Sometimes simple is best.
Scratch that. Most times simple is best.
While I do rather enjoy a sassy pair of stilettos and the occasional red dress, my life is pretty basic, if you’re willing to overlook my neurosis, that is. I’m fairly laid back, provided the kitchen is clean and organized at all times. No biggie. I’m even okay with a dirty dish or two in the sink, although coffee grinds are a whole ‘nother story and best left for a different day.
I’m a down to earth kind of gal, at least I like to think so, and an exciting weekend might involve playing in the dirt one day, also known as yard work, and an afternoon cocktail the next. If I’m really lucky, they happen simultaneously because yard work and a cold cider are a match made in heaven. Just one though since I have tendency to cut through extension cords with the hedge trimmer, rendering them completely useless. I can’t even count the number of times it’s happened.
Confession: it was three and I was booze free for all of them. I get a little excited.
“This weekend is already set and planned,” she says with a contented sigh, and it looks to be wonderful.
I intend to spend this evening on the couch, in my pajamas, with the Hubby on one side and Oscar on the other, catching up on Game of Thrones. Who am I kidding? Oscar will be in my lap. He tends to get a smidge territorial when the Hubby comes round. Good thing the Hubby doesn’t get at all competitive back (cough, cough).
Saturday, I’ve got some outdoor yoga on the agenda followed by food, because hungry. Then I’m going to make my way to a street art festival and if I’m lucky, I’ll squeeze in a nap, before grabbing dinner and drinks with friends.
Sunday will be low key, which means a walk in the park and hopefully some blogging with a side of kitchen antics. I got a shitton of garlic scapes in my most recent CSA, so I fully intend to bust out the food processor and go crazy, which loosely translates to make ungodly amounts of pesto. It’s a good life.
Speaking of, I’ve determined pesto is the Midas touch for food. Seriously, add pesto to anything and it’s infinitely better. This sandwich for example. While the combination of mozzarella, sun-ripened tomatoes (gotta love those first few tomatoes of the season) and avocado is a winner already, the simple addition of pesto kicks it up another notch.
Be still my garlic loving heart.
This sandwich is literally a handful ingredients which means it comes together quickly and easily, especially after a long workday when you want good food, fast. The taste, well I’d say phenomenal is an understatement, although I am a bit biased. The simple fact is I made this for dinner on Tuesday, when it was late and I was tired. I had zero intentions of turning it into a recipe post. Then I took that first bite, and sweet baby jesus. By the time the sandwich was done, I knew I needed to share. I had a moral obligation to bring this goodness into your life, so much so I made it again on Wednesday and took pictures.
Honestly, things this easy to make have no business tasting this good. You’ll get no complaints from me though. In fact, pass me a sandwich please.
- 2 slices good quality Sandwich Bread, I used Multigrain Bread
- 1/3 an Avocado, sliced.
- A couple slices of a Beefsteak Tomato
- A couple slices Mozzarella Cheese
- 1 - 2 Tbsps. of prepared Pesto
- Olive Oil for shortening agent of your choice
- Turn on your Panini maker.*
- Spread pesto on one slice of bread. Top with mozzarella cheese slices, avocado slices, and tomato slices. Finish with the other slice of bread. Spread a touch of olive oil onto the bottom of Panini maker and also the top slice of bread.
- Place sandwich on Panini maker, with the unoiled slice of bread on the bottom. Close lid and let grill for five minutes, until the sandwich is golden brown on the outside and warm on the inside.
- Remove from Panini maker and let sit for two minutes, allowing the cheese to firm up slightly.
- If you don't have a Panini maker, you can make this on a skillet on the stove, no problem. Be sure to oil both outside slices of bread and flip the sandwich halfway through cooking. Cook on both sides until golden brown on the outside and warm on the inside.
Do you own a Panini maker? What’s your favorite sandwich combination?
