The Best Caprese Sandwich (Easy & Healthy)

This is seriously the best caprese sandwich you’ll ever eat.

Made with just a few fresh and simple ingredients, caprese is a summertime favorite—a tasty and colorful way for you to enjoy those abundant garden tomatoes and fresh basil. Plus, there’s no need for you to hit up the kitchen, or even a grill pan. Caprese sandwiches are a great way to keep things cool this summer.

If you love the classic Italian caprese salad, you’re going to love this picnic-friendly version. It’s still loaded with all the greats—fresh mozzarella cheese, juicy tomato slices, herby basil pesto sauce, a drizzle of tangy balsamic vinegar—but this version is sandwiched between two slices of chewy focaccia bread for the ultimate Italian sandwich.

For our handheld version of the beloved Italian salad, we first flavor the focaccia with a spread of Italian Basil Pesto. Next, we layer slices of creamy fresh mozzarella cheese and juicy garden-ripe tomatoes on a bed of peppery arugula greens. Nothing tops it off like a generous drizzle of our balsamic Glaze for Cheese.

We can’t wait to see your caprese sandwich creations. Don’t forget to tag us on social media with #delalloeats.

Caprese sandwich with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, arugula and pesto.

JUMP TO RECIPE

What Is A Caprese Sandwich?

A caprese sandwich is a sandwich version of the beloved Italian caprese salad. Just like a caprese salad, it features red-ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil leaves and even a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Our Caprese Sandwich recipe is served on chewy focaccia bread or a ciabatta roll. We use our signature DeLallo Simply Pesto® Sauce to add to its fresh and herbaceous flavor. The cheese and tomatoes are layered on top of a bed of peppery arugula greens. The caprese sandwich is then finished off with a drizzle of DeLallo Glaze for Cheese, which adds a tangy, complex sweetness that really sets it off.

Why You’ll Love This Caprese Sandwich Recipe

If you love a caprese salad, you’re going to love this convenient, picnic-friendly version. A caprese sandwich features everything you love about the traditional caprese salad—from the juicy red-ripe tomatoes to the creamy fresh mozzarella to the fruity drizzle of balsamic vinegar—but in a handheld form. And did we mention that irresistible focaccia bread? The flavors are bold, fresh and supremely summertime. This is especially true if you grow your own veggies. The caprese sandwich is a great way to get use out of those garden tomatoes, arugula and fresh basil. To top it all off, this delicious Italian-style sandwich is ready to move! If you’ve got a summer picnic coming up or a road trip, this version of the lovable caprese is ready to pack up and go. Oh, did we mention, the caprese sandwich is vegetarian.

The Ingredients You Will Need To Make A Caprese Sandwich

Bread: We love this sandwich on focaccia bread, but for a sturdier sandwich, use ciabatta rolls.

Pesto: If you love basil as much as we think you do, basil pesto is a must. Just be sure to pick a great quality pesto—whether you make your own or choose an authentic Italian basil pesto. We spread a nice layer on the bottom of the sandwich, but if you’re a hardcore pesto fan, don’t be afraid to spread a little on the top of the sandwich too!

Arugula: The slightly bitter, peppery flavor of arugula is an excellent complement to the flavors of fresh tomato, milky mozzarella cheese and tangy-sweet balsamic glaze.

Cheese: Fresh mozzarella is super creamy and slightly sweet—the perfect cheese to take on the bold and herbaceous flavors of the caprese. It’s also a great contrast of textures.

Tomato: You can choose your favorite tomato, but be sure it’s a flavorful one. Juicy, red-ripe, medium-sized tomatoes work best. We love ‘em fresh from the garden.

Balsamic: The addition of a fruity, tangy, sweet condiment like balsamic vinegar is the icing on the cake. Our DeLallo Glaze for Cheese is a rich balsamic glaze perfect for drizzling.

Basil: We call it “optional,” but if you have some on-hand, fresh basil leaves sprinkled on top are an incredible add.

How To Make A Caprese Sandwich

Caprese sandwiches are super easy to make. There is no heat involved and it takes mere minutes to prepare the ingredients.

Prepare the bread. Slice the focaccia or ciabatta in half. Spread a layer of pesto on the bottom half, cut-side up.

Create the sandwich. Layer with arugula, mozzarella and tomato. Drizzle with the balsamic.

Finish and serve. Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves and place the top half of the focaccia or ciabatta.

Top Tips

To store or transport, wrap the sandwiches in parchment paper. Use twine or tape to keep them closed. Do not wrap them with plastic or anything airtight.

Caprese sandwiches are best enjoyed that day. We do not recommend freezing or refrigerating these sandwiches beyond keeping them cool for your trip, beach day or picnic.

Use the best of the best tomatoes. This sandwich is best enjoyed in the summer when tomatoes are at their finest. A watery, flavorless tomato will do your caprese sandwich no favors. Choose a medium-size variety that is red, ripe and full of flavor.

Substitutions And Additions

Olive oil. Some like to moisten the bread with olive oil. You can do this instead of the basil pesto or in addition to. Up to you!

Arugula. You can choose to substitute the arugula if you aren’t a fan. We love it, but some prefer a tamer green like spinach.

Bread options. We love it on focaccia but there are other ways to create a stunning caprese sandwich. Crusty French baguette, ciabatta rolls or even hard Italian rolls can be used for this caprese sandwich recipe.

Basil aioli. Create a creamier basil sauce with the simple addition of mayo. Depending on how much you like, you may enjoy 1:1 parts pesto to mayo, or even, 1:2. Add a little pesto to your mayo at a time to find the perfect ratio.

What To Serve With Caprese Sandwich

Caprese sandwiches are light and fresh with no heat required. This makes them a great option for summertime eating. This is why we recommend matching up caprese sandwiches with similarly summery items. Try a crispy kettle-cooked chip, fresh fruit or fruit salad, fresh cut veggies or a leafy green salad with a light vinaigrette. For a heartier side, you can pair up caprese sandwiches with a cold picnic pasta salad or grain salad.

Caprese Sandwich: FAQ

What Is The Meaning Of Caprese?

The term “caprese” simply refers to the origins of the salad, the Italian island of Capri, where the salad was thought to have been first made.

How Do I Pronounce “Caprese?”

Caprese is pronounced kah-PRAY-zay.

What Is The Best Bread For A Caprese Sandwich?

We recommend focaccia bread for the best caprese sandwich, but ciabatta rolls and French baguette are popular choices.

Can I Use Homemade Pesto?

You can use a homemade pesto sauce to create your caprese sandwiches, or opt for an authentic Italian basil pesto like ours.

Can I Grill My Caprese Sandwich?

Yes, you can grill your caprese sandwich. To do this on the grill or using a grill pan, be sure to oil up your bread to prevent sticking. It doesn’t need long over the heat to give your bread a toasty flavor and create those desirable grill marks.

The Best Caprese Sandwich (Easy & Healthy)

Ingredients

2 pieces of focaccia bread or 2 ciabatta rolls
4 tablespoons DeLallo Simply Pesto® Traditional Basil, divided
1 cup arugula, divided
4 thick-cut slices fresh mozzarella, divided
4 to 6 thick slices of tomato, divided
2 teaspoons DeLallo Glaze for Cheese, divided
Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Salt and pepper

Directions

Cut both pieces of the focaccia in half.
Spread 2 tablespoons of pesto on the bottom half of each piece.
Layer each with arugula, two slices of mozzarella and tomato slices.
Drizzle with 1 teaspoon balsamic glaze. Salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves (optional).
Finish with the top half of each piece and serve.