Name: Italian Turkey Club Sandwiches
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ⅓ cup pesto (store-bought or homemade); 2 Tbsp olive oil; 1 garlic clove, minced; ½ tsp granulated sugar; ¼ tsp salt (plus extra to taste); ⅛ tsp black pepper (plus extra to taste); 1 large loaf ciabatta bread, halved lengthwise; 1 lb sliced turkey breast; ½ lb sharp provolone cheese, thinly sliced; ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained & sliced; 2 cups baby arugula

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Short Description

A hearty ciabatta sandwich layered with turkey, sharp provolone, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh arugula, all tied together with a flavorful pesto vinaigrette.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful Italian twist: Pesto vinaigrette adds bold herb and garlic notes
Layers of texture: Meats, cheese, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and peppery arugula
Perfect for sharing: Easily sliced into 4–6 portions—ideal for gatherings
No cooking required: Quick assembly—perfect for a satisfying lunch or picnic

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

⅓ cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
½ tsp granulated sugar
¼ tsp salt (plus extra to taste)
⅛ tsp black pepper (plus extra to taste)
1 large loaf ciabatta bread, halved lengthwise
1 lb turkey breast, sliced
½ lb sharp provolone cheese, thinly sliced
½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and sliced
2 cups baby arugula

Directions

Make the vinaigrette
In a small bowl, whisk together pesto, olive oil, vinegar, minced garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Prep the bread
Slice ciabatta lengthwise and lay both halves cut-side up. Scoop out a bit of the interior of the top half to create room for fillings. Lightly brush both cut surfaces with pesto vinaigrette.
Layer the fillings
On the bottom half, layer sliced turkey, provolone cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and arugula. Drizzle more vinaigrette over the arugula for added flavor and moisture.
Assemble and slice
Place the top half of the bread over the fillings and gently press down. Slice the assembled sandwich into 4 to 6 equal pieces, securing each with a toothpick.
Serve
Arrange the sandwich pieces on a platter and serve immediately.

Servings And Timing

Makes 4–6 servings, depending on slice size
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: None
Total time: ~10 minutes

Variations

Cheese swap: Use fresh mozzarella or fontina for a softer melt
Vegetarian version: Omit meats; layer with grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers
Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free baguette or roll
Spice it up: Add sliced roasted red peppers or pepperoncini
Extra crunch: Include thinly sliced cucumbers or red onion

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store tightly wrapped for up to 24 hours—best enjoyed fresh
Reheating: Not ideal for microwaving. If desired, warm in a low oven (300 °F) for 5 minutes to meld flavors—check that arugula remains crisp

FAQs

Can I make this ahead?
Yes—assemble up to an hour before serving. Wrap tightly and refrigerate. Add arugula just before serving to keep it fresh.

Can I add more veggies?
Absolutely—tomato slices, cucumber, or roasted peppers work great for extra crunch and color.

Is vinegar necessary?
It brightens the vinaigrette. If preferred, replace with lemon juice or omit for a thicker spread.

Can I use another bread?
Yes—ciabatta offers a sturdy base, but a baguette, focaccia, or soft roll works too.

How do I keep bread from getting soggy?
Brush fillings lightly and avoid over-saucing. Serve within a few hours of assembly.

Can I use deli turkey instead?
Yes—just ensure it’s high-quality and well-seasoned for best flavor.

Is this sandwich kid-friendly?
Yes—omit arugula and sun-dried tomatoes for simpler flavor; kids can enjoy it plain or with light cheese.

Can I halve the recipe?
Certainly—just halve all ingredients and use a smaller loaf or roll.

What can I serve alongside?
Try with kettle chips, a side salad, olives, or pickles for a complete meal.

Is it portable?
Yes—wrap each segment in parchment or foil. Ideal for picnics or packed lunches.

Conclusion

These Italian Turkey Club Sandwiches offer a delicious blend of Italian deli flavors, creamy cheese, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, all balanced by fresh arugula and basil-forward pesto vinaigrette. With no cooking required and simple prep, they’re ideal for entertaining, easy lunches, or an impressive yet effortless meal.