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

If you’re craving a sandwich that feels like a little gourmet treat but comes together in a flash, then you’re going to love this Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia Turkey Sandwich Recipe. It’s one of those recipes I reach for when I want something satisfying, fresh, and packed with flavor without fussing too much in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this combo of soft, pillowy sun-dried tomato focaccia, savory turkey, and that dreamy pesto mayo, you’ll be hooked.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: Uses few easy-to-find items that combine for maximum flavor without any complicated prepping.
  • Flavor Explosion: The sun-dried tomato focaccia and pesto mayo bring a fresh, tangy, and savory twist that’s anything but boring.
  • Perfect for Any Meal: Great for lunch, light dinner, or even a fancy picnic snack that will impress your friends.
  • Customizable: Easy to swap in your favorite greens or meat for a twist that’s all your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia Turkey Sandwich Recipe is in its thoughtful, simple ingredients that play so well together. I love how the focaccia adds just the right amount of sweetness and chew, while the pesto mayo amps up the savory factor.

  • Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia: This bread is the star—soft, slightly chewy, and loaded with sun-dried tomato flavor that gives the sandwich a gourmet touch.
  • Deli Turkey: Choose good-quality sliced turkey for a juicy, tender, and lean protein foundation.
  • Tomato: I like to slice it thin but juicy—ripe tomatoes add freshness and a slight acidity that balance the richness.
  • Greens (sprouts, microgreens, spinach): A handful of fresh greens adds crunch and a peppery note that brightens the sandwich.
  • Red Onion: Thin slices bring a bit of sharpness and a little bite—don’t skip them!
  • Mayo: Use plain or light mayo as the creamy base for the pesto mayo—it smooths things out and adds moisture.
  • Pesto: I swear by Costco’s brand but any good quality pesto will do—the basil and garlic punch take this sandwich to the next level.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia Turkey Sandwich Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I often swap or add ingredients depending on what I have and my mood—feel free to get creative!

  • Variation: My family goes crazy when I add a few slices of provolone or mozzarella cheese—melting it slightly makes the sandwich even more comforting.
  • Vegetarian Twist: Swap out the turkey for grilled veggies or a slice of mozzarella for an easy meatless option.
  • Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or some sliced jalapeños for a bit of heat—this gives the sandwich a new exciting dimension.
  • Greens Swap: I once used arugula instead of spinach, and that peppery flavor sealed the deal for a bright, fresh bite.

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

Step 1: Toast the focaccia for extra crunch

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Then pop the Trader Joe’s sun-dried tomato focaccia in to toast for about 5-8 minutes. This step is crucial because it gives the bread a golden, slightly crispy edge while keeping the inside soft and pillowy—a texture contrast that I absolutely adore. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t brown too much.

Step 2: Whip up the pesto mayo magic

While the focaccia is warming up, grab a small bowl and mix together 1/4 cup mayo with 1/4 cup pesto. This simple pesto mayo is the flavor bomb of this sandwich. I like using a good quality pesto like the Costco brand because it’s bright and herbaceous without overpowering the other ingredients.

Step 3: Slice your loaf horizontally (the trickiest part!)

Here’s a little trick I discovered: lay your focaccia loaf flat on a cutting board and turn your serrated knife sideways to slice horizontally through the center of the bread. This method helps keep the top piece flat and full of those irresistible sun-dried tomato crumbles—no flipping needed! Set the top half aside gently to keep it from breaking.

Step 4: Layer like a pro

Start by spreading a generous layer of that pesto mayo onto the bottom half of the focaccia. Then pile on the turkey, followed by the thinly sliced tomatoes, a handful of your favorite greens, and the red onion slices. For the final flourish, dollop more pesto mayo directly on top of the greens and onions; this way, you don’t have to flip the top piece upside down to spread it, and it stays nice and neat.

Step 5: Press, cut, and enjoy!

Gently press the top piece of focaccia down over your layered sandwich to secure everything in place. Then, using a large serrated knife, cut the sandwich in half and then into thirds across to make six glorious pieces. This sandwich is definitely “sandwich goals,” perfect for serving up to friends or tucking into a lunchbox.

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Pro Tips for Making Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia Turkey Sandwich Recipe

  • Toast for Texture: Toasting the focaccia really elevates the sandwich by giving the bread a subtle crunch, while keeping the inside soft.
  • Pesto Mayo Shortcut: Mixing pesto with mayo is my go-to for making any sandwich instantly more flavorful and moist—try it on wraps too!
  • Knife Technique: Slicing the loaf horizontally with the knife held sideways avoids breaking the delicate bread crust and keeps those delicious tomato bits intact.
  • Layer Carefully: Dolloping pesto mayo on the greens instead of the top bread side saves you from flipping and messy hands.

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

This image shows a thick sandwich cut in half, placed on a wooden board with a white marbled background. The sandwich has around five layers: a golden-brown, crusty top layer with some melted cheese and tomato bits, a layer of melted white cheese underneath, a thick layer of sliced cooked meat, a mix of green leafy veggies and thin purple onion slices, and a soft, light tan bottom bun. There are crumbs and small bits of cheese and tomato around the sandwich, showing a fresh and slightly messy look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little flaky sea salt or freshly cracked black pepper over the tomato slices before assembly—it makes those juicy bits pop. Fresh basil leaves are another personal favorite garnish if you want to channel more pesto vibes.

