Description
A vibrant and flavorful Grilled Vegetables Pesto Sandwich featuring a medley of grilled bell pepper, eggplant, zucchini, and red onion, combined with fresh basil, tangy balsamic vinegars, and creamy buffalo mozzarella, all layered on toasted ciabatta bread with aromatic basil pesto and peppery arugula.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Marinade
- 1 Red Bell Pepper
- 1 Eggplant
- 1 Zucchini
- 1/2 Red Onion
- 1/2 cup Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
Vinegars and Herbs
- 1 1/2 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
- 2 tablespoon Fresh Basil
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
Sandwich Components
- 2 Ciabatta Bread
- 1/4 cup Basil Pesto
- 1/2 cup Arugula
- 2 Buffalo Mozzarella Ball
- 2 tablespoon Balsamic Glaze
Beverage
- 1 can Pepsi Zero Sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a mixing bowl, combine the red bell pepper, eggplant, zucchini, and red onion with olive oil and dried oregano. Stir thoroughly to ensure all vegetables are evenly coated with the oil and seasoning.
- Grill the Vegetables: Preheat a grill pan over high heat. Place the vegetables in batches on the grill pan, turning once, and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until the vegetables are tender and have light grill marks.
- Season the Grilled Vegetables: Transfer the grilled vegetables to a mixing bowl. Add balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, fresh basil, salt, and ground black pepper. Toss gently until all the ingredients are well combined and flavors meld.
- Toast the Ciabatta Bread: Drizzle olive oil on the cut sides of the ciabatta bread. Place the bread cut side down on the grill pan and grill for approximately 3 minutes or until grill marks appear and the bread is slightly toasted.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread basil pesto evenly on the bottom piece of toasted ciabatta. Layer the grilled vegetable mixture over the pesto, add arugula, and top with buffalo mozzarella balls. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the assembled ingredients for extra flavor.
- Finish the Sandwich: Place the second piece of ciabatta bread on top of the layering and gently press down to compact the sandwich slightly.
- Serve: Cut the sandwich in half, serve on a plate, and enjoy alongside an ice-cold can of Pepsi Zero Sugar for a refreshing accompaniment.
Notes
- For best results, use a grill pan to achieve authentic grill marks and flavors without needing an outdoor grill.
- Ensure vegetables are not overcrowded on the grill pan to allow proper browning.
- You can substitute buffalo mozzarella with fresh mozzarella if preferred.
- Adjust balsamic glaze quantity according to your taste preference for sweetness and acidity.
- The sandwich is best enjoyed fresh but can be wrapped and stored for up to one day in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Grilled vegetable sandwich, basil pesto sandwich, vegetarian sandwich, Italian sandwich, ciabatta sandwich, buffalo mozzarella sandwich
