If you’re craving something vibrant, fresh, and packed with flavor, this Grilled Squash, Red Pepper, and Feta Sandwich Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect balance of tender grilled vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a creamy garlicky spread all nestled between warm, toasty focaccia bread. Every bite bursts with a medley of textures and colors that not only tastes amazing but also looks beautiful on your plate. Whether you’re making a quick lunch or a light dinner, this sandwich will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but play crucial roles in creating a sandwich that’s both flavorful and satisfying. Each element brings something special, from the smoky sweetness of the grilled veggies to the bright punch of lemon in the mayo, and the creamy saltiness of feta tying it all together.
- Mayonnaise: Acts as the creamy base for the garlic lemon spread, adding richness and moisture.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the mayo with a bright, savory kick.
- Lemon juice: Adds just the right amount of acidity to balance the richness.
- Olive oil: Helps grill the vegetables to perfection while adding a lovely fruity note.
- Red bell peppers: Bring sweetness and vibrant red color when grilled.
- Zucchini: Offers a tender but slightly firm texture with delicate flavor.
- Red onion: Softens on the grill and adds subtle earthiness and slight sharpness.
- Yellow squash: Adds another layer of mild sweetness and beautiful golden hue.
- Focaccia bread: Soft and airy with a crispy crust, perfect for holding all the ingredients.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled to sprinkle on the mayo, it lends a salty, tangy kick that elevates the whole sandwich.
How to Make Grilled Squash, Red Pepper, and Feta Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Lemon Mayo
Start by mixing together the mayonnaise, freshly minced garlic, and lemon juice in a small bowl. This simple yet flavorful spread will coat the bread and add a zesty creaminess that perfectly complements the grilled veggies. Pop it into the refrigerator to chill and let the flavors meld while you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Heat Up the Grill
Get your grill nice and hot by preheating it to high heat. A hot grill ensures your vegetables cook quickly and develop those gorgeous char marks that bring out their natural sweetness and add delicious smokiness.
Step 3: Assemble the Bread with Mayo and Feta
Spread a generous amount of the garlic lemon mayonnaise onto the cut sides of the focaccia bread. Then sprinkle half a cup of crumbled feta cheese evenly over the mayo. This layer forms a flavorful base for the grilled veggies to come, and heating it later helps the feta soften slightly without melting completely.
Step 4: Grill the Vegetables and Bread
Brush each vegetable slice with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper if you like. Place a large sheet of foil on the grill and brush it with olive oil to prevent sticking, or grease the grill grates directly. Arrange the red bell peppers and zucchini near the center where the heat is highest, with red onion and yellow squash surrounding them. Also place the bread on the upper rack or a cooler spot on the grill cheese side up—just long enough for the cheese to get melty, about 2 to 3 minutes. Keep a close eye so that it doesn’t burn!
Step 5: Turn the Vegetables
Flip all the veggies over after about 3 minutes. The bell peppers might need a touch more time to become perfectly tender and sweetly charred, so feel free to let them hang out a little longer while you prepare the rest.
Step 6: Build Your Sandwich
Remove everything from the grill and start layering the veggies on the prepared focaccia slices. You can enjoy this open-faced, showcasing all those colorful vegetables, or top it with the other half of the bread for a heartier treat. Either way, it’s a deliciously rustic, fresh, and satisfying meal.
How to Serve Grilled Squash, Red Pepper, and Feta Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped basil, parsley, or dill sprinkled over the top add an extra layer of aroma and freshness that pairs beautifully with the savory grilled veggies. A drizzle of balsamic glaze can also add a sweet tangy finish that complements the feta cheese perfectly.
Side Dishes
Keep things light by serving this sandwich with a crisp green salad or some crunchy vegetable chips. For a more substantial meal, roasted potatoes or a warm grain salad are great companions, soaking up any extra garlic mayo or drippings from the veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling adventurous, turn this into a platter by grilling extra vegetables and arranging everything on a board—focaccia slices, grilled vegetables, crumbled feta, and small bowls of extra mayo dip make for a fantastic interactive lunch. Alternatively, cut the sandwich into smaller, bite-sized pieces for casual entertaining or picnics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pack leftovers in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to two days. To preserve texture, it’s best to store the grilled veggies and the bread separately if possible and assemble just before eating.
