If you’re on the hunt for a sandwich that’s bursting with flavor and easy to whip up, you’ve got to try the Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia Turkey Sandwich Recipe. This isn’t just any sandwich—it’s a perfect balance of soft, herby focaccia, creamy pesto mayo, and fresh turkey with a pop of tomato and greens. Honestly, I absolutely love how this turns out every single time, and once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become a family favorite and crowd-pleaser in my kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Flavor Combo: The sun-dried tomato focaccia paired with pesto mayo creates a flavor party you won’t forget.
- Super Quick to Assemble: This sandwich comes together in about 20 minutes, perfect for busy days or casual lunches.
- Perfect Texture Contrast: Soft bread, juicy tomatoes, crisp greens, and creamy spreads make each bite delightful.
- Flexible & Customizable: You can easily swap greens or add your favorites to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in the Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia Turkey Sandwich Recipe plays its part in layering flavors and textures that harmonize perfectly. I love using fresh, high-quality ingredients because it makes a huge difference—and Trader Joe’s focaccia really elevates this sandwich.
- Trader Joe’s sun-dried tomato focaccia: This bread is soft, flavorful, and has those irresistible tangy tomato bits baked right in.
- Deli turkey: Freshly sliced turkey from the deli counter gives you great texture and flavor; try to get good quality, if possible.
- Large tomato: Choose ripe but firm tomatoes so they slice well without making the sandwich soggy.
- Greens (sprouts, microgreens, spinach, etc.): Pick your favorite – I like a mix of peppery and mild for some punch.
- Thinly sliced red onion: Adds a bit of sweet sharpness; slice them paper-thin to keep the balance right.
- Mayo: Helps bind the sandwich together with creamy richness; you’ll mix it with pesto for an extra kick.
- Pesto (Costco brand or your favorite): This herbaceous sauce amps up the flavor; blending with mayo makes it smooth and spreadable.
Variations
One thing I love about this Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia Turkey Sandwich Recipe is how easy it is to make your own tweaks. Whether you want to add more veggies or switch up the spreads, this sandwich embraces creativity.
- Add avocado slices: I discovered this trick last summer, and it gives the sandwich a buttery richness that’s just heavenly.
- Use chicken or ham instead of turkey: Great if you’re looking for a different protein or want to use what you have on hand.
- Swap out pesto for hummus: For a dairy-free twist, hummus blends deliciously with the mayo—or you can skip the mayo altogether.
- Make it spicy: I sometimes add a few jalapeño slices or a drizzle of hot sauce to wake up the flavors.
How to Make Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia Turkey Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Focaccia to Perfection
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. I like to toast the sun-dried tomato focaccia for around 5-8 minutes—just enough to warm it through and get a little crunch on the outside while keeping it pillowy soft inside. This step really wakes up the flavors and makes the sandwich extra special. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn, especially since focaccia can brown quickly.
Step 2: Whip Up the Pesto Mayo
While the bread toasts, mix 1/4 cup of mayo and 1/4 cup of pesto in a small bowl. This combo is magic – creamy, herby, and just the right amount of tang. Give it a good stir until smooth, and taste to adjust if you want it more pesto-y or mayo-heavy. This sauce is the heart-and-soul flavor builder for this sandwich.
Step 3: Slice the Focaccia Horizontally
A little trick I learned: keep your bread flat on the cutting board and turn your serrated knife sideways to slice through the center horizontally. This way, you cut the loaf in half without flipping the top piece and losing those delightful sun-dried tomato crumbles on top. Set that top piece aside flat, so it’s ready to crown your sandwich.
Step 4: Layer Up Your Sandwich
Now the fun part—assembling! Spread a generous layer of pesto mayo on the bottom half, then pile on the deli turkey. Next, add thin slices of tomato, your handful of greens (I love peppery microgreens), and a few thinly sliced red onion pieces. For the finishing touch, dollop more pesto mayo on top of those greens rather than spreading it on the top bread piece to avoid flipping and risking crumbling. It’s a neat trick I use every time.
Step 5: Press, Cut, and Serve
Gently press the top piece back on and make sure everything feels secure but not crushed. Grab a large, sharp knife and slice the sandwich down the middle, then across three times to make six perfect pieces. When I first tried this, cutting evenly was the hardest part, so take your time. Serve immediately, and watch your family go crazy for these sandwiches!
Pro Tips for Making Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia Turkey Sandwich Recipe
- Even Toasting: Rotate the focaccia halfway through toasting so it crisps evenly without burning.
- Pesto Mayo Balance: Start with equal parts pesto and mayo, then adjust according to your taste instead of adding too much pesto at first.
- Keep Tomatoes Dry: Pat your tomato slices dry with a paper towel to avoid soaking the bread and keep your sandwich from getting soggy.
- Knife Angle for Slicing: Using a serrated knife sideways for the horizontal cut helps you keep the top intact and not crumble those yummy sun-dried tomatoes.
