Name: Italian Turkey Club Sandwiches Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/3 cup (76 g) pesto (store-bought or homemade); 2 Tablespoons (28 ml) olive oil; 1 and 1/2 Tablespoons (21 ml) red wine vinegar; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt, more to taste; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, more to taste; 1 large loaf ciabatta bread, sliced in half lengthwise; 1 pound turkey breast, sliced; 3/4 pound prosciutto, thinly sliced; 1/2 pound sharp provolone cheese, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, sliced and drained; 2 cups baby arugula

Jump to Recipe

Looking for a sandwich that’s going to absolutely steal the show at your next lunch gathering or picnic? Let me introduce you to my go-to: Italian Turkey Club Sandwiches. Imagine crispy ciabatta, rich layers of turkey and salty prosciutto, creamy provolone, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and peppery greens, all pulled together with a zippy pesto vinaigrette. Every bite is a journey—hearty, bright, and full of those classic Italian flavors you crave. These Italian Turkey Club Sandwiches are just the kind of crowd-pleasing, “Where did you get this recipe?” sort of treat you’ll want to make again and again.

Italian Turkey Club Sandwiches Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting these Italian Turkey Club Sandwiches is easier than you might think thanks to a line-up of delicious, easy-to-find ingredients. Each one adds something special—whether it’s a punch of flavor, a needed crunch, or gorgeous color that looks irresistible on your serving platter.

Pesto: Adds fresh, herby richness and ties every layer together with a hint of garlic and cheese.
Olive oil: Infuses the vinaigrette with smooth body and Mediterranean flair—choose a good quality oil for the best flavor.
Red wine vinegar: Gives the dressing its tangy bite, balancing the richness of the meats and cheese.
Garlic clove: A touch of minced raw garlic wakes up the vinaigrette and adds bold zest.
Granulated sugar: Just a little to mellow out the vinegar and harmonize with other flavors.
Salt: Essential to amp up all the savory elements and round out the taste.
Black pepper: For a gentle kick—always taste and tweak as you go!
Ciabatta bread: The chewy, golden crust and airy interior are perfect for hearty, loaded Italian Turkey Club Sandwiches.
Turkey breast: Lean and savory, it’s the meaty foundation that makes this club sandwich worthy of a main course.
Prosciutto: Brings a delicate, salty punch and melt-in-your-mouth texture, like a little gift in every bite.
Sharp provolone cheese: Bold and creamy, this cheese provides complexity and a classic Italian twist.
Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes: Sweet, tangy, and chewy—these pop with flavor and color in every slice.
Baby arugula: Offers a peppery freshness and gorgeous green crunch for that fresh-off-the-deli-board feel.

How to Make Italian Turkey Club Sandwiches

Step 1: Make the Pesto Vinaigrette

Grab a small bowl and whisk together your pesto, olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, a sprinkle of sugar, salt, and black pepper. Whipping up this vinaigrette takes just a minute, but it’s seriously the secret sauce that elevates these Italian Turkey Club Sandwiches into something special. Taste as you go—you want that perfect harmony of tangy, herby, and just a touch of sweet.

Step 2: Prep the Ciabatta Bread

Slice your ciabatta loaf in half lengthwise, and here’s the trick: gently pull out some of the soft bread from the top half. This step makes a little well to cradle all those flavorful fillings (no mess when you take a bite!). Brush both cut sides generously with your fresh pesto vinaigrette for a sandwich foundation that’s packed with flavor from the get-go.

Step 3: Layer the Meats, Cheese, and Veggies

Start by spreading the turkey slices evenly across the bottom half of the bread, followed by the prosciutto for rich saltiness. Layer on the sharp provolone—just look at that marbled goodness—then scatter the sliced sun-dried tomatoes for little pops of tangy sweetness. A big handful of baby arugula goes on last, adding a fresh, peppery crunch that brightens every bite.

Step 4: Add the Final Touches and Assemble

Give the top of the arugula a generous drizzle of your pesto vinaigrette—trust me, this brings the whole sandwich together. Place the top half of your ciabatta over the stacked fillings, then press down just enough to set everything in place without squishing. This step is genuinely satisfying and signals you’re just about ready to serve your show-stopping Italian Turkey Club Sandwiches.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully cut the sandwich into four to six hefty pieces—each section should showcase all those gorgeous strata of fillings. Secure each sandwich piece with a toothpick (a little extra attention here keeps things tidy and easy to serve). Arrange them on a platter, and your Italian Turkey Club Sandwiches are ready to wow your guests!

