced (one small clove)
  • Lemon zest (from one lemon)
  • Lemon juice (about 1 teaspoon, freshly squeezed)
  • Salt (a pinch)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Zesty Pesto Mayo: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, finely chopped basil leaves, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until smooth. Add red pepper flakes if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. This takes about 5 minutes.
  2. Slice the Bread: Cut the ciabatta loaf into sandwich-sized portions. Slice each portion horizontally about 3/4 inch thick to create a top and bottom half.
  3. Prepare the Tomato and Mozzarella: Slice heirloom tomatoes and fresh mozzarella into roughly 1/4-inch thick slices. Set aside.
  4. Assemble the Sandwich: Spread a generous layer of pesto mayo on both halves of the bread. Layer slices of mozzarella and tomato alternately on the bottom half. Tuck fresh basil leaves between layers. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the top and season with salt and cracked black pepper.
  5. Finish and Serve: Place the top half of the bread over the fillings and press down lightly. For picnics, wrap tightly in parchment paper. If eating immediately, slice the sandwich diagonally and enjoy.

Notes

Pat tomatoes dry to prevent soggy bread. Use fresh basil for best flavor. Toast bread lightly if preferred. Assemble close to serving time to keep bread from getting soggy. Pesto mayo can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese sandwich, pesto mayo, summer picnic, fresh mozzarella, heirloom tomatoes, basil, easy sandwich recipe

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/fresh-summer-picnic-caprese-sandwich-recipe-with-easy-zesty-pesto-mayo/