Juicy strawberries, lean turkey, crispy prosciutto, avocado and a homemade basil mayo takes this turkey panini sandwich over the top! Makes for a delicious dinner or hearty lunch
This panini sandwich recipe is a sponsored post with California Strawberries but, as always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting brands that make Girl Heart Food possible and for helping me continue to do what I love: cook and share delicious recipes!
Today I’m sharing a delicious turkey sandwich with you; not just any turkey sandwich … a grilled turkey panini that’s loaded with so many yummy ingredients that your taste buds will do a happy dance!
If you follow along Girl Heart Food, you know how much I love savoury and sweet combinations, so this sandwich just hits the spot.
What is a Panini Sandwich?
A panini sandwich is essentially a sandwich made with a hearty bread, filled with your fave toppings and grilled until golden brown and delicious.
Ingredients for Turkey Panini
- California Strawberries (of course)
- Cooked turkey
- Prosciutto
- Avocado
- A nice crusty bread
- Olive oil
- Basil mayo (basil, mayo, lemon and a little salt & pepper)
Why California Strawberries are Awesome!
Even though we live in Newfoundland, an island (and most of our food supply must be shipped in from elsewhere), California Strawberries are always readily available at our local grocery. Thank goodness for that!
California Strawberries are in season right now so they’re so juicy, fresh and yummy (even more of an excuse to enjoy some).
We always have strawberries on hand in our home because both hubby and I just love them. We enjoy strawberries all sorts of ways, from sweet to savoury and in snacks, appetizers or substantial meals. Some of our faves are:
- Of course, strawberries are delicious all on their own … nature’s candy, I love to say! They are so convenient to have as part of a grab and go snack when you’re rushing out the door (um, that is me 99% of the time)
- With Greek yogurt for an easy breakfast or mid-afternoon snack
- In a post-workout smoothie with some protein
- To make some fancy cocktails
- Strawberries make the most amazing jam
- Topped on crostini (perfect for the upcoming holiday season, may I add)
- In salsas (delicious with chicken or fish)
- This turkey panini recipe, of course
Benefits of California Strawberries
Aside from their versatility and obvious deliciousness, just 8 strawberries (one serving) has only 50 calories and is a great source of fibre and Vitamin C. And guess what? Strawberries have more Vitamin C than an orange! Is your mind blown too? How cool is that?
How to Make a Panini Sandwich
So, after all this talk of delicious sandwiches and juicy California Strawberries, let’s get to assembling this bad boy!
- Carefully slice ciabatta buns in half.
- Brush top and bottom of each bun with olive oil (helps with grilling).
- Spread basil mayo on insides of each bun.
- Top with cooked turkey.
- Next add crispy prosciutto.
- Layer on avocado.
- Pile on those sweet, juicy California Strawberries.
- Top with sliced Swiss cheese.
- Place the top bun on each turkey sandwich and grill until nice-n-crispy! Enjoy!
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How to Make Basil Mayo
Grab about 10 or 12 fresh basil leaves and throw them in a mini processor, along with mayo, fresh lemon juice and a pinch of salt and pepper. Process until smooth and combined.
If you don’t have a mini food processor, no worries! Simply chop the basil finely and whisk with the other ingredients until smooth and combined.
Tip: Not into basil or don’t have on hand? Substitute with baby arugula or cilantro.
Best Bread for a Panini Sandwich
You can get a bread specifically for panini sandwiches called, of course, ‘panini bread’ or you could make your own panini bread.
You can also use another variety, something hearty, like ciabatta, focaccia or a baguette. Those stand up well to grilling and don’t smush down like a softer bread would.
For this panini sandwich, I used ciabatta. I love the crusty exterior and light interior.
Can I Make a Panini Without A Panini Press?
Of course!
If you don’t have a panini press at home, don’t worry about going out to purchase just to make this sandwich. You have options!
Cast Iron Pan and Grill Press
Place turkey panini in a cast iron pan on medium low heat and place a cast iron grill press on top to gently press down until golden brown.
Cast Iron Pan and Smaller Cast Iron Pan
Place turkey panini in a cast iron pan on medium low heat and place a smaller cast iron pan on top to gently press down until golden brown.
Griddle Pan
You can use a cast iron griddle pan which will give you those griddle marks. Just place the panini sandwich in the pan on medium low heat and cook on both sides until golden brown.
Non Stick Pan or Stainless Steel Pan
If you don’t have a panini press, cast iron pan or griddle pan, you could simply use a non-stick pan or stainless steel pan and cook the sandwich on both sides until golden brown
Toaster
If you are totally without any of the above, you could just toast the bread and assemble the sandwich. It won’t exactly be a ‘panini sandwich’ but will still have all those delicious flavours!
More Tips and Variations
When grilling your sandwich, don’t have the heat too high that you burn your bread. It’s better to have a medium-ish heat than a higher heat.
The prosciutto was crisped here. I find that it’s easier to enjoy in a sandwich that way. However, if you’d rather leave it as is, that’s okay too!
Speaking of prosciutto, another delicious option is speck (which is a smoked prosciutto). Alternatively, try crispy bacon.
Swiss cheese was used. Other delicious options are provolone or cheddar.
If you like, you could scoop out some of the interior of the bread buns. This does two things: (1) it reduces some of the carbs and (2) it allows you to have a little ‘valley’ to stuff those toppings in.
More Easy Sandwich Recipes
Hope you love this turkey panini sandwich with strawberries as much as we do!
If you make this turkey sandwich, be sure to leave a comment below. Love to know how you enjoyed!
