True North Kitchen

  • Nordic/Scandinavian Recipes
  • Nordic & Scandinavian Recipes Index
  • About Me
  • Contact/Work with Me
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Spring
  • Recipe Index
  • Nordic Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Spring
    • Recipe Index
    • Nordic Recipes
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Smørrebrød Recipes

    Grilled Summer Squash Smørrebrød with Basil Mayonnaise

    Published: Jul 9, 2020 · Modified: Jan 11, 2021 by Kristi · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Open sandwiches topped with lettuce and grilled summer squash on a plate

    As we are currently hitting 90 plus degrees on a daily basis here in Nebraska AND my garden is about to burst forth with a bumper crop of zucchini and basil, I thought a summer squash open sandwich prepared entirely on the grill might be just the thing we need right now.

    Grilling Summer Squash

    Zucchini and summer squash slices on a baking sheet

    The high heat of the grill is wonderful way to bring out the best in summer squash. Zucchini are over 90 percent water. The dry heat of the grill coaxes some of this moisture out while giving the vegetables an attractive and flavorful sear. The result is tender and delicious summer squash slices that are in no way soggy or water-logged.

    And the process itself couldn't be easier. Simply brush or rub ½ inch thick zucchini slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. A quick 3-4 minutes per side over medium heat, and you will have lovely grill marks and perfectly delicious vegetables.

    A close up of an open sandwich with grilled summer squash and lettuce

    Basil Mayonnaise

    To keep those summer vibes going, I wanted to skip the butter on this open sandwich and opt for something cool and refreshing instead. I tried a few different options and landed on this quick basil mayonnaise. Nothing more than a combination of chopped fresh basil and prepared mayonnaise, this easy summer spread perks up just about anything from tomato sandwiches to hamburgers. It's a lovely recipe to have on hand all summer long.

    Grilled Sourdough Bread

    Instead of the traditional dense Danish rye, this open sandwich really shines with a toasted piece of sourdough (or other rustic loaf) as the base. But no need to get out the toaster! Just toss the bread right on the grill and keep a close eye on it. When it's crisp and has grill marks, it's time to flip it to the other side. This should only take a couple of minutes, depending on the heat of your particular grill.

    While the bread is still warm, rub it with a peeled garlic clove. This imparts the toast with a little garlic flavor that goes a long way in the final result.

    Should you also be experiencing high temperatures and more zucchini than you know what to do with, give this Grilled Summer Squash Smørrebrød with Basil Mayonnaise a try! It makes a delightful summer supper....all without heating up the house. If you've got some garden or farmstand tomatoes on hand, this Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Soup would be absolutely delicious alongside. Need more ideas for your garden zucchini? Give these recipes a try:

    • Zucchini Barley Cakes with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Ricotta
    • Grilled Summer Squash Salad with Rye Berries and Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette

    Recipe

    Open sandwiches topped with lettuce and grilled summer squash on a plate

    Grilled Summer Squash Smørrebrød with Basil Mayonnaise

    A delicious open sandwich featuring grilled summer squash and a fresh basil mayonnaise. Perfect for summer!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Danish reipes, dinner, lunch, smørrebrød
    Cuisine: Danish
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 8 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 open sandwiches
    Calories: 402kcal
    Author: Kristi

    Ingredients

    For the Smørrebrød:

    • 2-3 zucchini or yellow squash or a mix of the two cut into ½ inch thick slices
    • Olive oil for brushing
    • Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
    • 4 slices sourdough or rustic country bread
    • 1 garlic clove peeled
    • Basil Mayonnaise recipe follows
    • 2 cups of baby arugula or other small lettuces
    • Fresh basil leaves sprouts or microgreens for garnish (optional)

    For the Basil Mayonnaise:

    • ½ cup prepared mayonnaise
    • ½ cup fresh basil leaves chopped

    Instructions

    • Make the Basil Mayonnaise:  Combine mayonnaise and chopped fresh basil in a small bowl.  Set aside.
    • Heat the grill to medium.  Brush zucchini and/or yellow squash slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.  Grill until squash is tender and has grill marks, about 3 minutes per side.  Remove from the grill and set aside.
    • Brush bread with olive oil.  Grill until golden brown and crisp, checking frequently and flipping halfway through.  Remove the toast from the grill and rub each slice with the garlic clove.
    • Assemble the Smørrebrød:  Transfer toasted bread to a clean work surface.  Spread each slice with the Basil Mayonnaise.  Top with a handful of arugula or lettuce leaves.  Artfully arrange grilled zucchini and/or summer squash on top.  Garnish with additional basil and/or microgreens if desired.  Serve.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 402kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 517mg | Potassium: 392mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 768IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @TrueNorthKitchen or tag #truenorthkitchen!

    More Nordic/Scandinavian Smørrebrød Recipes

    • Close up of a slice of Smörgåstårta (Swedish Sandwich Cake).
      Smörgåstårta (Swedish Sandwich Cake)
    • Close up of Chicken Salad Smørrebrød topped with microgreens.
      Chicken Salad Open Faced Sandwiches (Hønsesalat Smørrebrød)
    • Close up of Blue Cheese and Pear Appetizer.
      Blue Cheese and Pear Appetizers
    • Kavring bread sliced on a wooden cutting board.
      Kavring (The Easiest Swedish Rye Bread)

    Comments

    1. Kristi says

      November 22, 2024 at 11:53 am

      5 stars
      I fun and easy open-faced sandwich for summer with grilled vegetables! It also makes a great simple appetizer course.

      Reply
    5 from 1 vote

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Welcome!

    Hi, I'm Kristi! Welcome to my cozy Nordic kitchen!

    More about me

    Popular Posts

    • Featured image for Soft and Tender Buttermilk Bread.
      Soft and Tender Buttermilk Bread
    • Close up of Soft Rye Dinner Rolls.
      Soft Rye Dinner Rolls
    • Swedish semla bun closeup.
      Easy Swedish Semla (Traditional Lenten Buns)
    • Close up of cardamom bun.
      Traditional Swedish Cardamom Buns (Kardemummabullar)
    • Close up of Easy Swedish Crispbread (Knäckebröd) on a plate.
      Easy Swedish Crispbread (Knäckebröd)
    • Soft Dill Bread on a cutting board next to a towel and a sprig of dill.
      Soft Dill Bread (made with Cottage Cheese)

    Holiday Posts

    • Slices of Swedish Limpa Bread
      Swedish Limpa Bread
    • A close up of a stack of Swedish Ginger Cookies (Pepparkakor).
      Swedish Ginger Cookies (Pepparkakor)
    • Vegetarian meatballs and cream sauce in a pan
      Really Good Vegetarian Swedish Meatballs
    • Close up of a pile of krumkaker.
      Krumkake (Traditional Norwegian Waffle Cookies)
    • Close up of 3 Swedish pancakes on a plate topped with lingonberries.
      Traditional Swedish Pancakes (Pannkakor) with Lingonberries
    • Featured image for Swedish Meatballs with Gravy.
      Easy Swedish Meatballs with Gravy (Köttbullar)

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About
    Work with Me
    Contact
    Disclosure and Privacy Policy
    Accessibility Statement

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 True North Kitchen

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.