Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia Turkey Sandwich Recipe

If you’re looking for a sandwich that delivers on flavor, texture, and that little extra wow factor, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia Turkey Sandwich Recipe. I stumbled upon this combo one afternoon when I wanted something fast but fancy-feeling, and ever since, it’s been my go-to lunch that friends and family devour without hesitation. Seriously, once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a standout sandwich with that perfect blend of savory turkey, tangy pesto mayo, and the soft, flavorful focaccia bread.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a starring role here to build layers of flavor and texture. Using Trader Joe’s sun-dried tomato focaccia as the base means you’re starting off with a bread that’s already rich and flavorful, which gives everything that extra oomph without much effort.

• Trader Joe’s sun-dried tomato focaccia: This bread is soft yet sturdy, with just the right tang from sun-dried tomatoes–perfect for holding all the fillings.
• Deli turkey: Go for quality, lean turkey slices that complement but don’t overpower the other flavors.
• Tomato: Thin slices lend juiciness and freshness without sogginess; pick ripe but firm tomatoes.
• Greens (sprouts, microgreens, spinach): Adds a crisp, peppery bite—whatever you have on hand works great.
• Red onion: Thinly sliced for a subtle sweet sharpness that lifts the sandwich.
• Mayo: Brings creaminess and helps meld all the sandwich ingredients.
• Pesto: My favorite is Costco’s basil pesto—it’s flavorful and a little goes a long way.

Variations

I love that this Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia Turkey Sandwich Recipe is so flexible. Depending on what you’re craving or what’s in your fridge, you can easily tweak it and still come out with something fantastic. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

• Vegetarian Version: Swap turkey for grilled halloumi or marinated tofu for a protein-packed meatless delight that still pairs perfectly with the pesto mayo.
• Cheese Add-In: If you want a melty touch, add a slice of mozzarella or provolone before assembling—your melt game just got stronger.
• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or some pickled jalapeños to the greens for a surprising but welcome heat.
• Different Greens: Arugula or baby kale also bring that fresh crunch and peppery notes if you want to switch things up.

How to Make Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia Turkey Sandwich Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Focaccia to Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees. Pop the Trader Joe’s sun-dried tomato focaccia right on the oven rack or a baking sheet. Toast it for 5-8 minutes until it’s warm and slightly crisp on the outside. Toasting warms the bread’s flavors and holds up better to all the sandwich fillings—you’ll notice the difference immediately!

Step 2: Whip Up Your Pesto Mayo

While the bread’s toasting, mix together 1/4 cup of mayo with 1/4 cup of pesto in a small bowl. This blend is where the magic happens—it’s creamy but packed with fresh, herby basil and nutty richness that lifts the turkey perfectly. I’ve tried mayo and pesto separately, but mixing them? Game changer.

Step 3: Slice the Focaccia Horizontally

Once toasted, lay the focaccia flat on a cutting board. This is a trick I discovered to keep those delicious focaccia crumbs intact: take a serrated knife and slice horizontally through the middle of the loaf, sideways. Don’t flip the top piece over—keep it flat and set it aside. This way, you preserve the crumbly texture on top that adds character to every bite.

Step 4: Layer Generously and Build Flavors

Spread a good amount of that pesto mayo on the bottom slice. Then, pile on your deli turkey, followed by juicy thin slices of tomato, a handful of greens like sprouts or microgreens, and a few paper-thin slices of red onion. I like to add dollops of pesto mayo on top of the greens instead of trying to spread it on the top piece of bread—this keeps the sandwich assembly less messy and the top layer intact.

Step 5: Press, Cut, and Serve

Gently press the top piece back onto the sandwich making sure it feels secure. Then, grab a large knife, and cut the sandwich down the middle and across three times so you end up with six manageable portions. This is perfect for sharing or saving some for later. And trust me—this sandwich lives up to all the hype.

How to Serve Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia Turkey Sandwich Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple—a few fresh basil leaves scattered on top of each piece adds a pop of color and that fresh herbal aroma. Sometimes I toss on a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on the exposed tomato slices to make the flavors sing even louder.

Side Dishes

Let me tell you, this sandwich pairs beautifully with a crisp pickle spear and a handful of lightly salted kettle chips. If I’m feeling a little extra, a side of fresh fruit salad or a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette rounds the meal out perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or weekend brunch, I like to cut the sandwich into smaller sliders and skewer each one with a colorful toothpick along with a cherry tomato. It makes for a fun, elegant presentation that’s easy for guests to grab and go but still looks super polished.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in parchment paper, then foil, and store in the fridge. This keeps the focaccia from drying out. I usually eat the leftover sandwiches within a day or two to enjoy the bread’s softness and the fresh vibe of the fillings.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing the fully assembled sandwich because the bread can get soggy, but you can freeze the turkey and pesto mayo separately in airtight containers to pull together a fresh sandwich later. Just thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

To reheat, lightly toast the sandwich halves again in the oven for a few minutes to refresh the focaccia’s texture. I avoid the microwave because the bread tends to get chewy quickly. This helps keep the sandwich as close to fresh as possible.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia Turkey Sandwich Recipe is truly one of those simple recipes that feels special every time. I love how you don’t need a million ingredients or hours in the kitchen to have a sandwich that tastes like you stepped into a café. Give it a try, and trust me, this will become your secret weapon for lunches that impress without stress. Once you make it, you’ll understand why my family goes absolutely crazy for it!

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