Rustic Farmhouse Focaccia Sandwich-Mediterranean Turkey
Layered turkey focaccia sandwich with creamy goat cheese, roasted red peppers, arugula, and a bright garlic herb pesto sauce for an easy, flavorful lunch.
👩🍳 A Delicious Sandwich Made From My Garden
I love a good sandwich for lunch, but most of them end up tasting plain or too heavy. This Mediterranean Turkey Focaccia sandwich is full of fresh flavor and that perfect balance of savory and bright. My son came back for thirds, which tells you everything you need to know.
The idea came from a Pinch of Yum post I saw on Instagram. It looked incredible, so naturally I had to make my own version. I kept the spirit of the recipe but gave it a homemade twist. The bread is a soft, sun-dried tomato focaccia baked right in my kitchen. Instead of a rich mayo or aioli, I made a lighter Greek yogurt herb sauce blended with basil pesto, lemon, and olive oil. It’s creamy, herby, and fresh with just the right tang.
For the filling, I used oven-roasted turkey that we roasted and sliced ourselves. The goat cheese adds a little tang, the roasted red peppers bring a hint of sweetness, and the arugula gives it that peppery bite that keeps every bite balanced. The red onion adds crunch and a little sharpness, and juicy tomatoes finish it all off.
Almost every ingredient came from our garden. The peppers were roasted and peeled by hand, the basil and arugula picked fresh from my herb bed, and the onions and tomatoes came straight from the garden. Even the fries on the side were made from my own potato harvest. It’s the kind of meal that feels vibrant, simple, and satisfying all at once, with every layer made from real, good food.
🛒 Mediterranean Turkey Focaccia Sandwich Ingredients
Garlic Herb Sauce
- Greek yogurt
- Olive oil
- Basil pesto
- Lemon juice
- Dijon mustard
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
🥣 How To Make This Mediterranean Turkey Focaccia Sandwich
Start with the garlic herb sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, and basil pesto until smooth and creamy. Stir in lemon juice, Dijon mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the flavor with extra pesto or a squeeze of lemon if you like it brighter. Cover and chill the sauce for about 20 minutes while you prep the sandwich.
Spread a generous layer of the chilled garlic herb sauce on the bottom half of the focaccia. Add layers of oven-roasted turkey, creamy goat cheese, roasted red peppers, thinly sliced red onion and juicy tomato slices. Pile on fresh arugula, then drizzle or spoon on more of the pesto sauce. Finish with the top half of the focaccia.
Slice the sandwich into squares and serve right away with something crispy on the side, like homemade beef tallow potato chips or rosemary vinegar fries.
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Rustic Farmhouse Focaccia Sandwich-Mediterranean Turkey
Ingredients
- 1 sun-dried tomato focaccia (or any thick, crusty bread)
- 8 oz sliced oven-roasted turkey
- 3 oz goat cheese (softened)
- 1 cup arugula
- ½ cup roasted red peppers (drained and sliced)
- ¼ small red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for toasting bread)
- 1 tomato (sliced)
For the Garlic Herb Sauce:
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1½ tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons basil pesto
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Whisk the ½ cup Greek yogurt, 1½ tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons basil pesto together until smooth. Stir in the 2 teaspoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ⅛ teaspoon salt and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Add a little more pesto or lemon if you want a stronger flavor. Chill for about 20 minutes before spreading on the sandwich.
- Spread the roasted garlic herb sauce on the bottom slices of focaccia. Add a layer of turkey, small spoonfuls of goat cheese, roasted red peppers, and thin slices of red onion. Top with a handful of arugula, then spoon on some more of the pesto sauce. Finish with the top slice of focaccia.
- Slice into squares and serve with homemade beef tallow potato chips or rosemary vinegar fries.
Substitutions
Storage
Nutrition
FAQs
Can I use another cheese besides goat cheese?
Yes, but the goat cheese adds a creamy tang that balances the salty turkey and rich pesto. If you’re not a fan, try whipped feta or a thin layer of ricotta with a pinch of salt.
What makes the garlic herb sauce better than mayo or aioli?
It’s lighter and brighter thanks to Greek yogurt and lemon juice. The pesto adds a burst of basil flavor that ties everything together, while the yogurt gives it that creamy, tangy texture without the heaviness of mayo.
Serving Suggestions
This sandwich pairs best with sides that add freshness, crunch, or a touch of salt to balance the creamy goat cheese and savory turkey. A simple arugula salad with shaved Parmesan and lemon vinaigrette keeps the flavor profile light and bright.
For something more filling, serve it with a side of crispy roasted potatoes or rosemary fries. The herbs complement the basil pesto in the sandwich perfectly.
If you want a chilled option, go for a Mediterranean pasta salad with olives, artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes, or a marinated white bean salad with garlic and herbs. Both make great make-ahead sides for picnics or lunches.
For a cozy lunch, serve the sandwich with a cup of tomato basil soup or creamy roasted red pepper soup. The rich flavors play beautifully with the focaccia’s soft texture.
And if you’re putting together a full spread, round it out with a small antipasto board. Think marinated olives, roasted peppers, and a few wedges of good cheese. It ties everything together for an easy but impressive meal.
More Sandwiches
If you’re in the mood for more sandwiches, there are plenty worth trying. The grilled chicken sandwich with jalapeño pickle sauce has that perfect mix of smoky, tangy, and spicy flavor. The creamy sauce balances everything and gives it a bold finish. Grilled ranch turkey burgers are another favorite. They’re juicy, packed with homemade ranch seasoning, and great for grilling or an easy dinner during the week.
Cajun chicken sliders bring a little heat to the table. They’re topped with melted cheese, pickles, and creamy Cajun mayo and baked until golden. The Caesar pesto chicken pita is lighter but still satisfying, with crunchy lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a tangy Caesar dressing tucked inside soft pita bread.
For something with a little kick, the buffalo chicken sandwich with whipped hot honey gorgonzola stands out. The sauce is sweet, spicy, and creamy all at once. The gourmet pesto grilled cheeseGourmet Pesto Grilled Cheese is another favorite for when you want something warm and flavorful. It’s layered with Jarlsberg cheese, bacon, tomato, caramelized onions, and basil pesto on buttery sourdough.
If you’re craving something classic, try the easy hamburger with roasted garlic. Mixing the garlic into the beef adds a mellow depth that pairs perfectly with any toppings you like. The Steak Sandwich with Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms is rich and hearty, with provolone and creamy horseradish sauce on a soft roll.