I’m Stuffed! Ciabatta Salad Sandwich
If asked for my preference as to how I like my pizza, it would be topped with a salad! Crisp, mixed greens mounted on a hot slice of pizza. I don’t often if ever eat it out this way, but my daughter certainly has seen me do this many times at home and I believe I have caught her piling salad on her pizza too! I finally spotted it on a menu in an Italian restaurant which made me feel quite happy I wasn’t the only one enjoying pizza this way!
The same goes for sandwiches; I’m not a deli meat kind of gal. Grilled veggie Panini’s are fabulous but when I’m not in the mood or have the time to grill, a salad in a sandwich is quick and easy. The ingredients vary depending on what I have on hand, but the method does have importance. Trying to eat a sandwich with loosely mixed ingredients can become quite a messy undertaking. Therefore, after much trial, error and messy hands, I have perfected my salad sandwich making!
To begin with, I love ciabatta bread. It crisps up nicely when lightly grilled and the airy pockets make it lighter, less doughy bread. Still, I cut it not exactly in half lengthwise, about ¾ of the way up and will remove some of the bottom half bread inside to create a “shell or bowl” to fill up with the salad. I spread pesto on the inside of both and grill or broil until lightly golden.
Slicing tomatoes and cucumbers is better for layering in the sandwich than using chopped veggies which will tend to fall out easier. Mixed greens of all sorts, arugula, spinach, romaine, crumbled cheeses, artichokes, garbanzo beans, avocado, roasted peppers, etc, etc, are mixed with a light vinaigrette and piled inside. Sometimes I will lightly broil the filled bottom half to softly melt the cheese and rewarm the top half. The top should be gently pressed over the salad and cut into individual wedges just before serving.
Since there is no mayo in it, it’s great to wrap up and take on a picnic or bike ride!
spicegirlfla
I love being in the kitchen. Early mornings, soft music, a hot espresso. Easing into the preparation of delicious meals. Glancing through cookbooks, gathering inspiration and planning my day. I look forward to the cycles of the seasons, the pleasures of tasting and savoring and sharing this with those dear to me. Weekends are special to me as my week days are often rushed, but still I create the ambiance, light the candles, set the table and uncork the wine.
17 Comments
Colline
Mmmm, looks good! With all those ingredients, it is no wonder you are stuffed.
Gina!
Can you send me that please!
yummychunklet
This looks so good right now! I love ciabatta for hearty sandwiches! Yum!
Rufus' Food and Spirits Guide
So funny I am a huge meat lover. But when it comes to pizza, pile on the veggies!
Kay aka Babygirl
This is such a cool idea. I love this stuffed ciabatta sandwich. I am not a huge break person but I would be eat this. Have to forward this blog page along..
Three-Cookies
Very generous amount of filling, great!
Rivki Locker (Ordinary Blogger)
Wow, a salad and sandwich combined in one. Two of my very favorite foods bundled into one nice package. I’m with you – veggies are so much better than deli sandwiches! This looks great.
The Little Spork
Yumm this looks and sounds amazing. I always love when sandwiches have a higher filling-to-bread ratio 🙂
Caroline
What a delicious looking sandwich! I love ciabatta bread as well–so much flavor and great texture. 🙂
Charles
Oh yeah – this looks awesome. Sandwiches must be the greatest invention ever I think. Love avocado and artichokes – can I spy parmesan in there? The only problem with such a sandwich is either you have to push it down quite firmly, or you leave it as is and then risk a “filling explosion” when you take a bite 😀
Simply Life
oh YUM! what a perfect summer salad! I would definitely order that in a restaurant!
Geni - Sweet and Crumby
Oh, I love this salad in a sandwich idea and I should try it on my pizza too. You certainly have seemed to perfect the panini. It sounds magnificent with the pest and just slightly broiled veggies and cheese. I am so hungry right now…and that’s all I want.
Yuri
I’m trying to avoid wheat now but I’ve always been a fan of veggie pizzas and there is no way you’ll make me eat a sandwich without at least 2 veggies in it. Its all about balance, right 😉 love how your ciabatta sandwich is BURSTING with veggies 🙂
yummychunklet
I know I’ve already commented on this post, but I wanted to let you know I’ve given you some awards on my blog! Congrats!
Linda
Thank you so much!! I’m not sure how to receive or forward on; if anyone can help me out with this, I would truly appreciate it!
jessica
Oh boy do you know how to make my stomach rumble or rather scream for something. That sandwich looks entirely to good to actually eat. I can just smell the flavors of the artichoke, cheese and that bread. I am in love! Great idea
thefooddoctor
I love the idea! crunchy yummy and healthy
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