Caprese Sandwich with Pesto

If you’re looking for something new to pack for your teen’s lunch, this is it! The Caprese sandwich is fresh, full of flavor, and so easy to assemble.

Caprese Pesto Sandwich for Teens

While we love the classic Caprese combination, the addition of pesto makes this a more teen-friendly option since it doesn’t involve eating entire green leaves.

The pesto acts as a spread and helps the tomato and cheese adhere to the bread- not to mention its cheesy, savory flavor is always a winner.

The photo above is my adult Caprese sandwich, with full basil leaves, but the teen-friendly version shared below is always a winner too! It just might be harder to grab a photo as they dash out the door to school. They also love to mix things up with a Caprese grilled cheese!

Ingredients

This Caprese Sandwich is made with only 4 easy to find ingredients. Here’s what you need: 

• Hearty bread: French baguette, ciabatta, sourdough or even make a Caprese bagel sandwich!
• Basil pesto: The delicious spread for this iconic sandwich
• Ripe tomatoes: Juicy, flavorful and delish!
• Mozzarella or Burrata cheese: fresh, whole milk Mozzarella is best for Caprese. If it’s not available at your local grocery store, the vacuum-sealed Mozzarella ball also works. Both are usually found in the deli section, next to specialty cheeses. 

Feel free to add leftover grilled chicken or Italian deli meat like prosciutto or salami to this sandwich for additional protein.

If you’re looking for more recipes to fill the lunchbox, the new 101 Packed Lunches eBook has all sorts of recipes for power bowls, yummy wraps, sandwiches, and hot lunches that are kid-approved and great for larger appetites, so teens and adults aren’t left out. 

How to Make a Caprese Sandwich with Pesto

Grab those ingredients, and let’s assemble this Caprese Sandwich! 

1. Make a base
   Spread the pesto over one bread half. 
2. Layer
   Top with cheese, tomato, and finish with the fresh basil.
3. Assemble
   Top the sandwich with the remaining bread half and pack it in a sturdy lunch container.

Watch me make this easy Pesto Caprese Sandwich in this quick recipe video.

School Lunch Sandwich Packing Tips

Use the right container
Keep your sandwich intact by packing it in a sturdy lunch container to prevent it from moving around or getting squished in the lunch bag.

Keep it cool
Using an ice pack in the lunch bag will keep the mozzarella and tomatoes fresh, firm and safe to eat until it’s time to enjoy this sandwich.

Crunchy sides
Balance the soft textures of the sandwich by packing some crunchy sides like baked banana chips, crispy homemade zucchini chips, or wheat thins. This will also give bigger appetites more fuel to get through the day!

Layer correctly
Place dry ingredients like lettuce between the bread and wetter fillings, such as tomatoes, to prevent a soggy sandwich.

More Sandwiches for Teens

If you’re stuck on sandwich ideas, this protein-packed turkey club and egg salad sandwich brings the energy busy teens need! For my daughter, it’s all about bold flavors, like this chicken apple grilled sandwich or philly cheesesteak!