On busy weekdays, I need a quick, healthy lunch that’s easy to make, satisfying, and actually keeps me full until dinner—and this recipe checks every box.

That lunchtime struggle officially ended when my friend @olivia.adriance and I created the Avocado Turkey Pesto Paninis—aka the panini of everyone’s dreams. This easy panini recipe comes together fast and delivers big flavor, making it perfect for meal-prep lunches or last-minute meals.

I won’t even pretend I haven’t been thinking about (or making) these paninis on repeat ever since our kitchen collaboration. With creamy avocado, savory turkey, herby pesto, and crispy sourdough, this avocado turkey sandwich is nearly impossible to resist. Once you try it, I have a feeling it’ll become a regular in your lunch rotation too.

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Avocado Turkey Pesto Paninis — Easy, Healthy Lunch or Dinner Recipe

If you’re searching for a quick healthy lunch idea or an easy turkey sandwich recipe that’s both satisfying and flavorful, these Avocado Turkey Pesto Paninis will become a go-to. Made with creamy avocado, savory turkey, herby pesto, and perfectly crisped sourdough, they’re the panini of your dreams.

Whether you’re stuck in a lunch rut or want a simple meal that holds up for meal prep, this recipe delivers on texture, balance, and flavor

Balanced, Nutrient-Dense Lunch

Sandwiches may get a bad rap, but when made with high-quality, wholesome ingredients, they can be a perfectly balanced meal. This Avocado Turkey Pesto Panini proves it. Turning a classic sandwich into a panini adds warmth, texture, and flavor—making it even more satisfying and crave-worthy.

This healthy panini is well balanced with healthy fats from avocado, ghee, olive oil, and the nuts in pesto; lean protein from sliced turkey; and complex carbohydrates and fiber from sourdough bread. Sourdough also provides key nutrients like iron and folic acid and can act as a prebiotic, helping support digestion—always a win.

You’ll also sneak in extra nutrition from peppery arugula, vitamin C–rich roasted red peppers, and antioxidant-packed seared onions. Combined, these ingredients create bold flavor while delivering real health benefits, making this panini a smart and delicious lunch or dinner option.

And if you’re looking for another easy way to add veggies into your routine, be sure to check out mine and Olivia’s Double Chocolate Zucchini Blender Muffins—proof that healthy ingredients can still taste indulgent.

Layers Of Flavor

Every layer in this Avocado Turkey Pesto Panini plays a crucial role, but one of my favorite hacks is spreading pesto on one slice of sourdough and Calabrian chili peppers on the other. The bright, herby flavor from the basil in the pesto combined with the subtle heat from the chili peppers takes this healthy panini to the next level. It’s bold, balanced, and absolutely crave-worthy.

Keep this easy panini recipe in your back pocket for gourmet-inspired lunches or quick, satisfying dinners on days you don’t feel like cooking. For a complete meal, serve it with a fresh side salad, chips (Siete is my favorite), pickles, or fruit. This combination makes the perfect well-rounded, protein-packed lunch or dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Sourdough bread (or your favorite sandwich bread)
• Olive oil or ghee for toasting
• Sliced turkey breast
• Fresh avocado slices
• Prepared pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• Roasted red peppers
• Seared onions
• Goat cheese (optional)
• Arugula
• Sea salt

How to Make Avocado Turkey Pesto Paninis (Step-by-Step)

1. Prep Your Bread:
Generously brush olive oil or ghee on the outside of each slice of sourdough.

2. Add Flavor Layers:
Spread pesto on one slice and Calabrian chili pepper spread (optional) on the other for a bright, herby kick.

3. Layer the Goodness:
Add turkey, avocado, roasted red peppers, seared onions, goat cheese (if using), and a handful of arugula. Sprinkle with sea salt and drizzle with olive oil.

4. Press & Toast:
Grill in a panini press until the bread is golden and crispy. Don’t have a press? Toast in a hot skillet for 2–3 minutes per side.

5. Slice & Enjoy:
Cut in half and serve with your favorite side like salad, chips, or pickles

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Bread Options

Swap sourdough for gluten-free bread, focaccia, ciabatta, or your favorite hearty bread to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Protein Swaps

Turkey isn’t your only option — try grilled chicken, ham, or leftover rotisserie chicken for variety.

Cheese Choices

Goat cheese is optional. Use mozzarella, provolone, or your favorite melting cheese. Or keep it dairy-free if preferred.

Spice Level

If you don’t like heat, leave out the Calabrian chili peppers — the pesto and roasted peppers already create amazing flavor.

if you’d like to go the homemade route, try this pesto recipe I included in my Loaded Chicken Pesto Panini.

Why does avocado make a sandwich better?

Avocado brings creamy texture without mayo and adds heart-healthy fats that help keep you full longer. It pairs perfectly with turkey and pesto, making this panini both flavorful and nutritious.

Should I butter the bread before making a panini?

While it’s not exactly a necessity, it is highly recommended to spread either butter, ghee, or olive oil on your panini bread before pressing it. Doing so will give it that perfect, crostini-like crunch. The grill marks are also kind of a panini hallmark, but don’t worry if you don’t have a panini press! You could always toast your sandwich in a hot skillet. I’d recommend heating your skillet over medium heat, and toasting the sandwich for about 2 minutes per side.

LOVE THIS PANINI? TRY THESE OTHER SANDWICHES:

Italian Sub Paninis

Loaded Chicken Pesto Panini 

My Go-To Loaded Sandwich

Gluten-Free Hot Honey Chicken Sliders 

High-Protein Chicken Caesar Wrap

Click here to watch the reel I made of this recipe 🙂