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Picnic Style Pesto Turkey and Avocado Bacon Sandwich. My new summertime sandwich go-to. Deli-cut turkey sandwiched with pesto Caesar dressing, avocado, bacon, and sweet, creamy Gouda cheese. Then sandwiched between softy and airy ciabatta bread. This delicious turkey and cheese sandwich is what every summer picnic or low-key dinner needs. It takes minutes to make, but only seconds to devour!
It’s summer sandwich season! With all the upcoming picnics, backyard BBQs, and casual dinners, I’m always looking for easy-to-make sandwiches, either hot or chilled! Growing up, turkey sandwiches were my go-to lunch year-round.
Not going to lie, I was a pro at making them and had a few variations down to a T.
My favorite was probably the most simple, toasted sesame seed bagel, melted Munster cheese, and turkey. I’d throw each half under the broiler to melt the cheese and warm the turkey. It might have been simple, but I remember it being pretty delicious.
Today’s turkey sandwich has a little more happening, but it brings back lots of childhood memories.
For the sandwich, you’re going to need Caesar dressing, basil pesto, ciabatta, deli-cut turkey, crispy bacon, avocado, and greens. There are also some pickles in here too!
Details
Step 1: make the Caesar pesto dressing
If you’re using store-bought Caesar dressing, then there are just two ingredients – basil pesto and Caesar dressing. Supers simple and easy.
You can also make my homemade Caesar dressing, which I provided in the recipe! Either option is great!
Step 2: toast the bread
I like to lightly toast the bread in the oven for 5-8 minutes at 400° F. I find this makes the ciabatta taste even yummier.
Step 3: assemble
Now all you do here is layer! I do a thick spread of the Caesar pesto dressing. Then the cheese. I use both Gouda and Havarti, but you can easily use one or the other. I prefer Gouda!
Now add lots of smashed avocado. Give the avocado a light smash, then season with salt. Next comes the turkey. I used our favorite thinly sliced organic turkey from Whole Foods. Use what your family enjoys. You can also use grilled chicken.
Finish the sandwich with crispy bacon, shredded lettuce, and pickles. I also like to add some sliced peperoncini too. Then another slather of the Caesar pesto dressing.
So many yummy layers!
Slice, and enjoy!
I love this sandwich so much. It will be fun for family dinners spent outside or serving up at summer parties. It’s one of those recipes that’s the first to disappear!
Looking for other Summer sandwich recipes? Here are some favorites:
Grilled Vegetable Burrata Sandwich with Lemon Thyme Honey Mustard
Everything Cheddar Tomato Bacon Grilled Cheese
Marinated Veggie Cheese Sandwich with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
Lastly, if you make this Picnic Style Pesto Turkey and Avocado Bacon Sandwich, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Picnic Style Pesto Turkey and Avocado Bacon Sandwich
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 459 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/4 cup basil pesto
- 1 loaf ciabatta bread, halved, lightly toasted
- 6 slices Gouda or Havarti cheese
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 12 ounces thinly sliced turkey or roasted chicken
- 6 slices cooked bacon
- 4 cups shredded lettuce
- 1/3 cup sliced dill pickles and or peperoncini (I use both)
CAESAR DRESSING (or use store-bought)
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1-2 cloves garlic, grated
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan
Instructions
- 1. To make the dressing. Combine all ingredients in a bowl or glass jar. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper.2. To make the sandwich. Mix the Caesar dressing and pesto in a bowl. 3. Lay the bread cut side up on a cutting board. Working with the top piece of ciabatta, pull out some of the insides to create a space for the filling. Spread the pesto Caesar dressing over both cut sides of the bread. Mash the avocado with a fork and season with salt. Layer on the cheese and mashed avocado. Now, layer on the turkey, bacon, greens, and pickles. Add the top half of the ciabatta and gently push down on the sandwich.4. At this point, you can slice the sandwich and serve, or wrap the sandwiches tightly and place in the fridge for a few hours. Before serving, cut 6-8 sandwiches.
Not big on cheese or bacon but just mastered ciabatta and love turkey so much, I roasted another whole turkey just to slice the breast meat for sandwiches like this one! Are the bacon and cheese deal breakers as far as the overall flavor profile or could I sub them out? Any other suggestions to make this my own with max greens piled on? It may be winter but I want a good sandwich in the midst of all the heavier, saucier foods.
Thanks sooo much! Love to hear that this recipe was a success! xT
Could this be set up on one of those childhood bagels you mentioned?:) Any other kind of bread that may be complimentary for this one?
This sandwich looks amazing! What do you mean by “lightly toast”? Are you warming the bread in the oven or are you cutting the loaf in half and then toasting it? 5-8 minutes seems a long time for such a thin loaf as ciabatta. Thank you.
Hi! Yes, I mean slice and toast it so it has a slight crunch to it! xT
Tieghan- your sandwich recipes have been ON POINT this summer! This is another great one- super flavorful and easy to make. Keep them coming!!!!
Hi Laura,
Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try and sharing your feedback, so glad to hear it was a hit! xx
Made this for an actual picnic. It was so good!!! Definitely will make more often. I could see also doing these with individual ciabatta sandwich bread. For sure recommend toasting the bread too like mentioned!
Hey Yvonny,
Happy Sunday!!🍋☀️ I appreciate you trying this recipe out and your comment, so glad to hear it was a winner! xT
So amazing! Our family just finished eating them and raved the whole time!
Hey Kelly,
Wonderful!! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe turned out well for you, thanks for making it! Have a great weekend:)
Made for dinner last night. Was so delicious!! Made exactly per the recipe.
Hi Monica,
Fantastic!!🍒🍉 I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your comment, so glad to hear it was a winner! xx