Ham + Asparagus Picnic Sandwiches

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Ham and Asparagus Picnic Sandwiches // @HealthyDelish

Last week, I wrote about how I was determined to squeeze every last bit of summer out of the weekend. I definitely succeeded – it was one of the best weekends I’ve had in a long time! From dinner at our favorite lakeside shack to a long drive in the country, a trip to the driving range, and a double feature at the drive-in, we definitely crammed a ton in! We planned to bring a picnic dinner – including these sandwiches – to a free play in the park on Sunday, but thunderstorms ended up keeping us home. Which was just as well, since we were exhausted from Saturday’s activities. A day of napping on the couch was perfect. We had a living room picnic instead!

I love bringing these ham and asparagus sandwiches on picnics because they hold up really well (the crusty ciabatta rolls don’t get soggy) and the flavors get even better after they’ve had a chance to mingle for a little while in the picnic basket. They’re also really hearty. You don’t need to add anything in order to make them into a satisfying meal (a hand full of chips to round things out doesn’t hurt though.)

Ham and Asparagus Picnic Sandwiches // @HealthyDelish

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So, what’s packed in there? Ham (I used Jones Dairy Farm slices), pecorino romano cheese (it has a ton of flavor, so a little goes a long way), shaved red onion, roasted red pepper, asparagus, arugula, and a really fantastic dressing made with balsamic vinegar and a ton of dried herbs. Everything works together so well and the flavors just sing! I know asparagus on a sandwich seems weird, but trust me on this one. I don’t even know what possessed me to try it the first time – I think I just had some leftover from dinner the night before – but I’m completely hooked. I put it on all sorts of sandwiches now, but I especially love it with ham.

Speaking of ham… and Jones… they recently launched an online cookbook to celebrate their 125th anniversary. It’s completely gorgeous and full of really great recipes – including a few of mine! It’s so fun to see my recipes and photos in book format. If you love ham, bacon, sausage, or anything pork related, definitely go check it out!

Ham and Asparagus Picnic Sandwiches // @HealthyDelish

Ham + Asparagus Picnic Sandwiches

Ham + Asparagus Picnic Sandwiches

Yield: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Crusty ciabatta rolls stand up well to the ingredients in these sandwiches and won't get soggy in your picnic basket. If you can't find ciabatta, substitute another crusty roll or baguette. If you prefer to use softer rolls, pack the dressing separately and add it to the sandwiches just before eating.

Ingredients

For the dressing:

  • 3 tablespoons [b]balsamic vinegar[/b]
  • 2 tablespoons [b]olive oil[/b]
  • 1 [b]garlic clove[/b], minced
  • 1 teaspoon [b]crushed dried rosemary[/b]
  • 1 teaspoon [b]dried oregano
  • [/b]1/2 teaspoon [b]thyme[/b]
  • 1 pinch [b]red pepper flakes[/b]
  • 1 pinch [b]sea salt[/b][br]

For the sandwiches:

  • 1/2 pound [b]asparagus[/b]
  • 4 [b]ciabatta rolls[/b], split
  • 8 ounces [b]Jones Dairy Farm® Ham Slices[/b]
  • 2 ounces [b]pecorino romano cheese[/b], shaved
  • 1/2 small [b]red onion[/b], sliced very thinly (about 1 cup)
  • 4 roasted [b]red peppers[/b] (from a small jar)
  • 1 cup [b]arugula[/b]

Instructions

  2. Combine the dressing ingredients in a small bowl or jar. Set aside.
  3. Bring a shallow pot of water to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook 1 minute, or until they turn bright green. Drain and immediately run under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  4. Spread 2 teaspoons of dressing on the bottom half of each roll. Top with ham, cheese, onion, roasted red pepper, asparagus, and arugula. Cover with the top half of the roll.
© Lauren Keating
Ham + Asparagus Picnic Sandwiches 1

I created this recipe for my client, Jones Dairy Farm. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the companies that help keep me inspired in the kitchen!

 

 

Comments

  8. Lora @cakeduchess says

    08/04 at 8:44 pm

    I’d have one for lunch and then again for dinner…love this fun summer sandwich!!

    Reply

  14. Ginny McMeans says

    08/04 at 2:01 pm

    You had such a fun weekend and your picnic sandwiches aren’t too shabby either! Thank you!

    Reply

  17. Kim (Feed Me, Seymour) says

    08/04 at 12:10 pm

    Your weekend sounds absolutely perfect! I haven’t been to a drive-in ever. I don’t think there are even any around us. And also, I adore these sandwiches! They look perfect!

    Reply

  18. Kim Beaulieu says

    08/02 at 12:08 am

    Dude, seriously, I’ll be right over. This is the bomb. I love sandwiches like this. Loaded with so much good stuff. Asparagus rocks my world. I had no idea it was so good, just started eating it in my 40’s. Crazy right.

    I’m not sure if Jones is Canadian friendly or not. If not I’ll be buzzing over to the states soon so I’ll pick some up to try. Always looking for quality products. If you love them, I guarantee I will too.

    Reply

  20. Marly says

    08/01 at 3:40 pm

    I’m vegetarian/vegan so I would leave out the ham and enjoy the asparagus and other tasty toppings on the picnic sandwich!

    Reply

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