Healthy Recipe: Grown Up Grilled Cheese

By Rachel F. Johnson

    This past weekend, my brother and his fiancée had their Engagement Party (Congratulations Pete & Marlana!) As an appetizer, my Mom & Doc slid freshwater mozzarella balls, black olives and cherry tomatoes on toothpicks and drizzled them with pesto. They were a new, fun appetizer to try, and the leftovers inspired a new sandwich that Joe & I have been eating for lunch the past few days. For anyone who has never had pesto, I definitely recommend trying it—soon! Pesto is an Italian sauce made largely of Garlic, Basil, Parmesan cheese, Pine Nuts and Olive Oil with a distinct & addictive flavor.

Makes 2 Sandwiches

–          2 Multi-Grain Sandwich Rounds

–          2 Tbsp. Pesto Sauce

–          8 Cherry Tomatoes, sliced

–          8 Pitted Black Olives, chopped

–          2 oz. Freshwater Mozzarella, sliced thin

–          Handful of Spinach

    Open a multigrain sandwich round and spread ½ Tbsp. Pesto on each piece of bread. Layer on cheese, olives and cherry tomatoes. Cover with spinach and top with remaining piece of bread. Place on pan over medium-high heat and grill until cheese is melted.

    I call these sandwiches grown-up grilled cheeses because they have that salty, cheesy taste with a healthy dose  of vegetables and a sophisticated flair. They are addictive and easy to make to be enjoyed over and over!