If you’re craving a sandwich that’s bursting with flavor and has that perfect balance of chewy, tangy, and fresh, you’re in for a treat! I absolutely love this Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia Turkey Sandwich Recipe because it’s super easy to make but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The combination of sun-dried tomato focaccia, pesto mayo, and fresh ingredients just hits all the right notes—I’m telling you, once you try this, it might just become your go-to lunch or picnic favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and Quick: You’ll have this sandwich ready in about 20 minutes, perfect for busy weekdays or casual weekends.
- Flavor Explosion: The sun-dried tomato focaccia combined with pesto mayo takes a classic turkey sandwich to a whole new level.
- Fresh and Customizable: You can swap the greens or add more veggies based on what you love or have on hand.
- Perfect for Sharing: Cut into six pieces, it’s great for parties, picnics, or quick family meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients come together so naturally for this sandwich — each element brings something special. Trader Joe’s sun-dried tomato focaccia provides the perfect soft, flavorful base, while the pesto mayo adds that herby creaminess you’ll want to slather on every bite.
- Trader Joe’s sun-dried tomato focaccia: The star bread here—its subtle tang and soft texture elevate the whole sandwich.
- Deli turkey: I like to get a good-quality, thinly sliced version for the best melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Tomato: Choose a ripe, large tomato and slice it thin to keep the sandwich juicy but not soggy.
- Greens: Whether sprouts, microgreens, or fresh spinach, these add a crisp, fresh bite.
- Red onion: Thin slices add just the right amount of zing without overpowering the flavor.
- Mayo: A creamy base that blends beautifully with the pesto.
- Pesto: I’m partial to the Costco brand pesto, but any fresh, good-quality pesto will do.
Variations
I love making this sandwich my own depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. Feel free to switch up the greens or try different spreads—it’s all about what makes you happy and what you have handy.
- Swap the turkey for chicken or ham: I sometimes grab leftover rotisserie chicken instead of turkey, and it works wonderfully.
- Try different greens: Arugula gives a nice peppery kick, while baby kale adds a bit more chew.
- Go vegan: Use vegan mayo and dairy-free pesto with your favorite plant-based deli slices, and you’re set!
- Add cheese: Fresh mozzarella or provolone pairs perfectly if you want a melty option.
How to Make Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia Turkey Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Toast the focaccia for that perfect crunch
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Slice the loaf horizontally, but keep it flat on your cutting board—trust me, this prevents those irresistible crumbles from falling off when you bite in. Pop the focaccia in the oven for 5 to 8 minutes; this toasting brings out the sun-dried tomato flavor and gives you a nice, slightly crisp crumb that contrasts beautifully with the juicy fillings.
Step 2: Whisk the pesto and mayo, your sandwich’s secret sauce
While the bread is toasting, mix your pesto and mayo in a small bowl. I discovered this combo when I wanted something that had creamy richness with a savory punch. It takes this sandwich from simple to seriously delicious, so don’t skip it!
Step 3: Layer it like a pro
On your bottom half of focaccia, spread a generous layer of pesto mayo. Then pile on the turkey, followed by those juicy tomato slices. Add your greens and finally the red onion slices. To keep all those layers tasty and together, add dollops of pesto mayo right on top of the greens and onions—this way you don’t have to flip the top piece upside down, which can sometimes squash all your beautiful layers.
Step 4: Bring it all together and slice
Carefully press the top piece of focaccia onto your layered masterpiece. You want it snug but not squashed. Then, grab a large serrated knife and cut your sandwich down the middle and across three times, ending up with six pieces that are perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself! This sandwich truly is sandwich goals.
Pro Tips for Making Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia Turkey Sandwich Recipe
- Toast Carefully: Keep an eye on the focaccia when it’s in the oven; you want a light toasting that crisps without burning those yummy sun-dried tomato bits.
- Mix Pesto Mayo Just Before Assembling: This keeps it fresh and vibrant, plus it spreads easier when room temperature.
- Slice Tomatoes Thinly: Thick slices can make the sandwich soggy—thin slices give you juicy flavor without overpowering the bread.
- Keep the Bread Flat When Cutting: I learned this trick to avoid a crumbly mess and keep those tasty sun-dried tomato chunks intact.
How to Serve Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia Turkey Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
I love adding a few extra fresh basil leaves on the side as a garnish—it echoes the pesto flavor nicely. Sometimes, a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the sandwich slices brings out a subtle pop of flavor that I swear makes every bite better.