Side Dishes

Pair this sandwich with a crisp green salad or a handful of crunchy pickles for a classic lunch combo. When hosting, I like to serve it alongside some kettle-cooked chips or a light soup, especially tomato basil—it feels like a natural match given the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve constructed mini versions of this sandwich using smaller focaccia rolls and served them as party appetizers with toothpicks. Another fun trick is layering the sandwich ingredients open-faced on toasted focaccia slices for a bruschetta-style presentation—great if you want to show off those vibrant colors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers—and believe me, it’s rare!—wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or use an airtight container to keep it fresh. I store mine in the fridge and have found it best eaten within 24 hours to maintain the bread’s softness and freshness of the veggies.

Freezing

Freezing this sandwich is not my favorite option because the bread can get soggy when thawed, and the fresh ingredients lose their texture. However, you could freeze just the focaccia separately, then toast it fresh before assembling the sandwich.

Reheating

If you want to reheat leftovers, I suggest removing the fresh greens and tomato slices first, then warming the sandwich in a toaster oven or on a skillet to re-crisp the focaccia. Add the fresh veggies back in just before serving to keep that fresh contrast.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other types of bread instead of the sun-dried tomato focaccia?

    Absolutely! While the sun-dried tomato focaccia gives this sandwich its unique flavor and texture, you can substitute with ciabatta, a hearty sourdough, or even a whole grain roll. Just make sure whatever bread you use is sturdy enough to hold all the layers without getting soggy.

  2. Can I make the pesto mayo ahead of time?

    Yes! Mixing pesto and mayo ahead is a great time-saver. You can prepare it a day or two ahead and keep it refrigerated in a small sealed container. Just give it a little stir before spreading.

  3. Is this sandwich suitable for a packed lunch?

    Definitely! I recommend assembling it the day of or right before you eat to keep the bread from getting soggy. If you want to prep in advance, pack the pesto mayo and veggies separately and put the sandwich together onsite.

  4. What other proteins can I use instead of turkey?

    You can swap turkey for grilled chicken, roast beef, ham, or even a vegetarian option like grilled tofu or tempeh. The sandwich’s flavor profile is versatile enough to complement many protein choices.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia Turkey Sandwich Recipe comes together: it’s quick, packs in so much flavor, and feels indulgent without being complicated. The first time I tried making it, I was surprised how such simple ingredients tasted so elevated. Next time you want a satisfying sandwich that feels fresh and gourmet, give this one a go — I promise your taste buds will thank you. It’s like a little sunshine-filled lunch that fits perfectly into busy days or laid-back weekends.

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

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 95 reviews
  • Author: Nora
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Sandwiches
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

A delicious and easy-to-make sandwich featuring Trader Joe’s sun-dried tomato focaccia bread layered with deli turkey, fresh tomato slices, greens, red onions, and a flavorful pesto mayo spread. Perfectly toasted for a warm, crispy base, this sandwich combines savory and fresh ingredients for a satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Sandwich Ingredients

  • 1 loaf Trader Joe’s sun-dried tomato focaccia
  • 7 ounces deli turkey
  • 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
  • 1 handful of greens (sprouts, microgreens, spinach, etc.)
  • A few pieces of thinly sliced red onion

Spread

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup pesto (Costco brand recommended)


Instructions

  1. Preheat and Toast: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Place the sun-dried tomato focaccia loaf directly in the oven and toast it for 5-8 minutes until warm and slightly crispy.
  2. Make Pesto Mayo: In a small bowl, mix together the 1/4 cup of mayonnaise and 1/4 cup of pesto until well combined to create a flavorful pesto mayo spread.
  3. Slice the Bread Horizontally: Place the toasted bread flat on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife held sideways, carefully slice through the center of the loaf horizontally, creating a top and bottom half without flipping the top piece over to preserve the bread’s topping.
  4. Assemble the Sandwich: Spread pesto mayo generously on the bottom half of the bread. Layer the turkey evenly on top, followed by thin tomato slices, your choice of fresh greens, and thinly sliced red onions. Dollop additional pesto mayo on top of the greens and onions to add flavor without flipping the top bread piece.
  5. Close and Slice: Gently press the top half of the focaccia back onto the layered sandwich. Using a large knife, cut the sandwich down the middle and then crosswise into three sections, yielding six pieces total. Serve immediately and enjoy this savory, fresh sandwich treat!

Notes

  • The pillowy sun-dried tomato focaccia provides a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
  • Pesto mayo adds a rich, herby creaminess that complements the turkey and fresh veggies.
  • This sandwich is great for a quick lunch or a light dinner and serves about six pieces.
  • Use any combination of greens such as sprouts, microgreens, or spinach to suit your taste.
  • For an extra touch, feel free to add cheese or swap the turkey for another deli meat.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of sandwich
  • Calories: 338
  • Sugar: 4.6 g
  • Sodium: 840 mg
  • Fat: 12.8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10.6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40.1 g
  • Fiber: 2.7 g
  • Protein: 15.8 g
  • Cholesterol: 18.2 mg

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