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Turkey Panini (with crispy prosciutto and strawberries)
Ingredients
Turkey Panini
- 2 (6-inch) ciabatta buns (or a similar style of bread)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 6 ounces cooked turkey , sliced or chopped
- 4 slices prosciutto
- 1 avocado , halved, pitted, peeled and sliced
- 8 to 10 California Strawberries , sliced (stems removed)
- 4 slices Swiss cheese (about four (18 gram) slices)
- pinch black pepper
Basil Mayo
- ⅓ cup light mayo
- 10 to 12 fresh basil leaves (about 11 grams)
- pinch salt
- pinch black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
Turkey Panini
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place prosciutto on the prepared baking sheet and bake until just crispy, about 8 to 10 minutes. Carefully remove from the oven.
- Carefully cut ciabatta buns in half (horizontally) and brush the outside of each bun with olive oil.Optional: If you like, you could scoop out some of the interior of the bread buns. This does two things: (1) it reduces some of the carbs and (2) it allows you to have a little 'valley' to stuff those toppings in.
- Smear basil mayo over the inside of each bun (top and bottom buns).
- Top the button buns with cooked turkey, prosciutto, avocado, sliced California Strawberries and Swiss cheese (two slices of cheese per sandwich).
- Top with remaining slices of bread (with basil mayo side on the inside) to form the two sandwiches.
- Heat a panini press to medium heat (or use a cast-iron pan with a weighted press) over medium-low to medium heat.
- If using a panini press, cook for about 5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. If using a pan, add sandwiches and place weight on top (options in body of post above). Cook about 4 to 5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Enjoy!
Basil Mayo
- Combine all ingredients in a mini food processor and process until smooth.
Notes
- When grilling your sandwich, don’t have the heat too high that you burn your bread. It’s better to have a medium-ish heat than a higher heat.
- The prosciutto was crisped here. I find that it’s easier to enjoy in a sandwich that way. However, if you’d rather leave it as is, that’s okay too!
- Speaking of prosciutto, another delicious option is speck (which is a smoked prosciutto). Alternatively, try crispy bacon.
- Swiss cheese was used. Other delicious options are provolone or cheddar.
Nutrition estimate (if provided) is based on 1 Serving.
Nutrition information (if provided) is provided as a courtesy and should be considered an estimate only. Ingredients can vary and Girl Heart Food makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
A note on times provided: appliances vary, any prep and/or cook times provided are guidelines only.
Katie Crenshaw | A Fork's Tale
This looks like one of the best sandwiches ever. The combination is BRILLIANT!!! I am drooling thinking of the strawberries with avocado, turkey, and prosciutto. I am going to make this for a girls luncheon soon! Thanks for the great recipe. xoxo
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Thank you so very much, Katie!! Hope you guys enjoy 🙂 XOXO
Kevin
This panini would be great for lunch today! Savory and sweet sandwiches are always a hit!
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop
I have to admit, I’ve never even though of adding strawberries to a sandwich! What a great idea! The fruity strawberry would pair so wonderfully with the salty prosciutto. This is one delicious sammy!
Mimi
Well this is certainly a beautiful sandwich! A perfect way to use leftover turkey as well. It may be tough to get strawberries, but a little jam might be good. Yummy!
Katherine | Love In My Oven
When I think of a sandwich, my mind always goes to panini! What’s better than a warm, toasty, cheesy sandwich!? Nothing. That’s what! Strawberries in a sandwich is genius, Dawn. I know I’d love this!!
Marissa
Sweet, savory, and herbaceous – these turkey paninis have it all, Dawn! We haven’t had paninis forever and my panini grill is feeling neglected. 😉 These need to happen soon!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Happy to hear that! Thank you Marissa 🙂
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen
OMG! What a fabuslous sandwich Dawn. I LOVE the addition of the strawberries! Sweet, savory and totally spectacular. I can’t wait to recreate at home! Pinned!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Thank you Mary Ann! Hope you love it 🙂
Ben|Havocinthekitchen
You’re certainly the Queen of grilled cheese, sandwiches, and panini! 🙂 As a huge lover for sweet, savoury & salty combos, this version looks and sounds sensational! Turkey, strawberry, prosciutto, avocado, amd lovely basil mayo? Yes please!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
You’re so kind, Ben! Thanks so much 🙂
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers
It is never a chore to snack on 8 strawberries for me 🙂 Love them! And loving this delicious panini you’ve created here, too! Such a great combination of flavours.
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Same here 😉 Thanks Jennifer!
Leanne - Crumb Top Baking
I don’t have a panini press so I appreciate the other options you provided! I really should get a press since we love panini sandwiches. And adding strawberries is a genius idea. Love a sweet and savoury combo on my sandwiches. I’m pinning so I can make this one with leftover Christmas turkey!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Thanks Leanne! Hope you love it!
[email protected]
Those strawberries are beautiful! Such a delicious panini, my friend! You know how I feel about grilled sandwiches! This is happening!! xoxo
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Yay! Hope you love it as much as we do 🙂
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen
I’m LOVING this and I’ve been drooling over it since I saw it on IG a bit ago. Sweet and savory make such a yummy pair! I’m adding strawberries to my shopping list now because I’m totally craving a panini :). Have a great weekend, Dawn!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
WOO HOO! Thank you Kelsie! Hope you love it!
David Dial
I didn’t realize strawberries have more Vitamin C than oranges…fun fact! Also, this sandwich is amazing. Like I’m sitting here sipping my coffee and thinking about turkey paninis with strawberries and basil mayo. I’m totally going to make this for lunch! And cheers to having California Strawberries available in Newfoundland!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Cool, huh?? Thank you David 🙂