Best 5 Grilled Veggie Sandwiches With Cilantro Pesto Recipes

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Embark on a culinary journey with our Grilled Veggie Sandwiches with Cilantro Pesto, a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This delectable sandwich features an array of grilled vegetables, including zucchini, red bell pepper, and mushrooms, nestled between toasted bread slices. The star of the show is the vibrant cilantro pesto, a herbaceous and aromatic sauce that adds a burst of freshness to each bite. Served with a side of mixed greens and balsamic vinaigrette, this sandwich is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more. Additionally, we offer a delightful variation using grilled chicken or tofu for a protein-packed option that caters to various dietary preferences. And for those seeking a vegan alternative, our recipe for Vegan Grilled Veggie Sandwiches with Avocado Pesto is a plant-based delight that delivers on both taste and nutrition. Whichever variation you choose, prepare to savor a sandwich that celebrates the beauty of fresh, seasonal ingredients and leaves you feeling satisfied and invigorated.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

GRILLED SUMMER VEGETABLE SANDWICHES WITH PESTO



Grilled Summer Vegetable Sandwiches with Pesto image

Summer in a sandwich! Zucchini, summer squash, and red bell pepper doused in balsamic-thyme marinade, grilled to perfection, and then piled onto pesto-smeared artisan rolls. For a shortcut, consider using your favorite store-bought pesto.

Provided by Kare for Kitchen Treaty

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 21

2-3 small to medium zucchini (1 pound)
2-3 small to medium summer squash or yellow squash (1 pound)
1 large red bell pepper
4 ciabatta sandwich rolls (or your favorite artisan sandwich roll)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup olive oil
2 medium cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (chopped)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Zest from one lemon (about 2 teaspoons (you'll use the juice in the pesto))
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt + more to taste
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper + more to taste
1/3 cup walnuts
3 cups loosely packed fresh basil
2 medium cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast flakes or grated Parmesan (optional*)
1/3 cup olive oil

Steps:

  • Slice the zucchini and summer squash lengthwise, 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick. Cut the bell pepper into 1-inch wide strips. Lay in a roomy baking dish.
  • Make the marinade. In a small bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients. Taste and add additional salt and pepper if desired. Pour over the veggies and toss gently. Let sit for about 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, make the pesto. First, toast the walnuts (an optional but worthwhile step - toasting adds wonderful flavor). To toast, set a small pan over medium heat and add the walnuts. Stir frequently until golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add to the pitcher of a blender or a food processor fitted with the s-blade. Add the basil, garlic, thyme, lemon juice, nutritional yeast or Parmesan if using, and salt. Turn on the blender or food processor, streaming in the olive oil as it runs, until a sauce forms. Taste pesto and add additional salt if desired.
  • Prepare your grill - medium direct heat, about 375 degrees. Lay the vegetables on the preheated grill grates and cook until grill lines form, about 5 minutes. Flip (we like to use long-handled tongs) and cook on the other side until tender and cooked through, about 5 more minutes. Transfer from the grill to a platter. Keep the grill on to quickly toast the rolls.
  • Slice the rolls in half and brush the insides with the 2 tablespoons olive oil. Lay the rolls cut-side down on the grill and cook just until warmed and a little golden and toasty. Remove from grill.
  • Assemble the sandwiches. Smear both sides of the roll with approx. 1 tablespoon of pesto on each side (more or less to taste). Add a layer of zucchini, summer squash, and two or three strips of the pepper. Close, cut in half, and serve!

GRILLED VEGETABLE PESTO SANDWICHES



Grilled Vegetable Pesto Sandwiches image

Grilling isn't just the pastime of meat eaters! Ask my vegetarian family members who love these wholesome sammies slathered with prepared pesto and stacked with char-kissed summer produce. -Tanya Mehta, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 40m

Yield 2 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 medium zucchini
1 yellow summer squash
1 medium sweet red pepper, quartered
1 medium onion, cut into 1/2-inch slices
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons butter, softened
2 ciabatta rolls, split
2 tablespoons prepared pesto
4 slices Asiago cheese
1/2 cup spring mix salad greens
6 large fresh basil leaves

Steps:

  • Slice zucchini and summer squash lengthwise into 1/4-in.-thick slices. Place in a large bowl with red pepper, onion, oil, paprika, garlic powder, vinegar, salt and pepper; toss to coat. , Grill vegetables on an oiled rack, covered, over medium heat, until crisp-tender, 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove and keep warm. Spread softened butter over cut sides of rolls. Grill rolls, cut side down, over medium heat until toasted, 30-60 seconds., To assemble, spread pesto over roll bottoms. Layer with zucchini, squash, red pepper and onion. Top with cheese. Grill, covered, until cheese is melted, 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat; top with salad mix and basil. Replace roll top. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 748 calories, Fat 37g fat (15g saturated fat), Cholesterol 58mg cholesterol, Sodium 1476mg sodium, Carbohydrate 91g carbohydrate (15g sugars, Fiber 9g fiber), Protein 23g protein.