Michele @ paleorunningmomma says
Your weekend sounds so incredibly perfect. Mine is full of dentist, eye doctor, kid parties and going to my parent’s house Sunday! And then Friday we leave for Seattle. Sorry I’m just overwhelmed and venting now! Paninis are awesome (sigh) and avocado and cheese is heaven.
Michele @ paleorunningmomma recently posted…Smoky Chipotle Chive Roasted Potatoes – Low FODMAP
Meghan says
Alright your weekend does not sound so relaxing, but heading to Seattle is pretty sweet because then you’ll be on vacation and able to chill a little. Hang in there. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Meghan recently posted…Avocado Cheese Panini Recipe
Brittany says
I DO own a panini maker, and squashing the bread between those heated plates takes a meal from an 8 to 500 in a matter of seconds. So much crunchy goodness. This looks so good. So so good.
Brittany recently posted…Summer Sun
Meghan says
Panini makers are amazing and make everything taste better. We’ll make giant veggie filled Paninis when you come to Cleveland.
Meghan recently posted…Avocado Cheese Panini Recipe
Eileen says
Simple is definitely best! This sounds like the best plan for fresh summer tomatoes and avocados. And you can’t beat the nearly-instant lunch factor either. 🙂
Eileen recently posted…First CSA box of the year!
Meghan says
Instant meals are kind of my favorites, especially when they involve real food ingredients. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Avocado Cheese Panini Recipe
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
The ONLY way you could convince me to do yard work with with a cold beverage. Even then I’d probably do more drinking than working. That’s fine though… Vegas actually enjoys that wort of thing. She also love a cheese sammich. As do I. We may show up at your door with a case of sparkling one day.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted…Tabbouleh Pasta with Creamy Herb Dressing [Recipe]
Meghan says
I’m looking forward to it. Don’t forget the champagne.
Meghan recently posted…Avocado Cheese Panini Recipe
Sara says
Awww yay! I had a really bad day today, and as I said on IG this is one of the only food pictures that really got me physically excited. Which sounds sexual, but it’s not. Ok maybe it is, I don’t know.
Anyway, thank you for brightening my day with this beautiful beauty of a sammy.
Sara recently posted…all the small moments
Meghan says
Anytime, and I hope your weekend is better. Maybe eating one of these sammies will help. You should test that theory. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Avocado Cheese Panini Recipe
Heather@hungryforbalance says
Yes, to the pesto! On everything! I am so jealous of your abundance of garlic scapes and your upcoming abundance of pesto.
This sandwich sounds amazing- it has been far too long since I have had a panini. With goat cheese, perhaps.
Your pictures are always so gorgeous, btw!
Heather@hungryforbalance recently posted…Friday Favorites 6/12
Meghan says
Goat cheese makes everything better.
Thanks so much for the lovely compliment on my photos too. I take most of my food pictures outside because the lighting is soooo much better.
Meghan recently posted…Avocado Cheese Panini Recipe
Chris says
I like how I know exactly how much garlic you have when you say you have a shitton.
Chris recently posted…Murph 2015
Meghan says
Yep, a shitton is more than a crapton but less than a holy fuckton. 🙂
lindsay says
well it’s true.. garlic in that amount will make you shitton. jk! EAT ALL THE GARLIC!
And this sandwich –> UM HELL YES
Meghan says
Double hell yes since I ate this sandwich twice last week, and I’m already looking forward to my next go round.
Meghan recently posted…Avocado Cheese Panini Recipe
Kirsten says
Ever since my George Forman thing with the interchangeable plates died I have not had the equipment to make panini. However, in the George cookbook that came along with it, I read about the deliciousness that is fig jam, goat cheese and prosciutto. Have the spouse make one for himself. It’s wonderful. Now I need avocado, and tomato, and hell why not some bacon?, so I can make this.
Yum.
Kirsten recently posted…Do’s and Don’ts of DIY Iced Chai Tea Concentrate
Meghan says
I bet you could make this on the grill. In fact, I challenge you to try it. 🙂
Bacon would be a lovely addition.
