Pesto Turkey Sandwiches

Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 5 minutes | Total: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Why I Love This Recipe

This is one of those meals that feels just right on a hot summer day. The pesto aioli takes a simple turkey sandwich up a notch without adding extra work, and the combination of creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and peppery arugula makes every bite fresh and satisfying. Pair it with classic chips, cold watermelon, and crunchy pickles, and you've got an easy lunch that's perfect for pool days, lake days, or slow weekends at home.

Ingredients

For the Pesto Aioli

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons basil pesto

• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

• Fresh cracked black pepper

For the Sandwiches

• 8 slices sourdough bread

• 1 pound oven-roasted turkey, sliced

• 2 avocados, sliced

• 2 tomatoes, sliced

• 2 cups arugula

• 1 teaspoon olive oil

• Juice of ½ lemon

• Flaky sea salt

• Fresh cracked black pepper

For Serving

• Kettle-cooked potato chips

• Dill pickle spears

• Cold watermelon, sliced

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, pesto, lemon juice, and a few cracks of black pepper until smooth.

2. Lightly toast the sourdough until golden.

3. In a separate bowl, toss the arugula with the olive oil, a squeeze of fresh lemon, and a pinch of flaky salt.

4. Spread a generous layer of pesto aioli on each slice of toasted sourdough.

5. Layer with turkey, avocado, tomato, and the dressed arugula. Finish with flaky salt and freshly cracked black pepper before topping with the second slice of bread.

6. Serve with kettle chips, dill pickle spears, and cold watermelon for the ultimate easy summer lunch.

Notes

• Use a high-quality refrigerated pesto for the freshest flavor.

• Toasting the bread keeps the sandwich from getting soggy.

• The pesto aioli can be made up to 2 days in advance.

• Add crispy bacon if you want a heartier sandwich.

Nicole's Hosting Tip

Set everything out on a large wooden board and let everyone build their own sandwich. It's perfect for pool days because guests can come back for seconds whenever they're ready, and there's almost no cleanup.