This turkey panini is a healthy, quick, and tasty meal that you should definitely try! It has a lot of different flavors, like melted provolone cheese, pesto, deli turkey, roasted red peppers, and toasted bread. You’ll love how it all comes together. The turkey pesto panini at Starbucks isn’t as tasty or filling as my tomato mozzarella panini, which is also a copycat from Starbucks. I add a lot more filling, though, so it’s even better.
Starbucks has become my go-to spot for grabbing a delicious lunch on busy work days. Their food menu offers a nice variety of wholesome sandwiches, protein boxes, salads, and hot breakfast options. But my absolute favorite lunchtime choice at Starbucks is the Turkey Pesto Panini – it hits the spot every time!
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at Starbucks’ Turkey Pesto Panini – what makes it so crave-worthy, its nutritional benefits, how to customize it, and tips for enjoying it. Whether you’re a Starbucks loyalist or considering trying it for the first time, read on to learn why this sandwich should be on your lunch order.
An Overview of the Turkey Pesto Panini
The Turkey Pesto Panini has been on the Starbucks menu for years, and for good reason – it has remained a customer favorite Here’s an overview of what this mouthwatering sandwich delivers
- Oven-roasted turkey breast
- Savory sun-dried tomato pesto
- Melty asiago cheese
- Zesty mustard on artisan bread
This combination of ingredients offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The seasoned turkey is tasty and lean, while the pesto spread offers herbaceous flavor and creaminess. The asiago cheese adds nuttiness and binds everything together when melted. A slathering of mustard tops it off with a zingy kick.
Nutrition & Ingredients
One reason I love to get the Turkey Pesto Panini for lunch is that it offers more nutritious value than many other fast food options. Here is the nutrition information for a standard Starbucks Turkey Pesto Panini:
- 370 calories
- 16 grams protein
- 6 grams fiber
- 38 grams carbs
- 15 grams fat
The turkey and cheese provide a good hit of protein to help you power through the afternoon, And you get some fiber from the artisan bread,
Some of the ingredients that make this sandwich special include:
- Oven-roasted turkey breast: Savory sliced turkey seasoned with herbs and spices
- Sun-dried tomato pesto: Blend of sun-dried tomatoes, basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and cheese
- Asiago cheese: Sharp, nutty Italian cow’s milk cheese
- Dijon mustard: Tart and tangy seasoned mustard
- Artisan roll: Soft yet chewy Ciabatta-style bread
Customizing Your Turkey Pesto Panini
One of my favorite things about getting food at Starbucks is customizing my order to my preferences. The great thing about the Turkey Pesto Panini is that it can be modified in several ways to suit your tastes.
Here are some ways to put your own spin on this sandwich:
- Add roasted veggies like red onions, peppers, or tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Swap out the asiago cheese for cheddar or pepperjack.
- Add avocado for creaminess.
- Try balsamic vinegar instead of mustard.
- Ask for extra pesto spread to really amp up the herby flavor.
- Make it a protein box by pairing it with hard boiled egg, fruit, and snacks.
Don’t be afraid to ask your barista to tweak the Turkey Pesto Panini to create your ideal lunchtime sandwich.
Tips for Enjoying the Turkey Pesto Panini
Here are my tips for savoring the Turkey Pesto Panini to the fullest
- Eat it fresh and hot right after ordering. This sandwich does not fare well after sitting.
- But be careful at first since the melted cheese retains heat!
- Add salt and pepper to ramp up the flavors.
- Pair it with a cold brew coffee or lemonade to balance the richness.
- Try dipping it in Starbucks chipotle mayo or sriracha for a kick.
- Ask for extra napkins – the pesto can drip as you eat.
- Customize your bread choice – go for multigrain or a spinach wrap for extra nutrition.
- Share it with a friend! The sandwich can easily be split in half.
Why I’m Obsessed with the Turkey Pesto Panini
There are many reasons why Starbucks’ Turkey Pesto Panini has become my regular go-to lunch order, including:
- It’s just the right size – keeps me full but not stuffed.
- The combo of turkey, tangy pesto, nutty cheese and zesty mustard is irresistible.
- It feels like a healthier lunch option than most fast food.
- I love that it’s so customizable based on my preferences.
- It’s under $10 which fits my budget.
- I can mobile order it for quick grab-and-go.
- That first bite into the warm, melty sandwich is bliss!
If you’re looking for a satisfying lunch that doesn’t scrimp on nutrition or flavor, I can’t recommend the Turkey Pesto Panini enough. This sandwich makes midday hunger cravings a thing of the past. I never get tired of sinking my teeth into its gooey, pesto-slathered goodness. So next time you’re grabbing a Starbucks pick-me-up, consider adding a Turkey Pesto Panini to your order – it’s a guaranteed way to make your lunch break amazing!
How to prep ahead:
You could make the turkey pesto panini recipe ahead of time, since that’s how they make them at Starbucks. Just put the sandwich together, put it in the fridge for a day or two, and then cook it in a skillet or on a panini press.
How to Make a Turkey Panini
This is a quick look at how to make a turkey panini. The full recipe is in the recipe card below.
NOTE: For a more traditional version, I suggest cooking them on the stove. You can also bake them, and I’ll explain how to do that below.
Starbucks Turkey Pesto Panini review
FAQ
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