Pesto Turkey Zucchini Cheese

Featured in: Simple Weeknight Recipes

This vibrant dish combines tender roasted zucchini slices with savory sliced turkey and melted provolone cheese, layered with fresh basil pesto and sandwiched between crisp, golden grilled bread. The pesto adds a bright herbal note while the roasting process enhances the zucchini's natural sweetness. Lightly buttered and grilled until gooey and warm, these stacks offer a quick, satisfying meal with a balance of protein, veggies, and rich, melty cheese. Perfect for a wholesome lunch or easy dinner that’s both flavorful and nourishing.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 15:24:00 GMT
Golden-brown Pesto Turkey Zucchini Grilled Cheese Stack, oozing with melted provolone and flavorful pesto. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown Pesto Turkey Zucchini Grilled Cheese Stack, oozing with melted provolone and flavorful pesto. | mellowspice.com

A vibrant and flavorful twist on classic grilled cheese, featuring layers of roasted zucchini, sliced turkey, melty cheese, and fresh pesto, all stacked and grilled for a deliciously gooey, healthy sandwich alternative.

I enjoy making this recipe for a quick lunch that feels gourmet yet is healthy and satisfying.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 2 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick strips, 1 tablespoon olive oil, Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Proteins & Dairy: 8 slices deli turkey breast (about 200 g), 4 slices provolone cheese (or mozzarella or Swiss)
  • Spreads & Sauces: 4 tablespoons basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • Bread: 4 slices sourdough or whole-grain bread
  • Butter: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened

Instructions

Preheat oven:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roast zucchini:
Arrange zucchini slices on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 12 15 minutes flipping halfway until golden and tender.
Spread pesto:
Spread 1/2 tablespoon of pesto on each bread slice.
Assemble stacks:
On a bread slice, layer roasted zucchini, 2 slices of turkey, 1 slice of cheese, and another drizzle of pesto if desired. Top with a second slice of bread pesto side down.
Butter sandwiches:
Lightly butter the outer sides of each sandwich.
Grill stacks:
Heat a large nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Grill each stack for 3 4 minutes per side pressing gently until bread is golden and cheese is melted.
Serve:
Remove from heat let rest 1 minute then slice in half and serve warm.
A close-up of a stacked Pesto Turkey Zucchini Grilled Cheese with toasted sourdough and roasted zucchini visible. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of a stacked Pesto Turkey Zucchini Grilled Cheese with toasted sourdough and roasted zucchini visible. | mellowspice.com

This recipe always brings smiles at family lunches especially when served with fresh salad.

Required Tools

Baking sheet, parchment paper, nonstick skillet or grill pan, spatula, knife

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (bread), dairy (cheese butter), tree nuts (if pesto contains nuts). For nut or gluten allergies choose appropriate bread and nut-free pesto. Always check ingredient labels.

Nutritional Information

Calories 370, total fat 20 g, carbohydrates 28 g, protein 20 g per serving.

Savor the delicious layers of this Pesto Turkey Zucchini Grilled Cheese as its components come alive. Save to Pinterest
Savor the delicious layers of this Pesto Turkey Zucchini Grilled Cheese as its components come alive. | mellowspice.com

This grilled cheese stack is perfect for quick meals and versatile enough for various dietary needs.

Pesto Turkey Zucchini Cheese

Stacked grilled cheese with roasted zucchini, turkey, provolone, and vibrant basil pesto for rich flavor.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Overall Time
35 minutes
Created by Hannah Clarke

Recipe Category Simple Weeknight Recipes

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Total Yield 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Details None specified

What You Need

Vegetables

01 2 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick strips
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Proteins & Dairy

01 8 slices deli turkey breast (about 7 oz)
02 4 slices provolone cheese

Spreads & Sauces

01 4 tablespoons basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

Bread

01 4 slices sourdough or whole-grain bread

Butter

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

How To Make

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Roast Zucchini: Arrange zucchini slices on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, then roast for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.

Step 03

Prepare Bread with Pesto: Spread half a tablespoon of pesto evenly on each slice of bread.

Step 04

Assemble Stacks: On each bread slice, layer roasted zucchini, 2 slices of turkey, a slice of cheese, and another drizzle of pesto if desired. Top with a second slice of bread, pesto side down.

Step 05

Butter Sandwich Exterior: Lightly butter the outer sides of each sandwich to prepare for grilling.

Step 06

Grill Sandwiches: Heat a large nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Grill each sandwich for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the bread is golden and the cheese melts.

Step 07

Rest and Serve: Remove sandwiches from heat, allow to rest for 1 minute, slice in half, and serve warm.

Tools Needed

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Nonstick skillet or grill pan
  • Spatula
  • Knife

Allergy Details

Review all components for potential allergens and talk to your doctor with any questions.
  • Contains wheat (bread), dairy (cheese and butter), and potential tree nuts (if pesto contains nuts).
  • Substitute ingredients to accommodate nut or gluten allergies.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutritional breakdown is for your information and isn't a substitute for health advice.
  • Total Calories: 370
  • Total Fat: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 20 g