Freezing
While the sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the grilled vegetables in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. However, freezing the assembled sandwich is not recommended as the bread and spread may become soggy.
Reheating
Reheat grilled vegetables gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven to bring back their warmth without making them mushy. Toast the bread separately in a toaster oven or on a grill pan to restore its crispiness before assembling your sandwich again.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?
Absolutely! While feta gives a distinctive tangy and salty flavor, you can try goat cheese, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar depending on your taste preferences. Each will bring a unique twist to your sandwich.
What type of bread works best for this sandwich?
Focaccia is ideal because of its airy texture and sturdy crust, but you could also use ciabatta, sourdough, or any rustic bread that holds up well to grilling.
Can I make this sandwich vegan?
Yes! Simply swap out the mayonnaise for a plant-based alternative and replace feta with a vegan cheese or marinated tofu. The grilled veggies bring plenty of flavor and texture on their own.
Is it necessary to use a grill, or can I use a grill pan?
A grill is perfect for smoky flavors and beautiful char marks, but a grill pan on your stovetop works just as well when you’re short on outdoor space or dealing with inclement weather.
How long can I prepare this sandwich ahead of time?
Prepare the garlic lemon mayo and slice your veggies a few hours in advance, but it’s best to grill and assemble the sandwich right before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to brighten up your lunch routine or want a sandwich that feels both indulgent and wholesome, the Grilled Squash, Red Pepper, and Feta Sandwich Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients brought together in a way that feels special yet easy to make. Give it a try, and I’m confident this vibrant, flavorful sandwich will become a cherished favorite in your recipe arsenal.
Print
Grilled Squash, Red Pepper, and Feta Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Grilled Squash, Red Pepper, and Feta Sandwich recipe offers a flavorful combination of charred vegetables, creamy feta cheese, and a zesty garlic-lemon mayo, all served on toasted focaccia bread. Perfect for a light lunch or quick dinner, this sandwich is easy to prepare and showcases the natural sweetness of grilled summer vegetables.
Ingredients
Mayonnaise Mixture
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Vegetables
- 1 cup red bell peppers, sliced
- 1 small zucchini, sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1 small yellow squash, sliced
Other Ingredients
- 1/8 cup olive oil (plus more for brushing grill or foil)
- 2 slices focaccia bread (4×6 inch pieces, split horizontally)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Mayonnaise Mixture: In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Mix well and set aside in the refrigerator to chill and allow flavors to meld.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to high heat to ensure the vegetables and bread cook evenly and get nice grill marks.
- Prepare the Bread: Spread some of the chilled mayonnaise mixture on the cut sides of the focaccia bread slices. Then sprinkle each bread slice evenly with crumbled feta cheese.
- Prepare and Grill the Vegetables: Brush all sliced vegetables with olive oil on both sides. Optionally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Place a large sheet of tin foil on the grill and brush it with olive oil to prevent sticking, or alternatively brush the grill grates directly. Arrange the red bell peppers and zucchini closest to the center of the grill where heat is strongest. Surround with onion and yellow squash slices. Place the prepared bread, cheese side up, on the grill’s upper rack if available. Grill vegetables for about 2-3 minutes on the first side; the bread should also grill simultaneously for 2-3 minutes until the cheese starts melting. Monitor the bread closely to prevent burning.
- Flip and Continue Grilling: Flip the vegetables to the other side and grill for an additional 3 minutes. Note that the bell peppers may need a bit longer to soften. Once the vegetables are tender and slightly charred, remove them from the grill. Remove the bread as soon as the cheese melts to avoid burning.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Layer the grilled vegetables on top of the cheese-covered bread slices. Serve open-faced or place the other half of the focaccia slice on top to make a sandwich. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh summer vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the amount of garlic in the mayonnaise mixture to your taste preference.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop or broil the vegetables in the oven.
- Toast the bread lightly before adding the mayonnaise and cheese for extra crunch.
- Feel free to add fresh herbs like basil or oregano for added flavor.
