Ultimate Turkey and Spinach Monte Cristo
Elevate your lunch game with this Ultimate Turkey and Spinach Monte Cristo! This deliciously satisfying sandwich features thinly sliced turkey breast seasoned to perfection, layered between whole wheat bread and fresh spinach, all crowned with creamy low-fat Swiss cheese. Dipped in a light egg and milk mixture, then pan-seared to golden-brown perfection, this Monte Cristo is a delightful blend of flavors that will impress your taste buds. Perfect for a cozy lunch at home or a snack on the go, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Serve it with pickles, chips, or fresh fruit for the ideal meal any time of day.
N/A
Servings
255
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Turkey breast, scaloppini
1/2 lb (thinly sliced and pounded thin)
Vegetable oil
2 teaspoons (1 tsp for cooking turkey, remaining for sautéing)
Oregano, dried
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Sea salt
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Egg white
1 (none)
Skim milk
1 tablespoon (none)
Cayenne pepper (optional)
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons (none)
Whole wheat bread
4 slices (none)
Fresh spinach leaves
3/4 cup (washed)
Small pear (optional)
1 (thinly sliced)
Low-fat Swiss cheese
2 ounces (sliced)
Instructions
1
Begin by marinating the turkey breast in a bowl with vegetable oil, dried oregano, sea salt, and pepper. Ensure the turkey is well-coated and set aside to absorb the flavors.
2
Heat a non-stick sauté pan over medium heat. Spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray.
3
Add the turkey to the pan and cook for approximately 3 minutes on each side or until lightly browned and cooked through. Once done, remove from the heat and transfer to a plate.
4
In a shallow dish, combine the egg white, skim milk, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of sea salt and pepper. Whisk until well mixed.
5
Spread about 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard on one side of each of the 4 slices of whole wheat bread.
6
On 2 slices of the bread (mustard side up), layer fresh spinach leaves, sliced pear (if desired), the cooked turkey breast, and finally the low-fat Swiss cheese.
7
Top each sandwich with the remaining slices of bread, mustard side down.
8
In the same skillet, heat the remaining teaspoon of oil over medium heat. Carefully dip each sandwich in the egg/milk mixture, ensuring both sides are coated.
9
Place the sandwiches in the hot pan and sauté each for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
10
Once cooked, remove from the skillet, cut in half, and serve warm with pickles, chips, or fruit, and enjoy your relaxed meal!
Nutrition Information
10 g
Fat
18 g
Carbs
22.5 g
Protein
4 g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Turkey and Spinach Monte Cristo?
It is a satisfying sandwich featuring thinly sliced turkey breast, fresh spinach, and low-fat Swiss cheese on whole wheat bread, dipped in an egg mixture and pan-seared until golden-brown.
How many calories are in one serving of this Monte Cristo?
This recipe contains approximately 255 calories per serving.
What are the main ingredients for the turkey marinade?
The turkey is marinated with vegetable oil, dried oregano, sea salt, and black pepper.
What kind of bread is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 slices of whole wheat bread.
How is the turkey breast prepared before cooking?
The turkey breast should be scaloppini style, which means it is thinly sliced and pounded thin.
What is included in the egg wash mixture?
The mixture consists of one egg white, skim milk, cayenne pepper (optional), and a pinch of sea salt and pepper.
How much protein does this sandwich provide?
This Monte Cristo is high in protein, providing 22.5 g per serving.
What type of cheese is used in this healthy version?
The recipe uses 2 ounces of sliced low-fat Swiss cheese.
Can I add fruit inside the sandwich?
Yes, adding a thinly sliced small pear is an optional suggestion that provides a unique flavor profile.
How long should I cook the turkey in the pan?
The turkey should be cooked for approximately 3 minutes on each side until lightly browned and cooked through.
What type of mustard is used as a spread?
The recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard.
How long do I sauté the assembled sandwiches?
Sauté the sandwiches for about 5 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Is the cayenne pepper necessary?
No, the 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper is optional and can be omitted if you prefer no heat.
How much fat is in this Monte Cristo recipe?
The recipe contains 10 g of fat.
What are the carbohydrate and fiber counts?
It contains 18 g of carbohydrates and 4 g of fiber.
What should I serve with the Turkey and Spinach Monte Cristo?
It pairs well with pickles, chips, or fresh fruit.
Is this recipe considered quick to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a quick meal, perfect for a cozy lunch.
Do I use the whole egg for the dipping mixture?
The recipe specifically calls for one egg white to keep the meal lighter.
How much spinach is needed?
You will need 3/4 cup of washed fresh spinach leaves.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to marinate the turkey breast in vegetable oil, oregano, sea salt, and pepper.
Should the pan be greased before cooking the turkey?
Yes, you should lightly spray a non-stick sauté pan with cooking spray.
How do I apply the mustard to the bread?
Spread about 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard on one side of each of the 4 bread slices.
In what order do I layer the sandwich ingredients?
Layer the spinach, sliced pear (if using), cooked turkey, and finally the Swiss cheese on the mustard side of the bread.
How do I ensure the sandwich is coated in the egg mixture?
Carefully dip each assembled sandwich into the shallow dish containing the egg and milk mixture, ensuring both sides are coated.
What is the purpose of using whole wheat bread?
Whole wheat bread is used to increase fiber content and provide a healthier profile compared to white bread.
Can I use skim milk in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1 tablespoon of skim milk for the egg wash.
What temperature should I use for sautéing the sandwiches?
The sandwiches should be sautéed over medium heat.
Is this recipe suitable for a snack?
Yes, it is tagged as both a lunch item and a snack.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
The recipe consists of 13 ingredients.
How should I serve the sandwich once it's finished?
Once golden brown and the cheese is melted, remove it from the skillet, cut it in half, and serve it warm.