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Meat, Busy evenings

Ham and mozzarella paninis with green salad

Ham and mozzarella paninis with green salad are a hot sandwich for 4 people, ready in 25 minutes, very easy to make, at about €2.80 per person. The trick is drying the mozzarella and tomatoes before filling the bread, otherwise it turns soggy during cooking.

I've got you golden paninis with stretchy mozzarella and ham tucked right in, plus a fresh salad on the side.

Ham and mozzarella paninis with green salad
Total time
25 min
Difficulty
Very easy
Cost per person
€2.80
Calories per person
550 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Season
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
The kids
They generally like it

A panini gets its crunch from the hot press and its gooey center from mozzarella melting between slices of ham. Tomato adds just enough acidity, and basil lifts the whole thing without weighing it down. You eat it hot, straight off the press, for that contrast between golden crust and molten inside.

This is the recipe for nights when you have neither the time nor the patience for pots and pans, but still want something warm and comforting. Kids love the stretchy cheese, adults appreciate the salad that balances the plate. It works just as well on a rushed Tuesday as on a lazy Sunday lunch.

The ingredients

4 people

Bakery

  • Panini or ciabatta rolls 4

Butcher

  • Ham slices 4 slices

Dairy

  • Mozzarella 250 g

Fruits and vegetables

  • Tomatoes 2
  • Basil 8 sprigs
  • Green salad 1

Pantry

  • Olive oiloften in the pantry 4 tbsp
  • Balsamic vinegaroften in the pantry 1 tbsp
  • Saltoften in the pantry 1 pinch
  • Pepperoften in the pantry 1 pinch

Allergens Gluten, Lactose

The step by step recipe

  1. Slice the mozzarella and tomatoes into rounds, and drain them on paper towels.

    Lightly salt the tomatoes and let them sit for ten minutes, they release water and gain flavor.

  2. Open the rolls in half, drizzle each side with a bit of olive oil, and layer in ham, tomato, mozzarella, and basil.

    Put the mozzarella against the bread and the tomatoes in the middle, that way the moisture doesn't soak through.

  3. Heat the panini press or a heavy skillet, place the sandwiches in and press them down. 8 min

    Without a press, set a heavy pot on top of the paninis in the skillet and flip halfway through.

  4. Meanwhile, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper, and dress the salad.

    The balsamic already gives enough richness, you can almost skip the mustard.

  5. Cut the paninis in half on a diagonal and serve them straight from the press with the salad.

    Let them rest a minute, the cheese won't burn your tongue.

Our tips to get it right

  • Pick a roll that isn't too thick, it should stay crispy while still letting the cheese heat all the way through.
  • Don't overstuff the paninis, too much filling keeps the press from flattening and browning them evenly.
  • No panini press? A hot skillet with something heavy on top works just as well.

The variations

  • Swap the ham for sliced cooked chicken for a change of protein.
  • For a vegetarian version, skip the ham and add a few slices of grilled pepper or eggplant.
  • For kids in a hurry, cut the rolls smaller and serve mini paninis with just ham and mozzarella.

What to serve it with

  • The green salad already included
  • Fresh juice for the kids
  • Homemade chips for bigger appetites

Storage

Paninis are best eaten right away, the bread loses its crunch as it cools. If needed, keep the raw ingredients separate in the fridge for up to a day and assemble at the last minute. Already assembled paninis keep for one day covered, but they'll be less crispy once reheated in a pan.

Questions about this dish

Can you prep paninis ahead of time?

You can slice the mozzarella, tomatoes, and fill the rolls in advance, but it's best to press them right before serving. A panini pressed too early loses its crunch as it cools.

What cheese works well instead of mozzarella?

Shredded Swiss or Gruyere melts just as well and adds more flavor. Mozzarella is still the better choice if you want that classic stretchy panini pull.

Can you freeze ham and mozzarella paninis?

It's not recommended, tomato and mozzarella release water as they thaw and the bread turns mushy. It's better to make them right before eating.

How do you keep the bread from getting soggy?

Pat the mozzarella dry and lightly salt the tomatoes before draining them, excess moisture is what softens the bread. Drizzling olive oil instead of butter also helps keep the crust dry.

How long does it take to make ham and mozzarella paninis with a green salad?

Count 25 min in total, prep and cooking included. The recipe is rated “very easy”.

How many calories are in ham and mozzarella paninis with a green salad?

About 550 kcal per serving, for a recipe meant for 4 people. Calories are calculated by Kiloach, your weight coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does ham and mozzarella paninis with a green salad cost?

About €2.80 per serving, or €11.20 for 4 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains gluten, lactose. Always check the labels of the products you buy.

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