Make this Caprese sandwich to impress your coworkers around the lunch table, for a romantic picnic, or for your family after a busy day of running errands. This is one of our favorite sandwich go to meals.
Light, Fresh and Delicious!
A Caprese Sandwich is an appropriate meal any time of year. Traditional Caprese salad is made with tomato, basil, mozzarella and olive oil. This Caprese sandwich adds balsamic vinaigrette and kalamata olive tapenade for added flavor.
The ingredients are fresh and light, but still leaves you satiated. Serve it hot or cold, depending on the mood or the weather. I prefer to toast this sandwich, even in the summer, as I think it brings out the aromas and blends the flavors. Try pairing it with Cucumber Greek Salad as a side.
Variations
Add Protein
This sandwich is made with all fresh ingredients and is traditionally vegetarian, but feel free to add protein. Boneless, skinless chicken breast or turkey breast is what I would recommend. I have used leftover chicken from Chicken Vesuvio on this sandwich, and it was quite delicious.
Add Kalamata Olive Tapenade
I always add kalamata olive tapenade when making this sandwich, and I encourage you to give it a try. A link to the kalamata olive tapenade recipe is here., or you can buy it in the jar.
I would not recommend substituting dried basil or using mozzarella sliced cheese, this recipe is best when real ingredients are used.
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Caprese Sandwich with Kalamata Tapenade
Ingredients
- 1 soft French baguette or Italian roll
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella sliced
- 1 oz fresh basil leaves torn into pieces
- 1 tomato sliced
- 1/4 cup kalamata olive tapenade
- 3 oz chicken breast optional
Instructions
- Slice the bread lengthwise, creating a top and a bottom of the sandwich.
- On the bottom half, drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- On the top half, spread an even layer of kalamata olive tapenade.
- Place a layer of each of tomato, basil, and mozzarella.
- Place top on sandwich.
If serving warm:
- Bake in a 350 degree oven or toaster oven for about 10 minutes until sandwich is warm and cheese is soft but not melted.
If omitting tapenade:
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper before closing sandwich.
When using olive oil straight on a caprese sandwich, the quality of oil can change the taste of the sandwich. This holds true for any dish such as pasta salad where the recipe may call for 1/4 cup of olive oil or more.
I try to buy the best olive oil within my budget for these recipes.
Another idea for fun while trying new recipes to is to visit an olive oil store. Many tourist towns have a little olive oil shop where you can taste flavored oils and vinegars. I like to bring home something unique and try to figure out a way to use it in a dish. The Olive Sprig is one of the stores I visit.
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Let us know what you thought of this dish by leaving a comment.
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Great recipe. Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it.
Sounds delicious! I love anything with olives.
Me too. The olive tapenade on crackers with cream cheese is my other fave.
I had never heard of a career sandwich before. This doesn’t look too complicated and sounds delicious.
Delicious! Any way to work olives into a meal is a bonus!
Agreed!
I’ve been craving Caprese and was just talking to my husband about it last night! This sandwich looks and sounds so yummy. Thanks for sharing!
You are welcome!
I am a huge fan of sandwiches! I probably eat one a few times a week. Great recipe! 🙂