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Delicious grilled veggie and mozzarella sandwich with fresh vegetables

Grilled Veggie and Mozzarella Sandwich

A delicious summer sandwich featuring smoky grilled vegetables, creamy mozzarella, and a balsamic glaze, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or picnics.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Brunch, Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: Italian, Vegetarian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Vegetables
  • 1 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise into ½-inch pieces (sub: yellow squash)
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into strips
  • ½ red onion sliced into thin rings
  • 8 oz portobello mushrooms, stems removed and sliced
Other Ingredients
  • 4 ciabatta rolls, split Can swap for focaccia or sourdough
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced Use vegan mozzarella for dairy-free option
  • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (divided)
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup Maple for vegan option
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, torn

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Wash and dry all vegetables. Slice the zucchini into ½-inch lengthwise pieces, cut the red pepper into strips, cut the red onion into thin rings, and slice the portobello mushrooms. Put everything into a large bowl.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk 2 tbsp olive oil, the balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper until combined.
  3. Pour half the glaze over the vegetables. Toss until lightly coated. Let them rest for 5 minutes while the grill heats.
Grilling
  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high (around 400°F). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  2. Grill the marinated vegetables for 3–4 minutes per side until tender-crisp with nice char marks. Remove to a plate.
  3. Brush the cut sides of the ciabatta with the remaining glaze and grill cut-side down for 1–2 minutes until lightly crisp.
  4. While the bread is still on the grill, place mozzarella slices on the bottom halves, covering with a lid for 30–45 seconds to melt.
Assembly
  1. Pile the grilled vegetables on top of the melted mozzarella, drizzle with any remaining glaze, and scatter torn basil leaves.
  2. Close the sandwich, press gently, and give it a final 1-minute press on the grill to warm through.
  3. Remove, let rest for a minute, then slice and serve warm.

Notes

Keep gestures short and intentional when grilling — quick flips preserve texture and char. Store leftover components separately if possible, and reheat in a skillet or oven. Avoid microwaving to prevent chewy bread.