There is something timeless about a great panini, and this one delivers without any of the guilt that usually comes with it. Lean deli roast beef gets layered onto a Costco ciabatta roll with provolone and Dijon, then pressed on a grill pan until the cheese melts and the bread turns golden and slightly crisp at the edges. Alongside it, a simple tomato mozzarella cucumber salad with red wine vinaigrette adds freshness and keeps the plate feeling light. We intentionally make double the components tonight so Tuesday’s cold lunch is already handled. Cold deli meat over spring mix is genuinely excellent the next day, no reheating needed.
Ingredients
- 1 pack Costco ciabatta rolls (1 full roll per Him/Son; ½ roll for Her)
- ¼ lb lean deli roast beef
- ¼ lb Provolone, sliced
- Dijon mustard, to taste
- Fresh arugula or baby spring mix, a handful per sandwich
- Tomato Mozzarella Cucumber Salad
- 2 Roma or vine tomatoes, sliced
- 1 large cucumber, sliced thin
- 1 × 8 oz ball fresh mozzarella, sliced (buy 4 oz if smaller size needed)
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp Italian herbs
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Preparation
- Split the ciabatta rolls. Spread Dijon on both cut sides. Layer lean roast beef, provolone, and a small handful of arugula on the bottom half. Close the sandwich.
- Heat a grill pan or panini press over medium-high heat and coat lightly with cooking spray. Press the panini and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and the cheese has melted. Press down firmly if using a regular grill pan.
- For the salad, layer the chopped tomatoes, cucumber, and fresh mozzarella in a bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over the salad.
- Portion the panini by ciabatta roll size and roast beef weight. Serve the salad alongside. Make DOUBLE the panini components tonight — pack the extra roast beef and provolone separately for Tuesday’s cold lunch over spring mix.
Notes
- Portions: Him full ciabatta + 4 oz roast beef + 1.5 slices provolone + salad (~640 cal) | Son same (~640 cal) | Her ½ ciabatta + 2.5 oz roast beef + 1 slice provolone + salad (~450 cal)