GREAT GRILLED VEGETABLE SANDWICH



Great Grilled Vegetable Sandwich image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 12m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 Japanese eggplant sliced on an angle in half-inch thick slices
1 small zucchini sliced on an angle in half-inch thick slices
1 red pepper cut in quarters lengthwise
1 small red onion cut into 4 slices
2 portobello mushroom caps
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper
8 slices crusty peasant style bread cut 1/2-inch thick
4 pieces red leaf lettuce
Herbed Mayonnaise, recipe follows
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 lemon, juiced
A few drop hot sauce
1 garlic clove, crushed and skin removed
2 tablespoons thyme leaves
2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley leaves
2 tablespoons chopped chives

Steps:

  • Using a pastry brush, brush olive oil on the vegetable slices and the portobello mushrooms. Season them with salt and pepper. Place vegetables on a hot grill and cook until they are tender. Once vegetables are done brush sliced bread with olive oil and grill on both sides. To assemble, slice portobellos into 1/4-inch slices, spread both sides of the grilled bread with Herbed Mayonnaise and then top with 1 slice each of grilled vegetables and a quarter of the mushrooms, and finish off with lettuce and top with remaining piece of bread.
  • Combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse.

GRILLED CAULIFLOWER WITH CILANTRO PESTO



Grilled Cauliflower with Cilantro Pesto image

Provided by Valerie Bertinelli

Categories     side-dish

Time 50m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 large head cauliflower, cut into 1- to 2-inch florets (about 6 cups)
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Cilantro Pesto, recipe follows
Cotija cheese and cilantro leaves, for serving
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon lime zest and 3 tablespoons lime juice, from 1 to 2 limes
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 clove garlic, smashed and peeled
2 cups packed cilantro leaves
1 cup roasted and unsalted cashews
1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high.
  • Add the cauliflower, olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper to a large mixing bowl. Toss to coat the cauliflower. Transfer to a grill basket and grill, tossing occasionally, until the cauliflower is charred in places and softened, about 10 minutes. (This can alternatively be done on an indoor grill pan.)
  • Transfer the grilled cauliflower to the serving bowl with the Cilantro Pesto and toss to coat.
  • Garnish with Cotija cheese and cilantro. Serve immediately or at room temperature.
  • Add the olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, pepper flakes and garlic to a food processor fitted with the blade attachment. Pulse together until the garlic is finely chopped. Next, add the cilantro and blend until smooth. Add the cashews and Cotija cheese and pulse until the mixture becomes a thick paste and is evenly combined. Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl and set aside until the cauliflower is grilled.

GRILLED OPEN-FACED VEGETABLE, PESTO, AND MOZZARELLA SANDWICHES



Grilled Open-Faced Vegetable, Pesto, and Mozzarella Sandwiches image

Categories     Sandwich     Vegetable     Vegetarian     Lunch     Mozzarella     Basil     Summer     Gourmet

Yield Makes 4 sandwiches

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 red bell pepper, quartered
1 yellow bell pepper, quartered
3 small eggplants (about 1/2-pound total), sliced diagonally 1/4inch thick
olive oil for brushing vegetables and bread
1 14-inch-long loaf Italian bread, halved horizontally with serrated knife
1/2 cup pesto
1 cup diced mozzarella cheese (about 1/4 pound)
3 tablespoons finely shredded fresh basil leaves for garnish
For the pesto:
1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
3 tablespoons pine nuts or chopped walnuts, toasted lightly and cooled
1 large garlic clove, chopped
3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 olive oil

Steps:

  • To make the sandwich:
  • Prepare grill.
  • Lightly brush bell peppers and eggplants with oil and grill on an oiled rack set about 4 inches over glowing coals about 4 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Cut peppers into strips.
  • Lightly brush cut sides of bread with oil and grill, cut sides down, about 2 minutes, or until golden. Spread each piece of bread with 4 tablespoons pesto and divide peppers, eggplants, and mozzarella between them. Grill sandwiches, covered, just until cheese is melted. (Alternatively, vegetables and assembled sandwiches may be broiled.) Sprinkle each sandwich with basil and cut in half.
  • To make the pesto:
  • In a blender or small food processor blend together all ingredients with salt and pepper to taste until smooth. Pesto keeps, covered and chilled, up to 1 week. Makes about 2/3 cup.

Tips:

  • Select flavorful and firm vegetables: Choose vegetables that hold their shape well when grilled, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
  • Marinate the vegetables: Marinating the vegetables in a mixture of olive oil, herbs, and spices enhances their flavor and prevents them from drying out during grilling.
  • Grill the vegetables over medium heat: This helps them cook evenly without burning.
  • Assemble the sandwiches while the vegetables are still warm: This allows the flavors to meld together and creates a more satisfying sandwich.
  • Experiment with different types of bread and toppings: Whole-grain bread, ciabatta, or focaccia all make great sandwich bases. You can also add cheese, avocado, or sprouts to your sandwich for extra flavor.

Conclusion:

Grilled veggie sandwiches are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy your favorite vegetables. They're perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, and they're also great for packing in your lunch box for work or school. With so many different variations to choose from, there's sure to be a grilled veggie sandwich that everyone will enjoy. So fire up your grill and get creative!

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