Description
A delightful panini packed with the flavors of homemade basil pesto, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup mixed nuts (walnuts, pine nuts)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 handfuls fresh basil leaves
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp ground pepper
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 slices of hearty bread (e.g., Organic Rosemary Sourdough)
- 1 tbsp ghee
- 3 tbsp pesto
- Calabrian peppers (optional)
- 1/2 avocado, thinly sliced
- 1 jar marinated roasted sweet red peppers
- 2–4 slices cheese (e.g., goat cheese)
- 4 artichokes, quartered
- 6 slices organic deli chicken
- 1 cup arugula
- Fresh cracked pepper to taste
- Sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Make the Basil Pesto: In a food processor, combine your walnuts, pine nuts, salt, lemon juice, basil leaves, nutritional yeast, garlic, and ground pepper. Blend until smooth. Drizzle in that olive oil while blending until it’s creamy. Add water as needed to get the right consistency. Taste and adjust the salt level.
- Prep the Bread: Spread the ghee evenly on one side of each slice of bread.
- Layer It Up: Flip your slices over and spread 1.5 tablespoons of pesto onto each slice. Layer on the deli chicken, avocado slices, roasted red peppers, artichokes, and cheese. Top with arugula and sprinkle sea salt and pepper.
- Press and Toast: Place the other slice of bread on top and gently press down. Cook in a hot skillet or panini press until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Slice and Serve: Once toasted and the cheese is melted, remove from heat, cool slightly, then slice in half.
Notes
Serve with sweet potato fries, salad, or pickles for contrast. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for added sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 panini
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: panini, chicken, pesto, sandwich, Italian, quick meal