^{This post has been sponsored by Mark T. Wendell. All opinions expressed are my own.}

Today we’re kicking off the Spring Season with a recipe that deliciously encapsulates the freshness and vibrancy of the season. As the days grow longer and the weather begins to warm, there is no better way to celebrate the arrival of spring than with a delectable Spring Picnic Sandwich paired with a refreshing Iced Tea.

The idea behind this sandwich was to capture the season's bounty, and so we packed it full with a variety of crisp, colorful ingredients. From vine-ripe tomatoes, microgreens, fresh sprouts, and hardy bread, to butter pickles, velvety provolone, and a zesty homemade pesto.

And what better way to complete this springtime portrait than with a tall glass of cool, citrus-infused Iced Tea? And that, of course, is where our longtime friends over at Mark T. Wendell come in. We’re pairing today’s sandwich with Mark T. Wendell’s Garden Basket Fruit Tisane, which is 100% caffeine-free. This particular tea is a luscious combination of fruit and herbs, featuring chunks of blackcurrant, apple, and blackberry, along with sour cherry and raspberry pieces. The tea also features floral and herbal notes from a mixture of rosehips and hibiscus flowers.

Now, without further introduction, let's dive right in. Below, we will be providing you with an ingredient list to make sure that you have everything you need, as well as prep tips and pairing suggestions.

Ingredient Checklist – Everything You’ll Need

Spring Salad Sandwich Ingredients:

6 slices sourdough bread
- Notes: I recommend a crusty, hardy bread, such as ciabatta, whole wheat, or multigrain.
Mayonnaise, for spreading
- Notes: Purely preference, use your preferred sandwich spread.
Pesto, for spreading
- Notes: I’m using homemade, but store-bought works fine, as long as it is fresh tasting and basil-forward.
Handful of microgreens and sprouts
- Notes: Use a mix of your favorite microgreens and sprouts for added flavor and texture.
2 vine-ripe tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes, sliced
- Notes: Not a whole lot to say here, other than to choose ripe, juicy tomatoes.
Bread and butter pickle slices
- Notes: I suggest a pickle that isn’t too sharp or sour, and I feel that bread and butter suits that description nicely.
Sliced provolone
- Notes: You can use any cheese of your choice, such as cheddar or Swiss.
- Tip: Fresh mozzarella would work deliciously here.
Sliced deli salami
- Notes: Omit for a vegetarian version or substitute with sliced turkey or ham.

Iced Tea Ingredients:

3 tablespoons Mark T. Wendell Garden Basket Fruit Tisane
- Notes: The star of the show, and how we bring the flavors of spring to the table. Mark T. Wendell’s Garden Basket Fruit Tisane is a delightful combination of fruit and herbs. The tea features chunks of apple, blackberry, blackcurrant, sour cherry pieces, and raspberry, mixed with rosehips and hibiscus flowers. This tea is 100% caffeine-free and doesn’t contain any actual tea leaves – as the name implies, it is a fruit basket!
- Tip: Brewing couldn’t be simpler. Just steep the tea in cold water, for 4-5 minutes, and savor the sweet tang of berries and the refreshing hibiscus notes. The end result is a cup that is perfect for those seeking the vibrant and refreshing flavors of spring.
32 ounces of filtered water
- Notes: The directions for the tea suggest boiling the water before steeping the tea in it, just be sure to let the water chill.
2 tablespoons white sugar
- Notes: Completely optional. Adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste preferences, or use honey or agave syrup as a natural sweetener.
Ice
- Notes: Feel free to get fancy with the ice, such as with specially shaped cubes or with flowers frozen into the ice.
1 orange, sliced thin
- Notes: Adds a citrusy flavor and visual appeal to the iced tea.
Fresh basil leaves
- Notes: Adds a refreshing herbal aroma and flavor to the iced tea.

