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Grilled Cheese With Pesto and Black Bean Spread

November 27, 2013 by Lindsay 32 Comments

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Hi Friends!

Well, I must say. You guys like your grilled cheese! I posted this photo in instagram yesterday and I think it’s one of my most “liked” photos ever! So, I thought I’d pop in and share the recipe!! It would make the perfect Meatless Monday lunch for next week!

Take your grilled cheese to the next level by adding black beans and pesto! This would make the perfect meatless monday lunch!

Grilled cheese is one of my favorite things…and this is like a pumped up, super flavorful version! I can’t believe I’ve never thought of it before! You can find the original recipe over on Organic Valley’s website. I made just a few minor adjustments including using a little less oil in the pesto and leaving out the chilis.

Here’s what I did:

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Grilled Cheese With Pesto and Black Bean Spread

grilled cheese
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4 from 1 review

A simple, delicious grilled cheese sandwich that’s packed with flavor & some extra fiber!

  • Author: Author: Lindsay L

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1⁄4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
  • 1⁄4 cup Organic Valley Grated Parmesan
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro (or 4–5 cups loosely packed)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1⁄4 cup olive oil
  • 1 pint black beans (drained)
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • water as needed
  • 2 sourdough bread slices
  • 2–4 tablespoons pesto
  • 2–4 tablespoons black bean spread
  • 1–2 Organic Valley American Cheese Singles
  • 2 teaspoons Organic Valley Cultured Butter

Instructions

  1. In a food processor combine the pumpkin seeds, parmesan, and garlic. Process for 15 seconds. Add the cilantro, salt, pepper and lemon juice. With the processor running, slowly add the olive oil until the pesto is fully pureed.
  2. Combine the black beans, lime juice and cumin in a bowl. Smash into a paste.
  3. Spread pesto on the inside of one slice of bread and top with cheese. Spread black bean spread on the inside of the other slice and place bean-side down on top of the other slice. Spread butter on the outsides of the bread and grill sandwich in skillet until browned on both sides and cheese is melted. Cut and serve immediately.

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This would be delicious with a bowl of hot soup on a cold day. If you’re a meat lover, try adding some grilled chicken!

Take your grilled cheese to the next level by adding black beans and pesto! This would make the perfect meatless monday lunch!

Let’s chat:
Are you a traditional grilled cheese lover or do you add extra “stuff” to yours?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Disclosure: I was sent on Organic Valley coupon to purchase the cheese used in this recipe. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

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Filed Under: Dinner

About Lindsay

Lindsay Livingston is a Registered Dietitian and new mom from Columbus, Ohio. On her blog, she shares simple, healthy recipes, nutrition tips, workouts and snapshots of her life. Follow her on Twitter @LeanGrnBeanBlog and Instagram @TheLeanGreenBean and be sure to subscribe via RSS or email so you never miss a post!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli says

    November 27, 2013 at 12:20 AM

    I was definitely one of many drooling over this on Instagram the other day! You can never go wrong with grilled cheese and I love that you used a cilantro pesto! YUM! And what a gorgeous photo! 🙂

    Reply
  2. Kelly @ Femme Fitale says

    November 27, 2013 at 1:31 AM

    Yum! I also saw this on instagram and am glad you posted the ingredient list. Great idea with the black beans. Although I love a classic GC, I also enjoy adding other fillers (particularly avocado)!

    Reply
  3. Amber S. says

    November 27, 2013 at 1:36 AM

    I am a “traditional” grilled cheese lover, but that picture definitely grabbed my attention! Maybe your recipe will make me a convert:) I have a random question for you that this post made me think of; what are you thoughts on cheese as part of healthy eating? It seems like health “experts” aimed towards weight loss frown on it but overall healthy lifestyle advocates who aren’t necessarily geared toward weight loss approve of cheese in moderation. Thoughts?

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      November 27, 2013 at 8:49 AM

      i think it can be part of any diet in moderation and with proper portion sizes!

      Reply
  4. Arman @ thebigmansworld says

    November 27, 2013 at 3:54 AM

    Thank you for posting this!!! I remember drooling on instagram…. who knew that combination would work- although I will omit that terrible creation called cilantro. 😛

    To my grilled cheese, I love adding vegemite. An Aussie duo- cheese and vegemite!

    Reply
  5. Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says

    November 27, 2013 at 5:39 AM

    I love a good grilled cheese year round. Adding pesto has been a new favorite. Looks great Lindsay!

    [WORDPRESS HASHCASH] The poster sent us ‘0 which is not a hashcash value.

    Reply
  6. Fancy Nancy says

    November 27, 2013 at 6:15 AM

    I’m usually traditional but this looks awesome! Weird fact…I love dipping my grilled cheese in mustard!

    Reply
  7. Linz @ Itz Linz says

    November 27, 2013 at 6:18 AM

    perfect for the colder months! i’ve never made anything other than a traditional grilled cheese and you’re right – this is the perfect way to pump it up!!

