Marinated mozzerella foccaia- delicious 20 minute lunch

Take your lunch up a level with a speedy marinated mozzarella focaccia sandwich that’s as effortless as it is delicious! This is more than just a quick meal—it’s a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors and simple, high-quality ingredients. The star of the sandwich, fresh mozzarella, is marinated in a fragrant blend of herbs, garlic, and olive oil, giving each bite a creamy, tangy, and herbaceous punch that makes your taste buds sit up and take notice. Nestled between slices of soft, golden focaccia—crisp on the outside, pillowy on the inside—this sandwich is the perfect harmony of texture and flavor.

What makes it truly special is how easy it is to make. In less than 20 minutes from start to finish, and with under 10 minutes of actual cooking time, you can have a lunch that feels gourmet without the fuss. There’s no complicated chopping, no long lists of ingredients—just pure, honest flavors that let the mozzarella shine. Even busy weekdays or hectic afternoons won’t get in the way of enjoying a meal that feels indulgent and satisfying.

Every bite delivers a combination of creamy, savory, and slightly tangy notes, complemented by the gentle chew of focaccia and the subtle richness of olive oil. The sandwich is also wonderfully versatile—you can layer in fresh arugula or baby spinach for a peppery bite, ripe, juicy tomatoes for a hint of sweetness, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze to tie it all together—but even on its own, it’s a standout.

Perfect for a solo lunch at your desk, a picnic in the park, or a casual meal shared with friends, this focaccia sandwich transforms a simple lunch into something to look forward to. It’s quick, easy, and satisfying, proving that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create a meal that feels elevated and indulgent. So why settle for boring when you can have fresh, flavorful, and effortless? With marinated mozzarella at the heart of it, your lunchtime just got a major upgrade.

Marinated mozzerella foccaia- ingredient list!

Drain the 125g/4½oz mozzarella ball and tear it into walnut-sized bits.
Four tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, with more for drizzling
Half a teaspoon of dried oregano
1 garlic clove, thinly sliced
One unwaxed lemon with its juice and pared zest
One courgette, cut into rounds of 5 mm/¼in
1 red onion, cut into 5mm/¼in rounds
1 small focaccia (approximately 20cm/8in square)
Two tablespoons of mayonnaise
1 tomato, chopped into 1cm/½in rounds salt and freshly ground black pepper

Marinated mozzerella foccaia- step by step instruction guide!

Step 1
In a wide jar or small bowl, place the fresh mozzarella and drizzle it generously with olive oil. Sprinkle over the dried oregano, minced garlic, and the bright, zesty flavors of lemon juice and lemon zest. Using a spatula, gently press the mozzarella down so that it’s fully submerged in the oil, allowing the flavors to start infusing. Season with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of freshly ground black pepper, then press down once more to ensure the cheese is evenly coated and bathed in the aromatic oil. Set the mixture aside and let it sit while you prepare the rest of your sandwich—this short marinating step allows the mozzarella to soak up the herbs and citrus, creating a flavorful, creamy center for your focaccia.

Step 2
Preheat your grill to high heat. You want it hot enough to create a beautifully crisp, golden exterior on the focaccia while warming the sandwich through without melting the cheese too quickly. Give the grill a few minutes to reach its peak temperature so your sandwich cooks evenly and develops that perfect, lightly charred flavor.

Step 3
Toss the sliced courgette and onion together on a baking tray, spreading them out so they roast evenly. Drizzle with about 2 teaspoons of olive oil, then sprinkle lightly with salt. Use a spatula or your hands to gently turn and coat the vegetables, making sure each piece glistens with oil and seasoning. This simple step ensures that as they roast, the courgette becomes tender and caramelized while the onion develops a sweet, golden edge, adding a delicious depth of flavor to your sandwich.

Step 4
Place the prepared courgette and onion on the preheated grill and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning once halfway through. Keep an eye on them—they should start to brown in spots, developing a lovely caramelized color and sweet, smoky flavor. During the final 2 minutes of grilling, slide the focaccia onto the grill as well to warm it through. The heat will crisp up the outside while keeping the inside soft and pillowy, creating the perfect base for your marinated mozzarella and roasted vegetables.

Step 5
Slice the focaccia in half horizontally, revealing its soft, airy interior. Place the bottom half, cut-side up, on a chopping board so it’s ready to hold all the delicious fillings. Spread a generous layer of creamy mayonnaise over the base, letting it seep slightly into the nooks and crannies of the bread. Then, layer on slices of ripe, juicy tomato, arranging them evenly so each bite will have a burst of freshness and subtle sweetness. This simple step sets the foundation for a sandwich that’s bursting with flavor and texture.

Step 6
Carefully lift the marinated mozzarella out of the oil and arrange the slices over the tomatoes, letting their creamy texture and herby, citrusy flavors shine. You may not need to use all of the cheese—just enough to cover the base with a generous, luscious layer. Next, spoon the warm, grilled courgette and onion on top, letting their caramelized edges and smoky notes mingle with the fresh mozzarella. Finally, drizzle a little of the flavorful mozzarella marinating oil over everything, adding an extra layer of richness and herb-infused aroma that ties all the ingredients together beautifully.

Step 7

Carefully place the top half of the focaccia over the layered fillings, pressing down just slightly so everything holds together beautifully. Use a sharp knife to slice the sandwich in half, creating two generous portions that reveal the colorful layers of tomato, marinated mozzarella, and grilled vegetables inside. If you’re planning to take your lunch on the go, wrap each half tightly in parchment paper to keep it neat, fresh, and easy to transport. The sandwich is now ready to enjoy—warm, flavorful, and perfectly balanced, with each bite delivering creamy cheese, tender roasted vegetables, and the irresistible texture of golden focaccia.