Recipe Variations – Getting Creative

Vegetarian Option: Omit the deli salami from the sandwich and add grilled or roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant for a hearty and flavorful vegetarian alternative. These would pair deliciously with the pesto.
Gluten-Free Version: Yes, your choice of gluten-free bread or wraps for the sandwich all work just fine. For the iced tea, skip the sweetener or use a gluten-free sweetener option.
Vegan Alternative: Substitute vegan mayonnaise and cheese for the sandwich, and replace the deli salami with marinated tofu or tempeh slices.
Mediterranean Twist: Swap the pesto for tzatziki sauce and the salami for slices of grilled chicken or lamb. Add sliced cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese to the sandwich for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile. This works especially well if preparing the sandwich in a pita pocket.
Caprese Variation: Replace the salami with fresh mozzarella cheese, and layer the sandwich with ripe tomato slices, basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Serve alongside a Caprese salad with sliced tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil. Delish!
Asian-Inspired Variation: Use Asian-style pickles such as pickled daikon and carrots instead of bread and butter pickles. Add sliced avocado, cucumber, and sprouts to the sandwich.

Pairing Suggestions – Completing the Picture

Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and pineapple would pair deliciously alongside the savory flavors of the sandwich, providing some nice contrast.
Side Salad: A light side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a vinaigrette would provide a nice seasonal side to the sandwich.
Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad with colorful vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, and olives, tossed in a creamy dressing, would perfectly complement the sandwich.
Caprese Skewers: Skewers of cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves drizzled with balsamic glaze would offer a delightful burst of flavor, as well as play to the spring season theme of the sandwich and tea.
Cheese Plate: A selection of artisan cheeses, crackers, and sliced baguettes offers a sophisticated accompaniment to the meal, allowing guests to customize their sandwich experience.
Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant provide a smoky and savory addition to the meal, highlighting the flavors of the season.
Gazpacho Soup: A chilled gazpacho soup made with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and herbs would offer a refreshing and light option for a starter or side dish.

Spring Picnic Sandwiches with Garden Basket Iced Tea

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5 from 13 reviews

Author: Living the Gourmet
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 3 sandwiches 1x

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Ingredients

Units Scale

For the sandwich:

6 slices sourdough bread
Mayonnaise, for spreading
Pesto, for spreading
Handful of microgreens and sprouts
2 vine ripe tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes, sliced
Bread and butter pickle slices
Sliced provolone
Sliced deli salami

For the iced tea:

3 tablespoons Mark T. Wendell Garden Basket Fruit Tisane
32 ounces filtered water
2 tablespoons white sugar
Ice
1 orange sliced thin
Fresh basil leaves

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Instructions

For the tea, bring 32 ounces of water to a boil.
Add the tea and stir. Let steep and cool completely.
Pour the cooled tea into a pitcher, and stir in sugar or honey if desired for added sweetness.
Add ice and garnish with orange slices and basil leaves.

For the sandwiches:

Brush the slices of bread with mayonnaise on each side. Toast both sides until lightly golden.
Spread the pesto on the toasted bread then add two slices of provolone. Add just a touch of water to the surface of the griddle then cover the bread until the cheese has melted.
Once the cheese has melted, add the rest of the toppings: 2 slices salami, 3 slices tomato, 2 slices of pickles, and a generous handful of microgreens, respectively. Fold the sandwich over and press gently for about 30 seconds.
Repeat the process if serving more sandwiches.
Serve alongside the iced tea and enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

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And that’s our Spring Salad Sandwich, courtesy of Mark T Wendell. Be sure to head over to Mark T. Wendell and check out all of their delicious teas. If you enjoyed today’s post, be sure to like, share, and subscribe, it helps us more than you can know.

As always, if you have any questions or suggestions, be sure to let us know in the comments below. We always love hearing from you.

Be sure to try out Mark T. Wendell’s Tea Company, or any of their other delicious tea varieties, you won’t be disappointed, I promise!

**Don't forget that today and always, you can get 15% off any Mark T. Wendell order of $50 or more when you use the code 'LivingtheGourmet' at checkout!

Spring Picnic Sandwiches with Garden Basket Iced Tea

Ingredient Checklist – Everything You’ll Need

Recipe Variations – Getting Creative

Pairing Suggestions – Completing the Picture

Spring Picnic Sandwiches with Garden Basket Iced Tea

Ingredients

Instructions

More Sandwiches & Wraps

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Ingredient Checklist – Everything You’ll Need

Recipe Variations – Getting Creative

Pairing Suggestions – Completing the Picture

Ingredients

Instructions

More Sandwiches & Wraps

Comments

Leave a Comment Cancel reply