Elevate Your Lunch with a Classic Tomato Mozzarella Sandwich Inspired by California

When it comes to simple yet elegant sandwiches, the Tomato Mozzarella Sandwich is hard to beat. Inspired by the fresh flavors of California, this sandwich brings together juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, roasted red peppers, and fragrant basil, all layered on a crusty baguette. It’s the perfect combination of rich flavors and fresh ingredients that capture the essence of California’s love for wholesome, quality produce.

Photo byNick Davies

This sandwich isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about how they come together with a tangy homemade balsamic vinaigrette. The vinaigrette adds a burst of flavor that ties everything together, making each bite vibrant and refreshing. Whether you're enjoying this sandwich as a light lunch, a picnic staple, or even a quick dinner, it’s sure to leave you feeling satisfied.

The Tomato Mozzarella Sandwich celebrates the beauty of fresh ingredients. The creamy mozzarella complements the sweet tomatoes and roasted red peppers, while the basil adds an herbal note that feels quintessentially Californian. This sandwich is easy to prepare but feels like something you’d get at a gourmet café.

Recipe: Tomato Mozzarella Sandwich

Ingredients:

For the Balsamic Vinaigrette:

• 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

For the Sandwiches:

• 1 baguette, ends trimmed, cut into 4 equal pieces (4 ounces each) and split
• 1 cup loosely packed baby arugula
• 3 medium tomatoes, sliced ¼ inch thick
• 1 cup roasted red peppers, patted dry and thinly sliced
• 12 slices fresh mozzarella (one 8-ounce package)
• 12 fresh basil leaves

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Balsamic Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined and emulsified.
2. Assemble the Sandwiches: For each sandwich, drizzle 1 tablespoon of the balsamic vinaigrette over the bottom half of the bread. Layer with a handful of arugula, tomato slices, roasted red peppers, and mozzarella cheese. Add more arugula and fresh basil leaves on top. Drizzle with an additional tablespoon of vinaigrette, then place the top half of the bread over the sandwich.

This Tomato Mozzarella Sandwich is light, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. The combination of fresh tomatoes and mozzarella with the tangy balsamic vinaigrette and sweet roasted peppers creates a harmony of flavors that feels sophisticated yet comforting. The arugula and basil provide a peppery, herbal note that brightens the whole sandwich.

Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch or serving it at a casual gathering, this sandwich brings a taste of California’s best ingredients to your table. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or a simple soup for a complete meal.

Sources:

Family Recipe