---
title: Tomato, Mozz & Creamy Pesto Panini
source:
  name: HelloFresh
  url: https://www.hellofresh.com/recipes/tomato-mozz-creamy-pesto-panini-660c5f809149ba03ec9b0627
servings: 2
prep time: 10 minutes
cook time: 5 minutes
time required: 15 minutes
difficulty: Easy
allergens: [Milk, Soy, Wheat]
tags: [Veggie, Quick, Easy Prep, New]
rating: 4.5
rating_count: 75
source_chef: Michelle Doll Olson
review_highlights:
  - theme: Flavor
    text: Many loved the creamy pesto and mozzarella combo, calling it delicious and flavorful.
  - theme: Ease of prep
    text: Customers praised how quick and simple this meal was to make for a fast weeknight dinner.
image: "https://images.recipes.furrysalamander.com/Vegetarian%20Recipes/Tomato/tomato-mozz-creamy-pesto-panini.avif"
---
Wash and dry produce. Drop @cream cheese{2%unit} in a glass of warm water to soften. Thinly slice @tomato{1%unit} and @fresh mozzarella{4%oz} into rounds.

In a #small bowl{}, whisk together the softened cream cheese and @pesto{2%tbsp} until combined.

Arrange 2 slices of @sourdough bread{4%unit} on a clean work surface. Spread with the creamy pesto mixture. Layer with tomato and mozzarella rounds; season with black pepper. Top with the remaining bread slices to close the sandwiches.

Melt half the @butter{2%tbsp} in a #large pan{} over medium heat. Add the sandwiches and push them around until the butter is absorbed. Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese slightly melts ~{4%minutes}. Add the remaining butter to the pan, then flip the sandwiches and push around again until absorbed. Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese fully melts ~{4%minutes}. TIP: If you have a heavy-bottomed pan, place it on top of the sandwiches as they cook for a real panini experience!

While the sandwiches toast, in a second #small bowl{}, combine half the @red wine vinegar{2%tbsp}, half the @dijon mustard{1%tsp}, @olive oil{2%tbsp}, @sugar{¼%tsp}, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Whisk to combine. In a #large bowl{}, toss @arugula{2%cup} with as much vinaigrette as you like.

Halve the paninis on a diagonal. Divide between plates and serve with the salad on the side.