Layered Caprese Sandwich with Basil Pesto Spread

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-13 · Updated 2026-06-13

A vibrant picnic sandwich featuring fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and a homemade basil pesto spread layered on crusty ciabatta bread. This Italian-inspired sandwich and wrap recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 15 minutes, pairs ciabatta bread, fresh mozzarella cheese, 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.

Ingredients

• 1 large loaf ciabatta bread
• 8 oz, sliced 1/4-inch thick fresh mozzarella cheese
• 2 medium, sliced 1/4-inch thick ripe tomatoes
• 1/2 cup whole fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup, divided extra virgin olive oil
• 1, minced garlic clove
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Food processors worth buying for dips like this → Best Food Processors in 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: To make the basil pesto, combine 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, 1/4 cup pine nuts, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a food processor. Pulse until a coarse paste forms, scraping down the sides as needed.
2. Step 2: Slice the large ciabatta loaf horizontally and spread half of the pesto evenly over the bottom half of the bread.
3. Step 3: Layer 8 oz sliced fresh mozzarella cheese evenly over the pesto, then add 2 medium sliced ripe tomatoes on top.
4. Step 4: Arrange the remaining fresh basil leaves over the tomatoes and spread the remaining 1/12 cup olive oil over the top half of the bread, then place it on top of the sandwich.
5. Step 5: Press down gently, slice into portions, and wrap tightly for your picnic. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld the flavors.