Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Grilled Vegetable Sandwich with Tapenade is a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The soft, smoky grilled vegetables pair wonderfully with the rich, salty tapenade, all held together between crispy toasted bread. It’s a delicious, meat-free option that doesn’t skimp on taste and can easily be customized with your favorite veggies or bread. The tapenade adds an extra layer of complexity with its vibrant olives and capers, making this sandwich a step above the ordinary.
Ingredients
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 medium bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium red onion, sliced
- 1 small eggplant, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 slices of whole-grain or sourdough bread
- 2 tablespoons olive tapenade
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Toss the zucchini, bell pepper, red onion, and eggplant slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange the vegetables on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until tender and slightly charred.
- While the vegetables are grilling, toast the bread slices until golden brown.
- Spread a generous amount of olive tapenade on one side of each slice of bread.
- Once the vegetables are done, layer them onto the bread slices with tapenade, adding basil leaves if desired. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar if you’d like an extra flavor boost.
- Assemble the sandwich, press gently to hold everything in place, and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Grill Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Add cheese: Try adding a slice of mozzarella, goat cheese, or feta for a creamy twist.
- Switch up the veggies: You can swap out vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or spinach work great in this sandwich.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version of this sandwich.
- Vegan option: The tapenade is already vegan-friendly, but you can skip the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Add a protein: For a heartier sandwich, add grilled chicken or a plant-based patty.
Storage/Reheating
This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap the sandwich in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use a toaster oven to crisp it up again.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought tapenade?
Yes, store-bought tapenade works perfectly fine for this recipe. Just ensure it’s a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
2. What other vegetables can I use for this sandwich?
Feel free to experiment with other vegetables such as mushrooms, tomatoes, or even roasted sweet potatoes. It’s all about what you enjoy!
3. Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
While the sandwich is best fresh, you can grill the vegetables in advance and assemble the sandwich when you’re ready to eat.
4. What type of bread is best for grilled sandwiches?
Sourdough, whole-grain, or ciabatta are great options. Choose a bread that is sturdy enough to hold the vegetables and tapenade.
5. Can I add more flavors to the tapenade?
Absolutely! You can enhance the tapenade by adding a bit of garlic, lemon zest, or even anchovies for a different twist.
6. Is this sandwich gluten-free?
This recipe isn’t gluten-free by default, but you can easily swap in gluten-free bread to make it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
7. Can I grill the vegetables on a stovetop pan?
Yes, you can use a grill pan or even a regular frying pan if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill.
8. How can I make the sandwich spicier?
Add some sliced jalapeños or drizzle a bit of hot sauce into the tapenade for an extra kick of heat.
9. Can I use a different spread instead of tapenade?
If you don’t have tapenade on hand, hummus or pesto can be great alternatives for a different flavor profile.
10. Can I freeze this sandwich?
It’s not ideal to freeze this sandwich as the vegetables may become soggy once thawed. However, you can freeze the grilled vegetables and reassemble the sandwich when you’re ready.
Conclusion
The Grilled Vegetable Sandwich with Tapenade is a flavorful, nutritious meal that comes together quickly and easily. It’s customizable, delicious, and satisfying, making it perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking to enjoy more plant-based meals, this sandwich offers a burst of flavor with every bite.
PrintGrilled Vegetable Sandwich with Tapenade
This Grilled Vegetable Sandwich with Tapenade is a healthy and flavorful meal featuring smoky grilled vegetables, tangy olive tapenade, and crispy toasted bread. A satisfying meat-free option, this sandwich is packed with bold flavors and is easily customizable with your favorite veggies and bread.
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 10min
- Total Time: 20min
- Yield: 2servings
- Category: Sandwich, Vegetarian
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Vegetarian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 medium bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium red onion, sliced
- 1 small eggplant, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 slices of whole-grain or sourdough bread
- 2 tablespoons olive tapenade
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Toss the zucchini, bell pepper, red onion, and eggplant slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange the vegetables on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until tender and slightly charred.
- While the vegetables are grilling, toast the bread slices until golden brown.
- Spread a generous amount of olive tapenade on one side of each slice of bread.
- Once the vegetables are done, layer them onto the bread slices with tapenade, adding basil leaves if desired. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.
- Assemble the sandwich, press gently to hold everything in place, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add cheese such as mozzarella, goat cheese, or feta.
- Swap out vegetables based on availability or seasonality (mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach, etc.).
- For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free bread.
- The sandwich is vegan without cheese, or you can use plant-based cheese alternatives.
- Add grilled chicken or a plant-based patty for added protein.
