In honor of National Picnic Month I made these delicious Italian Ciabatta Sandwiches. These sammys are picnic-perfect. They are so full of flavor, and the ciabatta rolls hold up really well for a trip to the park.
This turned out to be one of my favorite picnic lunches ever. These sandwiches were delish. I’m also loving that cherries are still in season, so we brought along a big bowl of cherries. We don’t often drink soda at my house, so the cream sodas were a real treat.
What To Serve With Italian Ciabatta Sandwiches
I may be biased but I thought these sandwiches went perfectly with my daughter’s couscous salad! Other options include a garden or pasta salad, or pickles, olives, and potato chips for a salty complement to the sandwich. What’s more, these options can be easily brought on a picnic. If you’re dining at home, consider roasted vegetables like brussels sprouts or carrots, or french fries. If you want some comforting, pair the sandwich with a nice soup.
Prep Time: 15 min (for the tomatoes)
Cook Time: 5 min.
Yields: N/A
Ingredients
- ciabatta sandwich rolls
- sliced salami
- sliced ham
- prepared pesto, store-bought is fine
- sliced tomatoes drenched in olive oil and balsamic vinegar
- basil leaves or arugula
- sliced mozzarella, provolone, or Asiago cheese
- salt and pepper
Instructions
Step 1: 15 minutes or so before you make your sandwiches, slice your tomatoes and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle them with a little salt and pepper, then pour a couple of teaspoons of olive oil and vinegar over them. Let them sit for a while to soak in all that delicious flavor.
Step 2: Slice your ciabatta roll and spread about a teaspoon or so of prepared pesto onto the bottom piece of bread. Top with two slices of ham and several slices of salami. Add a slice of cheese.
Step 3: Add a couple of the oil and vinegar soaked tomato slices, some basil leaves or arugula. Top with the other slice of bread and enjoy.
FAQs
My buns are soggy by the time I eat the sandwiches. Can I prevent this?
You could try lightly toasting the buns. This will create a crust that might withstand the sauces. Also, be mindful of how much sauce you put on your sandwiches. Too much and you get soggy buns. You could also try strategically layering your ingredients. Apply the sauce to the bottom piece then add the ingredients on top. At least the top bun will remain relatively dry.
Do you have a recipe for pesto?
I made this pea pesto for St. Paddy’s Day. I’m not sure how it will taste in this sandwich but if you give it a go, please let me know what you thought!
What other meats could I include?
I went with salami and ham but you could definite replace either/both of these or even add more meat, if you so desire. Prosciutto, a traditional Italian meat, would be an ideal addition, but you could also go with roast turkey, grilled chicken, or even tuna salad (though these last ones would be more as a substitute than an addition).
How To Store Italian Ciabatta Sandwiches
For a picnic, I like to wrap my sandwiches individually in parchment or waxed paper and tie them with a string. It keeps them fresh and I think it looks kinda cute. To keep the sandwiches for longer, individually wrap them and then place them in a resealable bag or airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
You might also enjoy these lemony macaroni salad and summer’s best banana pudding recipes.
Italian-Inspired Ciabatta Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 6 Ciabatta sandwich rolls
- 12 slices salami
- 12 slices ham
- 6 teaspoon pesto store bought is fine
- 12 slices tomatoes drenched in olive oil and balsamic vinegar
- Basil leaves or arugula
- 6 slices Provolone Mozarella, or Asiago Cheese
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- 15 minutes or so before you make your sandwiches, slice your tomatoes and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle them with a little salt and pepper, then pour a couple of teaspoons of olive oil and vinegar over them. Let them sit for a while to soak in all that delicious flavor.
- Slice your ciabatta roll and spread about a teaspoon or so of prepared pesto onto the bottom piece of bread. Top with two slices of ham and several slices of salami. Add a slice of cheese.
- Add a couple of the oil and vinegar soaked tomato slices, some basil leaves or arugula. Top with the other slice of bread and enjoy.
These look so good, love ciabatta bread! When we go on picnics, I love bringing a pasta salad with lots of veggies. I make with Italian dressing, so it lasts during the day. 🙂
what delicious looking sandwiches, they look like something from a fancy deli. When I go on the picnic, I’m so boring and just make peanut butter and jelly.
Those sandwiches look incredible, especially the bread. To me, a good roll can make or break a sandwich.
These look great and I love the packaging. Thank you for sharing this recipe with us.
I love how you pack the sandwiches! I didn’t know parchment keeps them fresher!! And those strings that you use! they are very pretty!
These look like a great sandwich to take on a picnic with my grandchildren. I know they would love them and so would I.
No I didn’t know that!If it wasn’t so hot in SC during the summer I would love to have a picnic…with these delicious looking sandwiches,I love how you wrapped them too!
I never thought to wrap sandwiches in parchment paper. Looks cute and probably keeps the bread fresh.
This post couldn’t have come at a more perfect time. I’m planning a picnic with my friends! Now I know I need to wrap the food like you did.
Wow, this looks like a tasty lunch! Thanks for sharing!