Sandwiches make for the perfect quick meal or snack when you’re on the go. Starbucks offers an array of deli-inspired sandwiches, wraps, and paninis that can satisfy any palate. One standout menu item that sandwich lovers rave about is the Starbucks Turkey Pesto Panini. This crave-worthy sandwich features sliced turkey melty provolone cheese and tangy sun-dried tomato pesto on freshly baked artisan bread. Keep reading to learn all about the ingredients, nutrition, price, and prep tips for Starbucks’ signature Turkey Pesto Panini.
Panini Profile: The Components of Starbucks’ Turkey Pesto Panini
Before diving into the preparation and taste profile, let’s look at what exactly goes into making this sandwich so special:
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Bread – The panini base is Starbucks’ signature Artisan Ciabatta bread baked fresh daily. The loaf is lightly crispy on the outside with a soft, airy interior.
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Cheese – Thinly sliced provolone cheese melts beautifully within the panini, providing creamy, savory flavor.
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Turkey – Thin slices of smoked turkey breast provide lean protein.
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Vegetables – Crisp cucumber slices and spring mix lettuce add freshness
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Sauce – Sun-dried tomato pesto sauce gives a bold, herby garlic taste.
Customization Options
While all the standard ingredients work seamlessly together, you can also customize your Turkey Pesto Panini to suit your preferences:
- Substitute mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- Add crispy bacon
- Swap out sliced roasted chicken or ham for the turkey
- Add banana peppers, onions, tomatoes, or spinach
- Use avocado spread instead of pesto sauce
- Try a different flavored pesto like olive or basil
So feel free to get creative and craft your perfect Turkey Pesto Panini!
Nutrition Information on Starbucks’ Turkey Pesto Panini
One of the benefits of the Turkey Pesto Panini is that it provides a relatively balanced meal on the go. Here are the basic nutrition facts for the standard recipe:
- Calories – 350
- Total Fat – 13g
- Saturated Fat – 4.5g
- Trans Fat – 0g
- Cholesterol – 40mg
- Sodium – 760mg
- Total Carbs – 45g
- Dietary Fiber – 3g
- Sugars – 4g
- Protein – 19g
The turkey and provolone make this a solid protein and calcium source, while the veggies and ciabatta bread add fiber. With just 350 calories, it makes for a nutritious lunch option.
Availability and Price of the Turkey Pesto Panini
The Turkey Pesto Panini is available year round at participating Starbucks locations in the United States. As of 2023, the sandwich retails for $7.25.
The price may vary slightly depending on your geographic area. It’s one of the more affordable hot panini options on the Starbucks menu, making it a budget-friendly choice.
You can enjoy the sandwich in-store or order it to-go through the Starbucks app for grab-and-go convenience. It’s the perfect meal to pair with your favorite Starbucks coffee or tea drink!
How to Prepare and Serve Starbucks’ Turkey Pesto Panini
Since the Turkey Pesto Panini is pre-made, there’s no preparation needed on your part! Here are some serving tips:
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Heat it up – For best flavor and texture, ask your barista to briefly heat your sandwich in the panini press. This crisps up the bread and melts the cheese.
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Cut in half – Cutting the panini diagonally in half makes it easier to eat than chomping down on a whole sandwich.
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Add toppings – Add salt, pepper, oregano, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to taste.
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Serve with soup – Pair it with a hearty soup for a filling meal. Starbucks’ smoked mozzarella and tomato basil is a perfect match.
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Make it a combo – Complete your lunch with a serving of oatmeal, yogurt parfait, or fresh fruit.
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Enjoy with coffee – Sip your favorite hot or iced Starbucks coffee beverage alongside.
Reasons Why You’ll Love Starbucks’ Turkey Pesto Panini
There are many delicious sandwiches and paninis on the Starbucks menu, but here are some of the standout qualities that make the Turkey Pesto Panini a go-to favorite:
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High quality ingredients like smoked turkey, provolone, and ciabatta bread
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Sun-dried tomato pesto provides uniquely bold flavor
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Cucumbers and lettuce give every bite refreshing crunch
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Melty, oozing cheese takes it over the top
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Customizable to satisfy your personal preferences
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Provides lean protein, fiber, calcium for a well-balanced light meal
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Made fresh to order in-store
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Quick and convenient for eating in or taking to-go
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Warm and comforting right off the panini press
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An affordable and crave-worthy sandwich option
Helpful Hacks for Enjoying Starbucks’ Turkey Pesto Panini
Make the most of your Starbucks Turkey Pesto Panini experience with these handy tips:
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Ask for extra pesto sauce on the side for dipping.
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Substitute mozzarella cheese if you prefer an extra gooey panini.
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Order it with bacon for added crunch and smokiness.
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Customize with your favorite veggies – roasted red peppers are amazing!
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Pair it with a cold brew coffee or iced chai tea for contrasting flavors.
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Use mobile order and pay ahead to skip the lines.
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Bring a packet of crushed red pepper flakes to spice it up.
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Ask them to press it a little longer if you want an extra crispy exterior.
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Take advantage of Starbucks promos and rewards to get the best value.
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Share with a friend for a lighter, tapas-style lunch.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Turkey Pesto Panini
Here are answers to some common questions about Starbucks’ popular Turkey Pesto Panini:
Is the Starbucks Turkey Pesto Panini vegetarian?
No, the standard Turkey Pesto Panini contains sliced turkey so it is not vegetarian or vegan. However, you can customize it to sub in veggies instead of the turkey.
Can you get the Turkey Pesto Panini without the pesto sauce?
Yes, you can request for the sandwich to be made without the sun-dried tomato pesto sauce. The barista can add another spread or sauce instead.
Does the Turkey Pesto Panini come on gluten-free bread?
Unfortunately no, the ciabatta bread contains gluten so this sandwich itself is not gluten-free. But Starbucks does offer gluten-free bread options.
Is there an option to make a Turkey Pesto Panini wrap?
Starbucks can make a turkey pesto wrap using a spinach tortilla or flatbread instead of ciabatta bread upon request.
Is the smoked turkey breast on the panini low sodium?
No, while turkey is generally a lean protein, the smoked turkey breast does contain a moderate amount of sodium.
Satisfy Your Cravings with Starbucks’ Turkey Pesto Panini
With its fresh baked bread, savory turkey, melty cheese, and unique sun-dried tomato pesto, the Starbucks Turkey Pesto Panini is a handheld meal that will delight your tastebuds. Stop by your local Starbucks to enjoy one hot off the press!
