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I think we can all agree that the best veggie sandwich is one that bursts with color, flavor, and texture. It's filling, refreshing, and customizable with your favorite ingredients. Here is the ultimate vegetarian sandwich guide!
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The key to building a truly loveable veggie sandwich is to use fresh, minimally processed ingredients that you actually love! Here’s a simple guide to walk you through every step so you can create your perfect vegetarian sandwich with your most favorite ingredients!
Start with Your Bread Base
The bread you choose sets the stage for the entire sandwich, so pick one that will work with the ingredients you have in mind.
- Types of Bread: Whole grain, sourdough, French bread, focaccia, ciabatta, pita or tortilla, and baguette are popular options. I always recommend picking your favorite bread, and you'll probably love your veggie sandwich.
- Bread Texture: Toasting your bread adds a nice crunch and holds up better to spreads, while a softer bread provides a more delicate bite. You can even warm your bread for a cozy, melty sandwich feel.
Pick a Protein-Rich Filling
Protein makes your sandwich more satisfying and can add extra flavor.
- Plant-Based Proteins: Hummus, chickpea salad, black bean spread, marinated tempeh, or grilled tofu are great options for a plant-based punch. Red pepper hummus brings a mild kick, while chickpea salad gives a nice texture similar to tuna salad.
- Avocado: Sliced avocado adds rich creaminess, nutty flavor, and healthy fats to your vegetarian sandwich.
- Cheese: For cheese lovers, add slices or crumbles of feta, mozzarella, cheddar, or goat cheese. Pimento cheese spread offers a Southern twist, and vegan cheeses like cashew cheese add a creamy, dairy-free option.
Add Fresh Veggies for Crunch and Flavor
Vegetables bring the sandwich to life with bright colors, flavors, and satisfying crunch.
- Leafy Greens: Arugula, spinach, or romaine add lots of nutrition and lovely green color.
- Crisp Vegetables: Cucumber slices, bell peppers, radishes, shredded carrots, or sliced red onions give a crisp bite and vibrant color.
- Pickled or Marinated Veggies: Pickled beets, pickled onions, or dill pickles add a tangy, crunchy surprise with a pop of color.
Go All In With Condiments and Sauces
Condiments can make or break a sandwich, adding moisture and a punch of flavor.
- Classic Condiments: You can’t go wrong with mustard (try regular, spicy, or Dijon) or a little mayonnaise, vegan mayo, or garlic aioli.
- Flavorful Sauces: Pesto is always a win—try basil pesto or arugula pesto for a bold herb flavor. Olive tapenade brings a Mediterranean twist, while dips like French onion dip or spinach artichoke dip add an extra layer of creamy comfort.
- Dressing Options: Avocado ranch or Greek yogurt ranch add a nutritious, creamy texture.
- Zesty Additions: Want a bit of zing? Try balsamic glaze, red wine vinegar, hot sauce, sriracha, or a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to brighten the whole sandwich.
Add Extra Flavor and Texture
A little crunch or tangy addition can make every bite more exciting.
- Pickles & Fermented Additions: Dill pickles, pickled jalapeños, sauerkraut, or kimchi give your sandwich a tangy, crunchy surprise. These also add a bit of saltiness to balance other flavors.
- Crunchy Toppings: For even more texture, toss in roasted chickpeas, or add a sprinkle everything bagel seasoning for that extra pop of savory flavor.
Take It On The go
Even a well-stacked veggie sandwich can be enjoyed on the go when wrapped in parchment. Mine was 4 inches tall before I wrapped it, and I ate it standup up, lol.
Vegetarian recipes we love
- Kale Sesame Noodles
- Vegetable Quinoa Salad
- Vegetarian Burrito Bowls
- Vegetarian Chili
- Greek Chickpea Salad
- Vegetarian Mushroom Stroganoff
📖 Recipe
Ultimate Veggie Sandwich
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Video
When scaling the recipe 2x or 3x, the gray ingredient note stays the same. Adjust quantities accordingly.
