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a stack of two bagel sandwiches loaded with pesto and veggies
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Grilled Vegetable and Pesto Sandwiches

These zucchini sandwiches are smoky, zesty, and loaded with garden-fresh veggies. The vegan spinach pesto is a must.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 2 sandwiches

Ingredients

  • 1 medium zucchini
  • 3 small red peppers
  • 2 pickled beets (made my own- see notes)
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 cup avocado oil (or oil of choice)

Vegan Spinach Pesto

  • 1 cup spinach
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
  • 1/4 cup oil (avocado or olive oil)
  • 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • handful of basil (roughly 1/2 cup)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • sea salt to taste

other

  • 2 bagel sandwiches
  • sprouts to top

Instructions

  • If you are preparing your own pickled beets, follow the instructions from Belly Full's sites (see notes for link). The time to make the pickled beets is not included in the recipe breakdown.
  • Slice the zucchini into round coins, and slice the peppers in half removing any seeds. Add the balsamic and oil together and then pour over the zucchini and peppers in a container. Toss the veggies and let them marinate for at least 1 hour. Toss them occasionally.
  • Once the veggies have marinated, heat up the barbeque on medium-high. Add the veggies onto the grill, spaced out nicely. Watch them closely and after 5-10 minutes. (depending on the grill) flip them over. They should be nice and toasted on the one side. Do the same for the other side then remove them from the grill.
  • Prepare the vegan spinach pesto. Add all the ingredients to a food processor and pulse until smooth. This pesto should be on the thicker side as it is used as the spread for the sandwiches. But if it is too thick add a little bit of water at a time.
  • Prepare the sandwiches. You can toast the bagels if desired. Then add pesto to the top and bottom of the bagels. Add the grilled zucchini and peppers to the sandwiches. Top with the pickled beets, and sprouts.
  • Best enjoyed fresh. If there are leftover veggies and pesto, store in sealed containers in the fridge for a few days.

Notes

I made my own pickled beets by following this recipe from Belly Full. You can also use store-bought ones.