Side Dishes
My favorite sides to pair with this sandwich are crunchy kettle-cooked chips or a light, refreshing cucumber salad. When my family’s in the mood for something heartier, we go for a warm cup of tomato basil soup—it’s the perfect combo, especially on a cozy day.
Creative Ways to Present
For special gatherings, I like arranging the sandwich pieces on a large wooden board with little ramekins of extra pesto mayo for dipping. It makes it look extra fancy but takes almost no extra effort. You can also stack smaller sandwiches on toothpicks for cute finger-friendly bites at parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which I find rare!), I wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to one day. The focaccia can get a bit soft overnight, so I usually toast the sandwich slices lightly before eating again to revive that fresh-baked texture.
Freezing
I don’t typically freeze this sandwich because the fresh tomato and greens don’t hold up well, but you can freeze the focaccia loaf itself if you want to prep ahead. Just slice and toast the bread when you’re ready to assemble your sandwich.
Reheating
For reheating, I recommend popping the sandwich halves in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to warm it without making the bread soggy. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to make the focaccia chewy in a way you don’t want.
FAQs
-
Can I make the Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia Turkey Sandwich Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap out deli turkey for your favorite plant-based protein or hearty veggies like grilled mushrooms or eggplant. Using vegan mayo and pesto (or making your own without cheese) keeps it fully vegetarian and still incredibly tasty.
-
What’s the best way to prevent soggy bread?
To keep your focaccia from getting soggy, toast it lightly before assembling and slice your tomatoes thin. Also, don’t layer too heavily with wet ingredients—adding pesto mayo sparingly helps keep everything balanced.
-
Can I prepare this sandwich ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead, but I recommend assembling the sandwich just before eating to keep the bread fresh and greens crisp. If you must assemble earlier, wrap tightly and store in the fridge, but expect softer bread.
-
What’s a good substitute for pesto mayo?
If you’re not into pesto mayo, try mixing mayo with a bit of Dijon mustard and lemon juice for tang, or simply use basil pesto alone for bold flavor. You can also swap mayo for Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.
Final Thoughts
When I first tried this Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia Turkey Sandwich Recipe, I was blown away by how something so straightforward could taste so gourmet. It’s become a staple in my lunch rotation, especially when I want something that feels special but isn’t complicated. You’ll enjoy how the flavors sing together—plus, it’s easy enough to make anytime. So grab a loaf, whip up that pesto mayo, and treat yourself to a sandwich experience that truly stands out.
PrintTrader Joe’s Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia Turkey Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia Turkey Sandwich features a flavorful loaf filled with deli turkey, juicy tomato slices, fresh greens, and a creamy pesto mayo spread. Toasted until golden, this sandwich is an easy yet gourmet meal perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Ingredients
Sandwich
- 1 loaf of Trader Joe’s sun-dried tomato focaccia
- 7-ounce package deli turkey
- 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
- One handful of greens (sprouts, microgreens, spinach, etc.)
- A few pieces of thinly sliced red onion
Spread
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup pesto (Costco brand preferred)
Instructions
- Preheat and Toast: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Place the sun-dried tomato focaccia loaf inside the oven and toast for 5-8 minutes until the bread is warm and slightly crispy to enhance texture and flavor.
- Make Pesto Mayo: In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup mayonnaise with 1/4 cup pesto until evenly combined. This will serve as a flavorful spread for the sandwich.
- Slice the Bread: Place the toasted loaf flat on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, hold it sideways and carefully slice horizontally through the center of the loaf, creating a top and bottom half without flipping the top piece, preserving the focaccia’s crumbly texture.
- Assemble the Layers: On the bottom piece of the focaccia, spread a generous layer of pesto mayo. Layer the deli turkey evenly on top, followed by the thin tomato slices, fresh greens, and thinly sliced red onion. Add dollops of the remaining pesto mayo on top of the greens and onions to avoid having to flip the bread.
- Finish and Slice: Gently press the top piece of the focaccia back onto the sandwich to secure all ingredients. Use a large knife to cut the sandwich in half lengthwise and then crosswise three times to yield six individual sandwich pieces. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- This sandwich combines a soft, flavorful focaccia with fresh and savory ingredients for a gourmet yet quick meal.
- Using toasted bread adds a nice texture contrast and prevents sogginess from the spreads and tomato.
- Pesto mayo can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for extra convenience.
- Customize by swapping greens or adding other veggies like cucumber or bell peppers for extra crunch.
- Perfect for picnics, lunchboxes, or an easy weeknight dinner.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich piece (1/6 of sandwich)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg