When you find yourself needing a healthy, quick, and delicious meal, this savory turkey turkey panini should be on your list! With major layers of flavor – melty provolone cheese, flavorful pesto, deli turkey, and roasted red peppers – and toasted bread, you’ll love how it comes together. Just like my tomato mozzarella panini (also a Starbucks copycat), I add a ton more filling than the turkey pesto panini you’ll get at Starbucks so it’s extra delicious and much more satisfying.
Craving something savory for lunch? Look no further than Starbucks’ delicious Turkey Pesto Panini. This toasted sandwich is packed with flavorful ingredients that will leave your taste buds happy.
An Overview of the Turkey Pesto Panini
The Turkey Pesto Panini is one of Starbucks’ lunch offerings that provides a satisfying meat and cheese sandwich. Here are some key things to know about this panini:
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It contains sliced roasted turkey breast, Monterey Jack cheese, spinach, and sun-dried tomato spread on ciabatta bread
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The spinach and sun-dried tomatoes provide freshness while the Monterey Jack cheese adds a lovely melted creaminess.
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It is topped with a zesty pesto sauce that takes the flavors to the next level. The pesto not only adds herby notes but also a nutty crunch from pine nuts.
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The ciabatta bread provides a crispy outer shell while being soft and absorbent on the inside to soak up all the yummy ingredients.
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The panini is toasted to melt the cheese and lightly grill the bread uniting all the components into a warm and toasty handheld meal.
So in short, you get the delicious combination of turkey, pesto, cheese, veggies, and bread all in one sandwich. Just reading through those ingredients is probably making your mouth water!
The Winning Flavor Combination
What makes the Turkey Pesto Panini so crave-worthy is the mixture of flavors and textures it provides. Let’s break it down:
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Turkey – The slices of roasted turkey breast have a mildly sweet flavor and give the sandwich some hearty protein. Turkey also has a lighter flavor compared to other meats, allowing the other ingredients to shine.
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Pesto – Made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan, the pesto sauce provides a nutty herbiness. It adds a pop of green color and elevates the whole sandwich.
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Cheese – The Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully, acting as the glue that holds everything together. It adds a lovely creaminess and savoriness.
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Veggies – Both the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes incorporate freshness. They balance out the rich cheese and meat.
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Bread – Ciabatta is the perfect choice, providing a sturdy base with a touch of olive oil flavor and a crispy crunch on the outside.
Put all of those elements together and you have a panini that offers delicious layers of flavor in every bite. The pesto and cheese bind the turkey and veggies together, making every mouthful full of flavor.
Customize It to Suit Your Taste
One of the great things about ordering the Turkey Pesto Panini at Starbucks is that you can customize it easily to match your preferences. Here are some ways to tailor this sandwich to your liking:
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Add extra pesto sauce if you want a stronger nutty and herby punch.
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Leave off the sun-dried tomatoes if you’re not a fan of their leathery texture.
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Substitute cheddar or provolone for the Monterey Jack for a sharper cheese flavor.
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Ask for extra spinach to increase the veggie content.
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Swap out the ciabatta bread for a croissant or French roll for a different take on the carbs.
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Ask for pickled peppers or jalapeños to give it a spicy kick.
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Make it into a salad by having it served chopped up over lettuce instead of sandwiched.
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Request extra turkey and no cheese to lighten it up.
The options are pretty endless. Starbucks aims to please, so don’t be shy about asking for it prepared just the way you want. A customized Turkey Pesto Panini really satisfies.
Pair It with the Right Beverage
To make your Turkey Pesto Panini a complete meal, you’ll want a tasty beverage alongside it. Starbucks offers a few excellent options that complement the flavors of this sandwich beautifully:
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An iced green tea has subtle herbal notes that mirror the fresh pesto flavors.
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A Strawberry Açaí Refresher adds a fruitiness that balances the savory sandwich.
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An iced coffee or cold brew provides enough caffeine for an afternoon pick-me-up.
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A lemonade with some peach flavor keeps things light and refreshing.
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An iced chai latte offers spices like cinnamon that mingle nicely with the pesto seasoning.
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Just regular ice water lets the flavors of the panini take center stage.
You really can’t go wrong pairing this panini with a Starbucks chill beverage. Sip your drink as you savor each tasty bite.
Enjoy a Satisfying Lunchtime Treat
Starbucks’ Turkey Pesto Panini is a stellar choice when you want a convenient lunch that satisfies your craving for sandwich flavors. It expertly combines turkey, cheese, veggies, and contrasting textures into one handheld package. With its winning pesto kick, customizable options, and delicious pairings, this is a panini bound to brighten up your lunch hour and leave you happy. Stop by your local Starbucks and give the Turkey Pesto Panini a try today! Your tastebuds will thank you.
How many calories are in the Starbucks turkey pesto panini?
The Starbucks turkey and pesto panini has 550 calories. My copycat version has an estimate of 657 calories, higher than the original as it has more fillings, I think it is much more satisfying and flavorful, but you could also cut down on some of the fillings if need be.
What You’ll Love About this Turkey Pesto Panini
- Bold flavors
- Easy recipe
- Perfect way to
- Made with just 5 simple ingredients
- Just 5 minutes of prep time
- Ready in just 15 minutes
- Bread – Look for a ciabatta roll. Take-and-bake rolls are a great option, but you can also look for ciabatta bread and then cut it into individual pieces or your favorite artisan or sourdough bread.
- Pesto – Use store-bought or homemade pesto. Use leftover pesto in 10-minute pesto tortellini!
- Turkey – Use your favorite deli turkey meat or any sliced turkey (leftovers from dry brine spatchcock turkey would work!). You could also use crockpot pesto chicken if you prefer.
- Roasted red peppers – I use store-bought roasted red peppers to cut down on prep, but you can also roast your own if you prefer or use sun-dried tomatoes for some different flavor.
- Provolone cheese – Use high-quality provolone slices for the best flavor. You could use shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese, goat cheese, or sharp cheddar cheese if you prefer.
Starbucks Turkey Pesto Panini review
FAQ
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