Grilled Eggplant Panini with Cilantro-Lemon Yogurt Spread

A hearty, flexible sandwich built around grilled vegetables, a creamy cilantro-lemon yogurt spread, and a warm homemade tomato sauce for dipping. Make it fully from scratch or lean on what you already have in the fridge.

Ingredients

Makes 2 panini

• 4 slices sturdy panini or sourdough bread

• 4–6 grilled eggplant slices

• 1 small zucchini, sliced and grilled

• 1 bell pepper, sliced and grilled

• ½ cup sliced mushrooms, cooked (optional)

• A handful of spinach (optional)

• 3–4 tbsp Greek yogurt cilantro-lemon dressing

• ½ cup warm homemade garden tomato sauce, for dipping

• A little olive oil, for grilling

• Cheese of your choice (optional)

Method

1. Lightly oil and grill the eggplant, zucchini, and bell pepper until tender. If using mushrooms, cook them in a little oil until softened.

2. Spread the cilantro-lemon yogurt dressing generously on each slice of bread.

3. Layer the grilled vegetables on two of the slices. Add spinach or cheese if using, then close the sandwiches.

4. Toast in a panini press or skillet over medium heat until the bread is golden and the filling is heated through.

5. Serve with warm garden tomato sauce on the side for dipping.

Choose Your Effort Level

This recipe works on any kind of day. Pick the version that fits.

🟢 Green Day

Grill the vegetables fresh, mix the yogurt dressing from scratch, and simmer a batch of homemade tomato sauce.

🟡 Yellow Day

Use leftover or pre-cooked grilled vegetables and a prepared dressing. Warm up leftover tomato sauce and you're almost there.

🔴 Red Day

Grab ready-to-eat cooked vegetables, your preferred spread, and a prepared tomato sauce. Toast if you have the energy. No judgment either way.

Pair It With

• Greek Yogurt Cilantro Lemon Dressing That Works on Everything

• Homemade Garden Tomato Sauce with Fresh Basil, Thyme & Oregano

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About the Author

Jillian Guralski, MBA, MS, RDN, LDN

Jillian is a Registered Dietitian and nutrition educator with more than 15 years of experience. She created The Jillian Method to make food, cooking, and everyday health habits feel more practical, flexible, and easier to live with.

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Make the Whole Meal

Serve this panini with Homemade Garden Tomato Sauce for dipping. The Greek Yogurt Cilantro-Lemon Dressing doubles as the creamy sandwich spread.

More Eggplant Basics

Want a simpler place to start? See How to Cook Eggplant in a Pan for a basic skillet method and tips for avoiding overly oily eggplant.