    Reply
  8. Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie says

    November 27, 2013 at 7:00 AM

    This looks amazing!! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  9. Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves says

    November 27, 2013 at 7:08 AM

    Uhh YUM. So creative to add the black bean spread! I definitely want to try this soon!

    Reply
  10. Coco says

    November 27, 2013 at 7:20 AM

    Mmmm. The black means make it healthier, right? 😉

    Reply
  11. lindsay Cotter says

    November 27, 2013 at 7:27 AM

    freakin brilliant!

    Reply
  12. Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says

    November 27, 2013 at 7:55 AM

    My 3yo requests grilled cheese daily these days, and I’m always looking for more variations. Yours looks so yummy!! Have a great Thanksgiving, Lindsay!

    Reply
  13. Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat says

    November 27, 2013 at 7:59 AM

    Oh my gosh, this sounds so comforting! My stomach doesn’t agree with cheese unfortunately, but I’d totally go for the black bean spread and pesto combo… and some grilled chicken as you suggested. Have a great day Lindsay!

    Reply
  14. Sam @ Better With Sprinkles says

    November 27, 2013 at 8:03 AM

    the grilled cheese picture definitely caught my eye…you can’t go wrong with a grilled cheese! I like them either way – classic or with fancy additions. That being said, I’m pretty sure my favourite is a classic cheddar grilled cheese with a lot of ketchup for dipping 😉

    Reply
  15. Tina @ Best Body Fitness says

    November 27, 2013 at 8:24 AM

    Love this twist on grilled cheese. I’m such a fan of sandwiches lately. They are so satisfying.

    Reply
  16. Kierston @candyfit says

    November 27, 2013 at 8:28 AM

    I LOVE a grilled cheese sandwich!

    Reply
  17. Tanya Schroeder says

    November 27, 2013 at 8:48 AM

    This is a great change from my typical sandwich! I love it, so many flavors in each bite!

    Reply
  18. Carrian says

    November 27, 2013 at 8:51 AM

    These are great! I love a good grilled cheese and the spread makes this look extra delicious!

    Reply
  19. Tina@GottaRunNow says

    November 27, 2013 at 9:16 AM

    I happen to have some pesto and can’t wait to try it on a grilled cheese. Good idea!

    Reply
  20. Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says

    November 27, 2013 at 9:26 AM

    This. sounds. AWESOME! I’m definitely trying this out with vegan “cheese!”

    Reply
  21. Erin | The Law Student's Wife says

    November 27, 2013 at 9:55 AM

    I love love grilled cheese and finding new twists, but I’ve never tried with with black beans before. Love this!

    Reply
  22. Cathy says

    November 27, 2013 at 10:04 AM

    i was drooling over your instagram! total yum!!! thanks for sharing the recipe. can’t wait to try it.

    Reply
  23. Sara @ LovingOnTheRun says

    November 27, 2013 at 10:12 AM

    You know what come to think of it I have only had a traditional grilled cheese, but the “add ons” seem like they would be delicious! I may have to give this a try!

    Reply
  24. Krysten Siba Bishop (@darwinianfail) says

    November 27, 2013 at 10:29 AM

    I am making this today for lunch!! So delicious!!

    Reply
  25. Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says

    November 27, 2013 at 10:36 AM

    Holy monkeys this sounds SO delicious!!!

    Reply
  26. Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat says

    November 27, 2013 at 12:20 PM

    WOW! What an amazing recipe! Grill cheese has always been a comfort food for me, but I’m loving your twist on it. Everything about this sounds fab!

    Reply
  27. Mariah says

    November 27, 2013 at 1:32 PM

    This looks amazing! Thanks for posting your recipe. 🙂
    I’m eager to try this fancy grilled cheese.

    Just wondering…. Will you be announcing the winner of the Swanson giveaway?
    Thanks!

    God bless you!

    Reply
  28. Jackie says

    November 27, 2013 at 2:43 PM

    I can’t wait to try this!

    Reply
  29. Jan @ Sprouts n Squats says

    November 27, 2013 at 3:01 PM

    I remember seeing this photo on Instagram and thinking how yummy and delicious it looked! So not surprised it was your most liked photo 🙂 so glad you shared the recipe.

    Reply
  30. Missy says

    November 27, 2013 at 8:51 PM

    That looks so yummy!

    Reply
  31. Amanda Sammet says

    May 10, 2019 at 10:33 PM

    You are my go to healthier food blog so if I have an ingredient in mind I want to use – I just search your recipe index and sometimes find something from quite a few years ago. These are quick, delicious, and more balanced than just a normal grilled cheese. I love the cilantro pesto – you are a recipe genius!!!

    Reply

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Lindsay Livingston The Lean Green Bean Healthy Living Tips and Tricks

I'm a Registered Dietitian and mom of three from Columbus, Ohio. I use this blog to share simple, healthy recipes, nutrition tips, and an honest glimpse of motherhood!

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