How to Serve Italian Turkey Club Sandwiches

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper right before serving makes all the flavors pop. Add a few extra arugula leaves or some basil sprigs atop the platter for that lush, Italian deli look. If you’re feeling extra, a light drizzle of balsamic glaze adds visual drama and a sweet-tangy finish that compliments the savory sandwich perfectly.

Side Dishes

Italian Turkey Club Sandwiches pair beautifully with a light green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette or a tangy Italian pasta salad loaded with crisp vegetables. For something heartier, a bowl of roasted potatoes or classic kettle chips balances the freshness of the sandwich. And don’t forget a sparkling lemonade or iced tea to round out the meal with a refreshing touch.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Italian Turkey Club Sandwiches into bite-sized sliders for party platters—just cut smaller squares and secure with fancy cocktail picks. You could even wrap individual portions in parchment and twine for a picnic-ready presentation. For a cozy family dinner, serve open-faced with the fillings artfully arranged and an extra drizzle of vinaigrette. The colors and layers make every option totally irresistible!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have extras, wrap each Italian Turkey Club Sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to two days. Just keep in mind, the greens might lose a bit of their crunch, but the flavors meld together in the best way!

Freezing

Generally, these sandwiches are at their best when eaten fresh, but you can freeze un-dressed components like turkey, prosciutto, and provolone for later use. Avoid freezing the fully assembled sandwich or anything with the vinaigrette and fresh arugula, as the bread can get soggy and the greens will wilt. Always thaw refrigerated meats and cheese overnight in the fridge before using.

Reheating

Italian Turkey Club Sandwiches are meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, preserving the freshness of the greens and vinaigrette. If you prefer yours a tad warm, pop just the meat, cheese, and bread (without the arugula) into a toaster oven for 3-4 minutes, then reassemble with the greens and tomatoes for the ideal balance of cozy and crisp.

FAQs

What’s the best type of turkey to use for Italian Turkey Club Sandwiches?

Roasted, deli-sliced turkey breast works best for this recipe. Opt for high-quality, freshly sliced turkey for tender texture and big flavor. Avoid heavily seasoned or smoked versions, as they can compete with the Italian ingredients.

Can I substitute other greens for the arugula?

Absolutely! Baby spinach or mixed spring greens work well if you can’t find arugula, but you’ll lose the signature peppery bite that makes these Italian Turkey Club Sandwiches so lively.

How do I keep my sandwich from getting soggy?

Gut the top of your ciabatta as described, which makes room for fillings and prevents sogginess. Apply vinaigrette lightly and just before serving for the freshest, crispest Italian Turkey Club Sandwiches.

Is there a vegetarian version of this sandwich?

You can easily make it vegetarian! Swap the turkey and prosciutto for grilled zucchini or roasted bell peppers, and keep the sharp provolone and sun-dried tomatoes for that Italiano spirit. The pesto vinaigrette still absolutely shines.

Can I make Italian Turkey Club Sandwiches in advance for a picnic?

Yes! Assemble the sandwiches up to six hours ahead, wrap them tightly, and store them chilled. If possible, add the arugula right before serving to keep it fresh, and include a little extra vinaigrette on the side for drizzling.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the mood for something satisfying, shareable, and absolutely packed with flavor, these Italian Turkey Club Sandwiches have your name all over them. Invite your friends, pile those fresh ingredients high, and see how quickly everyone asks for seconds—they’re that good!

Italian Turkey Club Sandwiches Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 15 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Italian Turkey Club Sandwich is a delicious and hearty meal featuring layers of turkey, prosciutto, provolone, sun-dried tomatoes, and arugula, all nestled in a flavorful pesto vinaigrette on ciabatta bread. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner!

Instructions

Pesto Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, combine pesto, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Sandwich Assembly: Lay the ciabatta bread cut side up on a cutting board. Hollow out some of the bread from the top piece. Brush both cut sides with the pesto vinaigrette. Layer turkey, prosciutto, provolone, sun-dried tomatoes, and arugula on the bottom half of the bread. Drizzle the arugula with vinaigrette. Top with the other half of the ciabatta and press down gently.
Serving: Slice the sandwich into 4-6 pieces, secure with toothpicks, and arrange on a platter. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

You can customize the sandwich by adding avocado, roasted red peppers, or your favorite spreads.
For a vegetarian version, substitute the turkey and prosciutto with grilled vegetables or tofu.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Sandwich
Method: Assemble
Cuisine: Italian