This Caprese sandwich with pesto aioli is a delicious twist on the classic Italian Caprese salad, combining fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, peppery arugula, and a creamy homemade pesto aioli. Served on a crispy French baguette, it’s perfect for lunch, a picnic, or a light dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 16 minutes
- Fresh & Flavorful – Combines creamy, tangy, and herby flavors
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for lunch, picnics, or a light dinner
- Customizable – Can be made vegan or gluten-free
What Does This Caprese Sandwich Taste Like?
- Crispy baguette – Lightly toasted for a crunchy texture
- Creamy mozzarella – Rich and mild, balancing the bold flavors
- Juicy tomatoes – Sweet and tangy, bringing freshness
- Peppery arugula – Adds a slight bite and contrast
- Pesto aioli – A creamy, garlicky, basil-infused sauce tying everything together
- Balsamic glaze – A sweet and tangy finishing touch
Ingredients (Serves 2 Large or 4 Small Sandwiches)
For the Pesto Aioli
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves (no stems)
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts
- 1 small garlic clove
- 1/4 cup (21g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (60ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup (125g) mayonnaise
For the Sandwiches
- 1 French baguette (12 ounces / 340g)
- 2 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 8 ounces (225g) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) balsamic glaze
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup arugula, packed
Necessary Tools
- Baking sheet
- Food processor or blender
- Bread knife
- Cutting board & knife
How to Make the Caprese Sandwich with Pesto Aioli
1. Toast the Baguette
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) (or 160°C for a fan oven).
- Slice the baguette in half lengthwise and place it on a baking sheet, cut side up.
- Bake for 6 minutes, or until lightly toasted.
2. Make the Pesto Aioli
- In a food processor, blend basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, black pepper, and salt until smooth. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- Gradually add olive oil while blending.
- Stir in mayonnaise until fully combined.
3. Assemble the Sandwich
- Spread pesto aioli on both cut sides of the toasted baguette.
- Season tomato slices with salt and black pepper.
- Arrange seasoned tomato slices on the bottom half of the baguette.
- Top with mozzarella slices, drizzle with balsamic glaze, and add arugula.
- Cover with the top half of the baguette and press gently.
4. Serve & Enjoy
- Slice into portions and serve immediately.
- For picnics, wrap sandwiches in parchment paper or foil.
Pro Tips for the Best Caprese Sandwich
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Let the tomatoes sit with salt for a few minutes to enhance their juiciness.
- Toast the baguette lightly to prevent it from getting soggy.
- Use a serrated knife for slicing the sandwich without squishing it.
How to Store & Make Ahead
- Make ahead – Prepare the pesto aioli up to 3 days in advance.
- Refrigerate leftovers – Store assembled sandwiches in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
- Avoid soggy bread – Keep the bread and filling separate until ready to eat.
Variations & Customizations
- Vegan version – Use vegan mozzarella and swap mayonnaise for vegan aioli.
- Gluten-free version – Use a gluten-free baguette or ciabatta.
- Extra protein – Add grilled chicken or prosciutto for a heartier meal.
- Nut-free version – Swap pine nuts for sunflower seeds or omit them entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought pesto instead of homemade?
Yes! Mix 2 tablespoons of pesto with 1/2 cup of mayonnaise to make an easy pesto aioli.
What type of bread works best?
A crusty baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough works best for structure and texture.
Can I add more toppings?
Absolutely! Try adding roasted red peppers, avocado, or a drizzle of olive oil.
Conclusion
This Caprese sandwich with pesto aioli is simple, fresh, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic, or a light dinner, bringing the best of Italian flavors in every bite.
Try this recipe today and let us know what you think!
Other Fresh & Easy Recipes
- Classic Caprese Salad
- Homemade Pesto Sauce
- Mediterranean Chickpea Salad