Socal Sandwich (Vegetarian Approved)

If you’re in the mood for a hearty and flavorful sandwich that’s perfect for a leisurely lunch or dinner, this Grilled Vegetable and Feta Focaccia Sandwich is just the ticket. Packed with colorful grilled veggies, creamy feta cheese, and a zesty garlic mayo spread, it’s a delightful combination of textures and tastes. Whether you’re enjoying it on a warm summer day or craving a satisfying meal, this recipe brings the essence of outdoor grilling to your plate.

Prep Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 50 mins

Servings per Recipe: 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/8 cup olive oil
• 1 cup sliced red bell peppers
• 1 small zucchini, sliced
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 1 small yellow squash, sliced
• 2 (4×6-inch) focaccia bread pieces, split horizontally
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the Mayo Spread: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Mix them thoroughly to create a creamy garlic mayo spread.
2. Chill the Mayo Mix: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill. This will allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the rest of the sandwich.
3. Preheat the Grill: Fire up your outdoor grill and brush the grate with olive oil to prevent sticking.
4. Grill the Veggies: Arrange the sliced zucchini and red bell peppers in the center of the grill grate. Place the squash and red onion slices around the peppers. Grill the veggies for about 5 minutes on one side, then flip them and grill for an additional 4 minutes or until they develop grill marks and become tender.
5. Remove from Grill: Carefully remove the grilled vegetables from the grill and set them aside.
6. Prepare the Focaccia: Liberally spread the chilled garlic mayo mixture onto the split focaccia bread pieces. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese evenly over the mayo-coated bread.
7. Toast the Focaccia: Lay the bread, cheese-side up, on the grill and toast the bottoms for approximately 4 minutes or until they are crispy and have grill marks.
8. Assemble the Sandwich: Once the bread is toasted, evenly distribute the grilled vegetables on top of the feta cheese-covered side of the bread, creating an open-faced sandwich.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Your Grilled Vegetable and Feta Focaccia Sandwich is now ready to be enjoyed. Slice it into portions and savor the blend of smoky grilled flavors, creamy feta, and zesty garlic mayo.

TIPS:

• Customize your sandwich with additional vegetables such as eggplant, mushrooms, or asparagus for extra variety and nutrition.
• If you don’t have a grill, you can achieve similar results by using a stovetop grill pan or even roasting the vegetables in the oven.
• Experiment with different types of bread or rolls to suit your preference, but focaccia’s texture and flavor complement the dish exceptionally well.
• Feel free to add fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a burst of freshness and aroma.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (per serving):

• Calories: 393 kcal
• Fat: 23.8 g
• Carbohydrates: 36.5 g
• Protein: 9.2 g
• Cholesterol: 22 mg
• Sodium: 623 mg

With a prep time of 30 minutes and a total cooking time of 50 minutes, this Grilled Vegetable and Feta Focaccia Sandwich is a flavorful and satisfying meal that brings the joy of outdoor grilling to your table. Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply looking for a veggie-packed delight, this sandwich is a delicious choice. Enjoy the harmony of grilled vegetables, creamy feta, and zesty mayo, all nestled between slices of toasted focaccia bread!