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.
As a busy professional, I’m always on the hunt for a quick, tasty lunch option that won’t break the bank That’s why Starbucks’ Turkey Pesto Panini has become one of my go-to orders. This satisfying sandwich is packed with flavorful ingredients between two slices of pillowy soft focaccia bread At just $5.95, it’s an affordable and filling choice when I’m racing between meetings.
In this article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about Starbucks’ Turkey Pesto Panini. From the ingredients to the nutrition facts, I’ll give you the inside scoop on this crave-worthy lunchtime pick. You’ll learn what makes this sandwich stand out on Starbucks’ extensive food menu. Let’s dive in!
An Overview of the Turkey Pesto Panini
The Turkey Pesto Panini features sliced roasted turkey breast layered with pesto sauce, Monterey Jack cheese, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes It’s then pressed between pieces of olive oil-brushed focaccia bread to create a melt-in-your-mouth sandwich bursting with herbaceous pesto flavor.
Unlike some paninis that can be oily or greasy, Starbucks’ version feels lighter and less bready. The focaccia has a pleasant crunch on the outside while remaining airy and chewy inside. Meanwhile, the pesto sauce offers a creamy, basil-rich taste that perfectly complements the turkey’s savory juiciness and the cheese’s gooey melt. The spinach adds freshness while the sun-dried tomatoes supply sweet bursts of tomato essence in each bite.
Starbucks serves the Turkey Pesto Panini heated to perfection The ingredients meld together during the pressing process, allowing the flavors to mingle With its combination of protein, greens, and nutty pesto, this sandwich provides ample satisfaction. The serving size feels generous for the reasonable $5.95 price tag.
Analyzing the Turkey Pesto Panini’s Ingredients
Now, let’s look closely at what goes into making Starbucks’ Turkey Pesto Panini such a flavor-packed lunchtime choice:
Focaccia Bread
The panini’s foundation is olive oil-brushed focaccia bread. Focaccia is an Italian flatbread style marked by a dimpled, spongy texture. Starbucks’ version has a lightly crispy, oily top with a soft and airy crumb inside. This allows it to stand up to the sandwich fillings while providing a pleasing crunch. The focaccia’s yeasty, wheaty notes balance the pesto’s richness.
Roasted Turkey Breast
Thinly sliced premium roasted turkey breast delivers hefty protein. Each sandwich contains around 23 grams of protein primarily from the turkey. The meat has a mildly savory flavor and tender, lean texture when layered on the focaccia.
Pesto Sauce
A generous spread of pesto sauce made with basil, parsley, garlic, and pine nuts supplies most of the Turkey Pesto Panini’s decadent flavor. The vibrant green pesto provides creaminess and herbaceous notes that pair beautifully with the turkey and cheese.
Monterey Jack Cheese
Melted Monterey Jack cheese gives the sandwich a gooey bite. Monterey Jack is a semi-soft white cheese with a mild taste and supple melting properties. Its subtle tang offsets the pesto’s richness.
Spinach
Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition. The spinach contributes an earthy flavor while also supplying vitamins and antioxidants. Along with its health benefits, the dark green color provides visual contrast and brightness.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Tart, chewy sun-dried tomato pieces offer bursts of concentrated tomato essence. Dried and oil-packed, these add a sweet-tart pop of flavor and color contrast to balance the other ingredients’ richness.
Nutrition Information on the Turkey Pesto Panini
One Turkey Pesto Panini from Starbucks contains the following key nutrition facts:
- Calories: 470
- Total Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 770mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 55g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 23g
For a sandwich, those are pretty reasonable nutrition numbers. The Turkey Pesto Panini provides a solid dose of lean protein from the turkey breast. The carb count derives mainly from the focaccia bread, but is offset by 5 grams of fiber.
The sandwich comes in under 500 calories, which is impressive given the generous portion size. It has less than 5 grams of saturated fat and no trans fat. The sodium content is a bit high at 770 milligrams, but that’s expected from restaurant fare. Overall, the Turkey Pesto Panini makes a reasonably balanced meal.
Customizing Your Turkey Pesto Panini Order
One great thing about Starbucks is you can customize sandwich orders to suit your preferences. Here are some ways to tailor the Turkey Pesto Panini to your liking:
- Ask for extra spinach to increase nutrients and fiber.
- Swap sun-dried tomatoes for banana peppers to add spicy flavor.
- Remove pesto to reduce calories, fat, and sodium.
- Choose multigrain focaccia for extra fiber and protein.
- Ask for half sandwiches to limit portions.
- Request lower-sodium turkey to cut sodium intake.
- Add avocado for creaminess and healthy fats.
Keep in mind that customizations may have minor impact on the nutrition information. But the ability to tweak your Turkey Pesto Panini makes it easy to create the perfect version for your tastes.
Why Starbucks’ Turkey Pesto Panini Hits the Spot
After considering its tasty ingredients, balanced nutrition, and customizable options, it’s easy to see why Starbucks’ Turkey Pesto Panini makes an ideal quick lunch. Here’s a recap of why this sandwich is so crave-worthy:
- Satisfyingly hearty between two large pieces of focaccia bread
- Savory and protein-packed with herb-rubbed roasted turkey
- Bursting with flavor from nutty basil pesto sauce
- Gooey and melty thanks to melted Monterey Jack cheese
- Fresh and bright tasting with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes
- Customizable to your preferences like bread, veggies, and condiments
- Portable making it easy to take to go
- Affordable at only $5.95 for a filling meal
Whether you’re eating in the cafe or grabbing lunch on the run, Starbucks’ Turkey Pesto Panini is sure to satisfy. Its crave-worthy blend of flavors, textures, and ingredients come together in a perfect portable meal.
So next time hunger strikes at lunchtime, consider stopping by your local Starbucks and ordering the Turkey Pesto Panini. Your tastebuds will thank you for this flavor-packed sandwich that won’t break the bank. It’s sure to become a go-to item on your weekday lunch rotation.
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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