It’s August again, and you know what that means: it’s National Sandwich Month!
Here at Primo Oils and Vinegars, we love a good sandwich, but we’d enjoy it even more if it were delectable and guilt-free. Yes, there are more ways than ever to enjoy a sandwich.
However, using quality ingredients would make it not only tastier but healthier, so you can indulge guilt-free over and over again. So in this blog, we’d love for everyone to enjoy a few inspired recipes when building their own ultimate sandwich combo.
Let’s get started!
Sandwich ingredients you’ll need
Vinegar: The acidity of vinegar delivers a bright, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of meat and cheese. Avoid overly strong options like balsamic that might overpower the sandwich.
Instead, we recommend milder, less complex vinegars, such as white wine vinegar, which are gentler than the typical vinegars used in cooking. You can also add in pickled items, like our bread and butter pickles, to add a vinegary crunch to each bite.
Oil: If you haven’t noticed already, we LOVE olive oil in everything. We even have a dedicated guide that covers the extensive health benefits of EVOO, but simply put, it’s good for you thanks to its natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
For most of the recipes below, we recommend using a mild-tasting olive oil (like herb-infused varieties, such as Basil EVOO or Oregano EVOO) so it doesn’t overpower the sandwich. The goal is to build with high-quality ingredients that complement one another. Rather, reserve the bolder EVOOs for recipes where their intensity can truly shine.
Sugar: By sugar, we mean anything sweet that helps tone down the tanginess of vinegar and balance the overall flavor of the dressing. This could be your usual store-bought jelly or, for something fancy, one of Janet’s Finest Compotes.
Cheese: Cheese gives the sandwich a boost of creaminess, flavor, and richness. Choose from parmesan, provolone, or mozzarella to add depth to your ultimate sandwich combo.
Seasonings: To further refine your sandwich, add Primo’s pantry staples like pickles, beets, sauces, and store-bought or homemade Italian seasoning. These little touches elevate the overall flavor and make each bite much more satisfying.
Whip up something special: the ultimate Italian sandwich
We love a good sub, especially if it’s tasty, filling, and made healthier! This lighter twist is a go-to we like when we’re craving a better deli fix. To create this wholesome Italian sub, you’ll need:
Start by drizzling balsamic vinegar and olive oil over the top half of the bread. This simple step adds flavor, moisture, and a rich, tangy base. On the bottom half, spread a generous layer of olive tapenade or pesto to build a savory foundation.
Next, layer on sliced salami and your chosen cheeses for a savory structure. Then add roasted red pepper, tomato slices, artichoke hearts, basil, and seasonings to balance the richness with freshness. Each ingredient works together to create depth while keeping the sub lighter than most deli versions.
Place the top half of the bread back on and wrap the sandwich tightly with plastic wrap. Set another rimmed baking sheet on top and weigh it down with cans. Refrigerate for two hours to compress the layers and meld the flavors. Once chilled, unwrap, slice, serve, and enjoy your healthier Italian sub!
Something simple: the Marv’n’Joe Sandwich
This sandwich is a fan favorite in Utah thanks to its simple pantry ingredients, nourishing taste, and 5-minute prep time. Quick, healthy, and incredibly satisfying. Now we’re here to spread the love to you! To make two Marv’n’Joe sandwiches, you’ll need:
-1large slice of sourdough bread, cut horizontally
-2 large slices of heirloom tomato
-2 slices of provolone cheese
-Shaved Parmesan cheese
-1 teaspoon olive oil
-1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
-2 tablespoons garlic butter
Prepare the tomato by drizzling olive oil and vinegar directly onto it instead of the bread. This allows the tomato to soak in flavor and prevents slipping. Adding provolone cheese on top and melting it helps secure the tomato firmly in place.
Place the bread on a baking sheet and spread garlic butter evenly over each slice. If you don’t have garlic butter, simply use butter and sprinkle garlic salt for the same effect. This creates a savory base while helping the bread toast perfectly in the oven. Alternatively, you can use garlic olive oil instead for a lighter touch.
Top each slice of bread with a fresh tomato, then drizzle again with olive oil and vinegar. Add another layer of provolone, sprinkle Parmesan over the top, and bake until melted and golden.
Plate, serve, and enjoy! Did we mention this is good for a second helping or even shared with a loved one?
Making the ultimate breakfast PBJ sandwich
If you don’t have cheese with you (or are lactose intolerant), a classic PB&J sandwich is the perfect quick-fix snack for the day. However, since we’re using higher-quality ingredients, this is two levels up compared to your regular PB and J. The secret to a better PB&J is in the actual peanut butter and jelly itself. To make the ultimate PBJ sandwich serving for one, you need:
-2 slices of whole-grain bread
-Peanut butter or one of our high-quality, gourmet nut butters. We specifically recommend Almond and Walnut, Pumpkin Seed, or Cashew & Maple syrup for your breakfast PB&Js.
-Choice of jelly or jam. You can even try it with our compotes if you’re feeling adventurous.
Start by mixing the peanut butter with a pinch of cinnamon and chia seeds in a small bowl. This simple step adds extra flavor and texture. Next, heat a small pan over medium heat, melt the coconut oil, and cook the banana slices until they are golden and caramelized.
Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over one slice of bread, then layer it with the caramelized bananas. Add sliced strawberries and crushed peanuts if desired for more sweetness and crunch. Place the second slice of bread on top, slice it in half, and enjoy your upgraded breakfast PBJ!
Ready to build your ultimate sandwich?
Whether you need to repurpose leftovers or want to whip up something special, there’s always a way to reinvent your ultimate sandwich. As we said above, there are more ways than one to enjoy a good sandwich. You just need to make the most of what you have!
And if your pantry stock is running low, we recommend checking out the Pantry Items on our Primo Shop and having them delivered to your home. Better yet, swing by one of our Farmer’s Market stands in Louisville! Not only can you see and feel our pantry items in person, you can also sample them before you buy.
