Tomato Mozzarella Sandwich with Blueberry Sauce
There's nothing like a simple tomato mozzarella sandwich when fresh tomatoes are at their peak. This vegetarian recipe takes on the classic caprese combination of tomato, mozzarella, and basil, and elevates it with a delicious homemade blueberry balsamic sauce. Sweet, tangy, and a little unexpected, the sauce ties everything together for a sandwich that's great for warm weather lunches, but still satisfying enough for a summertime dinner.
If you love a good tomato mozzarella sandwich, this recipe takes everything you already enjoy and gives it a fresh upgrade. The base is inspired by a classic caprese sandwich with layers of mozzarella, tomato, and basil, but the addition of arugula and red onion makes it feel heartier and adds a nice balance of flavors.
What really sets this sandwich apart, though, is the blueberry balsamic sauce. It's a simple, two-ingredient reduction, yet it transforms the sandwich with a sweet-tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy mozzarella and juicy tomatoes. The sauce also makes a great drizzle for salads, grain bowls, pizza, or roasted vegetables. Try it with my Mediterranean Lentil Salad with Feta and Mint, Caprese Pizza, or Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Goat Cheese and Walnuts.
These sandwiches come together quickly, making them a great option for a 30-minute weeknight dinner or a simple packed lunch for work. The blueberry sauce is also a wonderful recipe to add to your meal prep routine.
For more satisfying vegetarian sandwiches, try my Crispy Tofu Wrap with Avocado and Green Goddess Sauce, Cranberry Walnut Chickpea Salad Sandwiches, Sweet Potato Hummus Sandwiches, or Fried Eggplant Sandwich with Harissa Mayo.
You can also find more plant-forward sandwiches and wraps in my free guide with 100+ nourishing meal and snack ideas.
Ingredients
These sandwiches start with soft ciabatta rolls, layered with peppery arugula, creamy fresh mozzarella, and juicy ripe tomato slices. Red onion adds a little bite, while fresh basil keeps the flavor classic. The star of the recipe is the quick blueberry balsamic reduction, which is just blueberries and balsamic vinegar simmered together until a sweet, tangy, and syrupy enough to drizzle over every bite.
Instructions
To assemble the sandwiches, layer arugula and sliced fresh mozzarella onto halved sandwich rolls, and then drizzle the Blueberry Balsamic Reduction on top.
Next, top with sliced tomato and red onion, and finish it off with a few fresh basil leaves.
Substitutions:
- Bread: Use baguette, sourdough, whole-grain sandwich bread, or gluten-free bread if needed. You can also swap in a tortilla to make this into a wrap.
- Greens: Substitute spinach or mixed greens.
- Blueberries: Use frozen blueberries or try blackberries for a twist.
- Vegan: Try sliced tofu instead of mozzarella.
- Sauce: Skip the homemade blueberry balsamic sauce and use regular balsamic glaze or a mix of olive oil and balsamic vinegar in a pinch.
Making Ahead and Storage
I love the way these sandwiches taste fresh with the warm blueberry balsamic sauce, but you can also make them ahead of time if needed. Wrap or store the assembled sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To prevent soggy bread, store the components separately and assemble right before serving.
You can also make the blueberry balsamic sauce up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat before using if desired.
FAQ
Most tomato mozzarella sandwiches include fresh mozzarella cheese, ripe tomatoes, basil, and bread. Many versions also include balsamic vinaigrette or balsamic glaze for that classic, caprese flavor. This recipe adds arugular, red onion, and a homemade blueberry balsamic sauce for extra flavor.
A caprese sandwich is based on the Italian caprese salad with tomato, mozzarella, and basil. It's often served on crusty bread with olive oil or balsamic vinegar.
Yes, this type of sandwich can be a nourishing option. Fresh mozzarella provides protein and calcium, and tomatoes and other veggie toppings add fiber and vitamins.
Overwhelmed by "What's for Dinner?"
Start with my 100+ Vegetarian Meal and Snack Ideas guide for simple, plant-forward inspiration.
📖 Recipe
Tomato Mozzarella Sandwich with Blueberry Sauce
Equipment
- saucepan
- stove
Ingredients
Blueberry Balsamic Reduction:
- ½ cup blueberries
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Tomato Mozzarella Sandwiches:
- 4 sandwich rolls (such as ciabatta rolls), halved and warmed if desired
- 1 cup baby arugula
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 8-12 fresh basil leaves
Instructions
Prepare the Blueberry Balsamic Reduction:
- Add blueberries and balsamic vinegar to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer 20 minutes, or until the volume is reduced by half. Remove from heat, add salt to taste, and set aside.
Assemble the Tomato Mozzarella Sandwiches:
- Place open sandwich rolls on a flat surface. Divide the arugula, mozzarella, and Blueberry Balsamic Reduction between the sandwich rolls. Top with tomato, red onion, and basil.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days.
These sandwiches sounds great for this weekend picnic. They look very refreshing and tasty! And this blueberry balsamic is so interesting. I am thinking that it could be prepared with other kind of berries too, what do you think?
❤ Caitlin
cleancookingcaitlin.com
Thanks, Caitlin! Yes, you could totally use other types of berries. Blackberry balsamic sounds especially delicious to me! 🙂