Summer is the perfect season to enjoy a fresh and flavorful Caprese sandwich made with ripe tomatoes and aromatic basil straight from the garden. You know how it is… it’s hot and humid outside. I have to mow my lawn every 5 days. The bugs sing louder than a freight train. Despite these downsides, summer in East Tennessee is pretty sweet. Everything is lush and green, the sunflowers are in bloom, and my garden is bursting with fresh produce.
My tomatoes are just starting to ripen, and my basil plant is nearly up to my shoulders, so I decided it was time to make one of my favorite vegetarian dinners: a grilled Caprese sandwich.
Why Grilled Caprese Sandwiches Are Perfect for Summer
A grilled Caprese sandwich is the ultimate way to savor summer’s fresh flavors. Packed with juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy mozzarella cheese, this recipe is as simple as it is delicious. Here’s how to craft this easy dinner in your own kitchen.
How to Make a Caprese Sandwich
This Caprese sandwich is a breeze to make. It takes just a little more effort than a peanut butter and jelly sandwich!
Step 1: Prepare the Ciabatta Bread
Start with a loaf of Ciabatta bread and cut it in half lengthwise.
I find it helpful to use a serrated knife so that you don’t pull out the insides of the bread while cutting.
Then, spread generous amounts of pesto all over the loaf. I used jarred Barilla pesto, but there are many delicious brands, or you can even make your own!
Step 2: Add Fresh Ingredients
Once that is finished, slice a ball of fresh mozzarella cheese and a big, juicy tomato and layer it on the sandwich. Then sprinkle on fresh basil leaves.
You can easily use sliced mozzarella cheese from the deli section of your grocery store, but I prefer the fresh mozzarella in the specialty cheese aisle. It is usually fresher and has a saltier flavor to it.
Step 3: Drizzle with Balsamic
Drizzle on some balsamic vinaigrette onto your Caprese sandwich. Any brand will do, but if I have the time, I prefer to make my own. There is an easy homemade balsamic vinaigrette included in this recipe for 30-minute grilled chicken artichoke salad.
Do you know what these remind me of? They taste like the Starbucks Tomato, Basil, and Mozzarella Sandwich. They also make me think of the Tomato Mozzarella Panini from Panera Bread!
Step 4: Finish with Olive Oil
Now, put the top of the Ciabatta loaf back on and drizzle on some olive oil. I use a marinating brush to make sure it is fully covered. You can also use baking spray.
How to Grill a Panini
Grilling a panini takes this Caprese sandwich to the next level, giving it a crispy, golden exterior and melted, gooey interior. Before you start, follow these simple steps for the best results.
Step 1: Slice Before Grilling
Do yourself a favor and cut your portions BEFORE you grill the tomato mozzarella paninis. If you try to cut them afterward, they are often too hot, or all the delicious insides ooze out.
Step 2: Grill to Perfection
Once cut, place the Caprese sandwich inside the panini maker and set the top down. Grill it for about 4-5 minutes, or until the top is browned and the cheese is melted.
If you don’t have a panini maker, you can easily use a grill pan or sauté pan; you will just have to flip the Caprese sandwich to toast the other side.
Other Recipes Perfect for Your Summer Produce
Holy Moly, I could go for another one of these Caprese sandwiches right now! They are so fresh, light, and bursting with flavor!
And if you have an abundance of these ingredients, try re-packaging them another night and make 5-ingredient tomato basil pizza!
If you like light meals like this, you may also want to try avocado salad with cilantro lime dressing or 20-minute summer shrimp stir-fry.
Whatever you make for dinner tonight, I hope it is fabulous! Enjoy the rest of your summer, as hot as it may be, while the produce is fresh and bursting with flavor! Happy cooking, y’all!
