Caprese Sandwich with Basil Pesto

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-12 · Updated 2026-06-12

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are drafted and published.

A fresh and easy sandwich layering ripe tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil pesto, ideal for a picnic without needing heating. This Italian-inspired sandwich and wrap recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 10 minutes, pairs ciabatta rolls, fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 380 cal/serving

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Ingredients

4, split horizontally ciabatta rolls
8 oz, sliced 1/4 inch thick fresh mozzarella
2 large, sliced 1/4 inch thick ripe tomatoes
1/2 cup whole fresh basil leaves
1/3 cup basil pesto
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic glaze
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

Step 1: Lay out 4 ciabatta rolls split horizontally on a clean surface. Spread 1/3 cup basil pesto evenly across the bottom halves.
Step 2: Arrange 8 oz sliced fresh mozzarella evenly over the pesto on each roll half.
Step 3: Layer 2 large ripe tomato slices per sandwich on top of the mozzarella. Drizzle 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and 2 tbsp balsamic glaze evenly over the tomatoes.
Step 4: Sprinkle 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper over the tomatoes, then top with fresh basil leaves (about 1/2 cup total). Close sandwiches with the top halves of the ciabatta rolls.
Step 5: Wrap tightly in parchment or foil and chill for up to 2 hours before serving outdoors to let flavors meld.