Turkey Panini (with crispy prosciutto & strawberries)

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.

Aside from enjoying strawberries as is (such a quick and convenient snack), some of our favourite ways to enjoy them are:

• With yogurt
• In smoothies
• As a base for jams
• On top of crostini
• In salsas
• Layered on sandwiches (like this turkey panini recipe)

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 This Recipe

So, after all this talk of delicious sandwiches and juicy California Strawberries, let’s get to assembling these panini sandwiches.

Full details on how to make this panini sandwich are in the recipe card below, but here are the basics (makes two sandwiches):

1. Carefully slice the ciabatta buns in half.
2. Brush top and bottom of each bun with olive oil (helps with grilling).
3. Spread basil mayo on insides of each bun.
4. Top the bottom buns with cooked turkey.
5. Next add crispy prosciutto.
6. Layer on avocado.
7. Pile on those sweet, juicy California Strawberries.
8. Top with sliced Swiss cheese.
9. Place the top bun on each turkey sandwich and grill until nice-n-crispy! Enjoy!

For all the latest recipes, subscribe to the Girl Heart Food Newsletter.

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.

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!

Tips and Variations

• 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.
• 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!
• Speck (smoked prosciutto) is a delicious option instead of prosciutto. Alternatively, try crispy bacon.
• Swiss cheese was used. Other delicious options are provolone or cheddar.

More Easy Sandwich Recipes

• Mortadella Sandwich
• Turkey Cranberry Grilled Cheese
• Curry Chicken Salad Sandwich

If you make this turkey panini sandwich, be sure to leave a comment below!

For all the latest delicious eats, follow Girl Heart Food on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.