How to Serve Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia Turkey Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with a little extra handful of fresh microgreens or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper on top. Sometimes, I add a few fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of good olive oil if I’m feeling fancy—it really enhances the flavors without overwhelming the sandwich.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides with this Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia Turkey Sandwich are crunchy dill pickle spears and a small side salad with vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, oven-roasted sweet potato fries or chips work wonders, too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a picnic or party, I like to cut these sandwiches into bite-sized sliders and then secure them with colorful toothpicks. They look gorgeous arranged on a wooden board alongside a bowl of mixed olives and cheeses. It’s an easy way to impress guests with minimal fuss!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which I doubt!), I wrap each sandwich piece tightly in parchment or plastic wrap and store in the fridge. The focaccia keeps pretty well for up to 24 hours, though the tomato and greens are best fresh. I usually swap those out if making ahead.
Freezing
I haven’t personally frozen the assembled sandwich because the tomato and greens don’t hold up well, but the focaccia bread freezes beautifully on its own. Just thaw and toast it again when you’re ready to assemble.
Reheating
To reheat, I recommend toasting the focaccia lightly in the oven or toaster oven to bring back that perfect texture, then remaking the sandwich layers fresh. If you heat it assembled, the mayo and greens might get soggy or wilt.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of bread for this sandwich?
Absolutely! While Trader Joe’s sun-dried tomato focaccia adds a unique flavor, you can substitute ciabatta, sourdough, or any other sturdy bread you love. Just be sure it’s thick enough to hold all the fillings without falling apart.
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Is this sandwich suitable for meal prep?
It can be, but I recommend prepping the components separately—like slicing your turkey and veggies ahead, and mixing the pesto mayo—then assembling right before eating. This keeps the focaccia from getting soggy and the greens fresh.
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Can I make this sandwich dairy-free?
Yes! You can use a dairy-free mayo and swap the pesto for a dairy-free or nut-free version. Some brands or homemade pesto recipes work well without cheese and still taste amazing.
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What’s the best way to slice the sandwich without squishing it?
Using a sharp serrated knife and cutting in a gentle sawing motion helps a lot. Also, pressing gently but firmly before slicing keeps everything together. I like to cut it into smaller pieces to make it easier to handle and serve.
Final Thoughts
When you make this Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia Turkey Sandwich Recipe, you’re not just putting together a meal—you’re creating something deliciously satisfying and vibrant that I guarantee will become your go-to for quick lunches or casual dinners. It’s easy, it’s flavorful, and it’s a little bit of sandwich magic that I’m so happy to share with you. Give it a try, and I bet you’ll be as hooked as I am!
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Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia Turkey Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia Turkey Sandwich is a flavorful, easy-to-make sandwich featuring pillowy sun-dried tomato focaccia bread layered with savory deli turkey, fresh tomato slices, crisp greens, thinly sliced red onion, and a creamy pesto mayo spread. Toasted to perfection in the oven, this sandwich is perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner and packs a deliciously satisfying combination of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 loaf of Trader Joe’s sun-dried tomato focaccia
Meat
- 7-ounce package deli turkey
Vegetables
- 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
- 1 handful of greens (sprouts, microgreens, spinach, etc.)
- A few pieces of thinly sliced red onion
Condiments
- 1/4 cup mayo
- 1/4 cup pesto (Costco brand recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat and Toast: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the sun-dried tomato focaccia loaf directly in the oven and toast it for 5-8 minutes until it’s warm and slightly crisp, enhancing its flavor and texture.
- Prepare Pesto Mayo: In a small bowl, combine the mayo and pesto thoroughly to create a creamy pesto mayo spread that adds a tangy, herby richness to the sandwich.
- Slice the Bread: Place the toasted focaccia flat on a cutting board. Use a serrated knife turned sideways to carefully slice horizontally through the center of the loaf without flipping the top piece, preserving the tasty crumb topping.
- Assemble the Sandwich: On the bottom half of the focaccia, spread a generous layer of pesto mayo. Add the deli turkey evenly, then layer the thinly sliced tomato, greens of your choice, and red onion slices. Finish with dollops of pesto mayo on top of the greens and onions to avoid flipping the top piece.
- Close and Slice: Gently press the top half of the focaccia back over the layered ingredients to secure the sandwich. Using a large knife, cut the sandwich down the middle and then across three times to create six evenly sized pieces.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the sandwich pieces on a plate and serve immediately for a fresh, delicious meal that exemplifies sandwich perfection.
Notes
- Pillowy sun-dried tomato focaccia gets piled with pesto mayo, turkey, juicy tomato slices, and greens, making this sandwich both visually appealing and flavorful.
- This sandwich is quick to assemble and perfect for a nourishing lunch or light dinner.
- You can customize the greens to your preference, using sprouts, microgreens, spinach, or any salad greens you like.
- If you prefer, use a different brand of pesto or a homemade variety to tailor the flavor to your liking.
- For a crispier sandwich, you can toast the assembled sandwich briefly in a skillet or panini press after assembly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich piece (1/6 of sandwich)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