Meghan recently posted…Avocado Cheese Panini Recipe
Danielle says
I’m on the pesto train too choochoo!!! Seriously though I’m all over this. I make a batch of pesto and chimichurri every Sunday for the week. Yes it’s all you need to take something to the sparkle shiny happy level.
Your weekend sounds absolutely blissful!
We are gallivanting with my crazy cousin in DC and what happens in DC stays in DC…. Oh yes
Danielle recently posted…VAY-KAY
Meghan says
A sauce girl such as yourself, I knew you’d love the pesto.
Have a great time gallivanting in DC.
Meghan recently posted…Avocado Cheese Panini Recipe
MassachusEATS says
Daaaaaaaamn this looks good!
Meghan says
Thanks! It was fantastic. I’m already plotting to make it again.
Meghan recently posted…Avocado Cheese Panini Recipe
Niki @Life With Niki says
Can you believe I have never had a panini? Yet whenever I look at one I crave it so badly! You are using the absolute best ingredient to make it– avocado and cheese? Holyguacamole.
Niki @Life With Niki recently posted…How ‘Skinny’ Almost Killed Me | My Story and Recovery
Meghan says
Holy Guacamole. Literally!!
Meghan recently posted…Avocado Cheese Panini Recipe
Juli@1000lovelythings says
Serious #sandwichporn business happening over here! I love it <3
I will have to rummage around the deep hiding points of my kitchen to get out my sandwich maker 🙂
Juli@1000lovelythings recently posted…Coconut Mango & Lime Butter
Meghan says
Yes. We can have a sandwich off all summer long. Maybe we can even be responsible for getting folks to eat bread and carbs again. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Avocado Cheese Panini Recipe
Juli @1000lovelythings says
Oh my gosh I gasp in shock considering the possibilties 😉
Juli @1000lovelythings recently posted…Catching up Monday #26 – A Lazy Weekend
heather says
this sounds like the perfect Sunday lunch!!
heather recently posted…tiramisu crepes
Meghan says
It would be great for a Sunday lunch or anytime you’re looking for an easy and delicious meal, fast.
Meghan recently posted…Avocado Cheese Panini Recipe
Khushboo says
Believe it or not, I actually do own a panini maker but the credit goes to my grandmother for buying it. It might be over 20 years old and clunky as hell (no joke) but it works like a charm! Drooling at the look of this panini – flavour party in my mouth….er YES PLEASE!
As for my favourite sandwich combo, lately that’s been eggs, sautéed mushrooms & tomato slices and of course loads of avocado!
Khushboo recently posted…Just a walk
Meghan says
You can’t beat tomato slices this time of year. So much flavor, it is a mouth party.
I think it’s time to pull out the old school clunky Panini maker.
Meghan recently posted…Avocado Cheese Panini Recipe
Lucie@FitSwissChick says
This post hurts a little, cause it makes me wanna spend a weekend with you and your guys. It sounds os perfect, and I have this picture of us daydrinking with a side of chill out sound in your garden. I practise handstands while you dig out asparagus and garlic.
Lucie@FitSwissChick recently posted…Paleo Rhubarb Pie and Porridge
Meghan says
You are welcome to come here any weekend you want. I will feed you loads of veggies and delicious sandwiches with a side of day drinking. I’ll even set up the hammock in the backyard for you. 🙂 Also, we’d check out CrossFit Cleveland!
Meghan recently posted…Avocado Cheese Panini Recipe
Rachel @ athletic avocado says
Everything is better with avocado! 🙂
Rachel @ athletic avocado recently posted…Amazing Granola Recipes Roundup!
Meghan says
True story. Avocado is king.
Meghan recently posted…Avocado Cheese Panini Recipe
Suzy says
See, this is my kind of cooking. I could handle this, I think. And yes, sun ripened tomatoes are BOMB. I love it when I pick them and the skin is warm from the sun. The smell is divine.
