This year I decided I was going to put all rumors of “black thumb of death” to rest, and actually start a garden that lived for more than a month. So far I would say my efforts have been a wash. I killed my mint plant, but my basil plants are holding on to life. Sometimes vigorously, sometimes by a thread, but they are still alive!

Therefore, I decided to enjoy the fruits of my labor by making homemade pesto. I used the delicious mixture in pastas, sandwiches, chicken, and fish dishes. It is super tasty and pack a flavor punch!

For this bento I used my own pesto (recipe below) but you can use store bought as well and it will brighten that good ol’ turkey sandwich!

Bento Components:

• Turkey Pesto Sandwich
• Raspberries

 

Homemade Basil Pesto–

Ingredients:

-2 cups of gently packed basil (just the leaves, no stems!)

-1/2 cup parmesan cheese

-1/2 cup almonds (the classic recipe calls for pine nuts, I use whatever I have at hand, like almonds, or walnuts.)

-3 medium garlic cloves

-1/2 cup olive oil

-salt and pepper to taste

In a food processor add almonds and basil leaves. Give it a quick pulse so you have space to add the rest. Add parmesan and garlic. Pulse several times until everything is about the same size. Then while the processor is running add the olive oil. Add salt and pepper and give everything a quick mix with a spatula, making sure to scrape the edges so that you get all the basil that might have escaped the processor. Give it one last pulse and taste to make sure this bright flavorful goodness makes you happy.

 

How to assemble the sandwich:

Use a sturdy bread, I used whole wheat here, since the pesto is wet and oily and you want a bread that can stand up to that. Spread a thick layer of pesto on one side. Then layer turkey slices (I used normal turkey, cajun seasoned turkey, and chicken breast), cheese slices (I used yellow American), and purple lettuce. Slice in half and it is ready to eat.

Note: If you want to make it look pretty then cut sandwich in half before you add the lettuce, then add the lettuce with the pretty ruffly edges coming out of the sliced side, and voila, you have a pretty instagram picture of a cross section of your sandwich! You are welcome 😉