A Healthier Panini

Ingredients

• Paninis:
• Whole wheat bread, 8 slices
• Arugula
• Mozzarella Cheese
• Balsamic Vinegar
• Tomatoes
• 
  
• Pesto:
• 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
• 2 cloves garlic
• ¼ cup pine nuts
• 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• Salt & pepper
• ½ cup freshly grated Pecorino cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the pesto. Combine basil, garlic, and pine nuts in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped. Add ½ cup of the oil and process until fully incorporated and smooth. If you don’t have a food processor, chop finely by hand. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer the pesto to a large serving bowl and mix in the cheese.
2. Slice the mozzarella and tomatoes.
3. Assemble sandwiches - spread pesto on bread, layer mozzarella, tomatoes, and arugula. Cook sandwiches in the panini press or on a stovetop. For the stovetop, heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place 2 paninis in the pan. Cook on 1 side weighted down with a spatula. Then flip. Cook until cheese is melted.