Suzy recently posted…Mileage Monday
Meghan says
Yes, there’s nothing quite like summer tomatoes. I love how you can be working in the kitchen and smell their juicy goodness sitting on the kitchen counter a couple feet away. That’s when I eat all the Caprese, which will also be making it’s way onto a Panini.
Easy, simplistic and fantastic food. That’s my kind of cooking too. We’re going to have a great summer together.
Meghan recently posted…Avocado Cheese Panini Recipe
Ed Forrester says
I like fruits in sandwiches. My wife always makes us strawberries and nutella panini, so I might surprise her with your recipe. She likes healthy eats, unlike me… Thanks for sharing!
Meghan says
I think you should surprise her with this sandwich or maybe even this recipe instead. It’s grilled cheese with blackberries and peaches. One of my favorites in the summer.
http://cleaneatsfastfeets.com/2013/09/25/wiaw-the-too-soon-for-pumpkin-edition/
Meghan recently posted…Avocado Cheese Panini Recipe
Jessica says
I would trade my first born for this sandwich right now. Best thing on the internets this week!
Jessica recently posted…Friday Things: June Edition
Meghan says
It’s a fair trade off for sure. 😉
Meghan recently posted…Avocado Cheese Panini Recipe
Jennifer L. says
First picture had me drooling. Looks YUM. This meat-eating gal would easily go for this sandwich. 🙂
I use my indoor George Foreman – it makes stellar paninis.
Meghan says
Yes, the Foreman would be a perfect Panini press.
If you snuck some bacon on this sandwich, I wouldn’t tell.
Meghan recently posted…Avocado Cheese Panini Recipe
Jen@Jpabstfitness says
Sweet mother of all that is holy, I need this sandwich in my life!
Jen@Jpabstfitness recently posted…Weekend Wrap Up
Meghan says
I agree. Do it!!
Meghan recently posted…Avocado Cheese Panini Recipe
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
I don’t own a panini maker, but you’ve pretty much just convinced me that I need to go out and buy one. Which is no small feat, considering I’m super picky about the little appliances I clutter up my kitchen with. But this looks good enough to deserve some cupboard space. No promises about the counter, though 😛
Amanda @ .running with spoons. recently posted…. cinnamon sugar banana coffee cake .
Meghan says
Understand completely. My Panini press spends most days in the cupboard although I think he’ll be out for a little while now. I’d swap him for the toaster but that’s the Hubby’s favorite appliance so no dice.
Meghan recently posted…Avocado Cheese Panini Recipe
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says
I haven’t had pesto in forever! I need to change that. Beautiful sandwich!
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious recently posted…Tuscan Kale Salad
Meghan says
Yes especially since pesto is one of life’s simple pleasures. Garlic, fresh herbs, nuts, cheese and some oil….mmm, it’s like manna from heaven.
Meghan recently posted…WIAW: The Vegas Edition
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
Yes – simple is best indeed! And Yes – pesto is gold!
Though, I’ve never added pesto to a sandwich – what’s wrong with me!!!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan recently posted…My Favorite Gluten Free Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Meghan says
You have to try pesto on a sandwich. It’s makes a great spread.
Meghan recently posted…WIAW: The Vegas Edition
Nicole @ Foodie Loves Fitness says
Yum, I have a panini maker and use it all the time! I make a similar sandwich often, but adding pesto sounds like a great idea. Sometimes I also throw a bit of baby spinach and zucchini in there too!
Nicole @ Foodie Loves Fitness recently posted…Sweet & Spicy 4-Ingredient Trail Mix
Meghan says
The spinach and zucchini would make great additions, although you have to try the pesto next time. So much flavor in every bite.
Meghan recently posted…WIAW: The Vegas Edition
Tony says
This is lovely. Just lovely. My kind of sandwich. I never knew tomatoes and avocado go together.
Meghan says
Thanks Tony! Tomatoes and avocados with a bit of melty cheese are magic together.