Pesto and Grilled Vegetable Sandwich with Goat Cheese Spread

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A flavorful sandwich layered with grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and a creamy goat cheese spread infused with fresh basil pesto. This Mediterranean-inspired sandwich and wrap recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs ciabatta rolls, zucchini, red bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Toss 1 medium sliced zucchini and 1 large red bell pepper strips with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Grill vegetables for 3-4 minutes per side until tender with grill marks, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, combine 3 oz softened goat cheese with 2 tbsp basil pesto until smooth and spreadable.
  4. Step 4: Lightly toast 2 halved ciabatta rolls on the grill for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Spread the goat cheese and pesto mixture evenly on the bottom halves of the rolls, then layer with grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and 1 cup packed arugula.
  6. Step 6: Season the vegetables with remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Top with the roll tops and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pesto and Grilled Vegetable Sandwich with Goat Cheese Spread take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pesto and Grilled Vegetable Sandwich with Goat Cheese Spread?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ciabatta rolls from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pesto and Grilled Vegetable Sandwich with Goat Cheese Spread?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pesto and Grilled Vegetable Sandwich with Goat Cheese Spread for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Pesto and Grilled Vegetable Sandwich with Goat Cheese Spread vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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