Nut-Free Pesto Sandwich

Elevate your lunch game with this irresistible Nut-Free Pesto Sandwich! Featuring a creamy, herbaceous pesto made from fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and zesty lemon juice—entirely nut-free—this recipe proves that you don't need nuts to enjoy the bold flavor of traditional pesto. Sandwiched between golden, buttery slices of sourdough, layers of fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and peppery arugula come together to create a satisfying balance of textures and flavors. Perfectly grilled to achieve that crispy, melty finish, this quick and easy sandwich can be on your plate in just 25 minutes. Whether you're catering to dietary restrictions or just looking for a delicious twist on a classic, this nut-free pesto sandwich is a must-try!

Nutriscore Rating: 49/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 large Garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 0.5 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 4 Sourdough bread slices
• 8 ounces Fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 2 medium Tomatoes, sliced
• 1 cup Arugula leaves
• 2 tablespoons Butter

Directions

Step 1

In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic cloves. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.

Step 2

Add the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the basil mixture. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil until the pesto reaches a smooth consistency. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 3

Preheat a grill pan or a non-stick skillet over medium heat.

Step 4

Spread a thin layer of the prepared nut-free pesto on one side of each sourdough bread slice.

Step 5

Layer the fresh mozzarella slices and tomato slices on top of the pesto-spread side of two bread slices. Add a handful of arugula leaves on top of the tomatoes.

Step 6

Top each sandwich with another slice of sourdough bread, pesto side down.

Step 7

Spread butter on the outside of each sandwich to ensure a nice crispy texture when grilled.

Step 8

Place the sandwiches on the preheated grill pan or skillet. Press down gently with a spatula to help the cheese melt and everything to stick together.

Step 9

Grill each side for about 4-5 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted.

Step 10

Remove sandwiches from the pan, slice them in half, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	934 grams (934.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2729

Total Fat 218.10g	280%
Saturated Fat 78.10g	391%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.70g
Cholesterol 324mg	108%
Sodium 6013mg	261%
Total Carbohydrate 98.70g	36%
Dietary Fiber 9.00g	32%
Total Sugars 19.10g
Protein 99.20g	198%

Vitamin D 5IU	23%
Calcium 2227mg	171%
Iron 8mg	43%
Potassium 1241mg	26%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 71.3%

Protein: 14.4%

Carbs: 14.3%