Ingredients
- 2 slices Whole Grain Bread
- 1 tablespoon Hummus
- 1 tablespoon Pesto
- 1 tablespoon Carrots, shredded
- 4-6 slivers Red Onion, thinly sliced
- 4-6 slivers Red Bell Pepper, thinly sliced
- 4-6 slices Cucumber, or pickles
- ¼ cup Sprouts, or microgreens
- 2-4 leaves Romaine Lettuce
- ¼ medium Apple, thinly sliced
- ¼ medium Avocado, sliced
- 2 teaspoons Crunchy things: Pepitas, Sunflower Seeds, Roasted Chickpeas, etc
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Spread your condiments over the bread slices.
- Stack up your ingredients in layers. Use as many ingredients as you like.
- Wrap your veggie sandwich in parchment, cut in half, and enjoy!
Celeste says
Why have so many people rated the recipe without making it? The vast majority of the 5 star "reviews" say it "looks" good and they "want to try it".... Very misleading to leave a rating on a recipe you haven't made yet, especially when it's so easy to leave a comment without a rating. Not sure if I can trust the "reviews" so may make it, may not. Just wanted to let you know how it comes across to your readers.
Traci Antonovich says
Hi Celeste, if you look closely, you'll see that there are reviews from people who have tried this sandwich. Thanks!
Kat says
That’s easy. Just read the reviews of people who have made it. Base your decision on those reviews. Piece of cake! Or bread in this case...
The Kitchen Girl says
Nice! Hope you enjoy this sandwich, Kat 🙂
MP says
I almost let this comment keep me from trying it. It was fantastic. Light, but filling.
I took off the sprouts, added a little garlic powder and sea salt. I also put both thinly sliced tomato and red pepper instead of choosing. Lastly, I used honey grain oat, but I toasted the bread with a light spread of margarine. I can’t wait to try again.
The Kitchen Girl says
Glad you gave it a go, MP and so glad you enjoyed it 🙂 Thanks so much for taking the time to review it!
Chi Wong says
I had made your recipe for my children and myself for lunch the past four days. I haven’t get tired of it yet. I layered the veggies with little sesame dressing so it doesn’t overflow or drip all over. The pumpkin seeds add perfect saltyness to the sandwich. Today i ran out of bell pepper but got more avocado in the sandwich. Great sandwich recipe. Thank you.
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Chi! I love that sesame dressing move...yummm! Love your feedback too...much appreciated 🙂
Lisa Bynum says
Okay, as a meat lover, I have to admit ... this sandwich looks super tempting. If you put this on a plate in front of me, I would totally take a big ol' bite.
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Lisa! Yeah, I'm a meat lover too, but I also love to eat vegan a lot, you know, to balance things out 🙂
Stephanie says
This sandwich looks AMAZING! Would love to have it right now. I never really think about adding hummus to sandwiches but it really is a great idea especially since I'm a big hummus fan.
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Stephanie! Ya, hummus is a must-have ingredient for my veggie sandos 🙂
Lauren Vavala | DeliciousLittleBites says
I love vegetarian sandwiches. They are always my go-to when I eat out at certain restaurants, but I don't make them at home nearly enough! This version is sooooo delicious!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks so much Lauren! I tend to only order vegetarian sandwiches...unless I'm at a fancy deli with exceptional quality deli meats. Otherwise, veggie it is 🙂
Jenni LeBaron says
Yum! This looks so flavorful and hearty. I am a meat eater but I certainly wouldn't miss the meat on this tasty sandwich. It totally doesn't need it!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Jenni! Yep, this one is tested and approved by bona fide carnivores 😉
Dannii says
I love how stacked this sandwich is. Anything with avocado in is good with me!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Dannii! Love hearing that 🙂
Manjela says
This is a very yummy sandwich. My meat loving husband also enjoyed it very much!
Traci Antonovich says
Well I'm super happy to hear that Manjela! Thanks for taking the time to let me know 🙂
Annemarie @ justalittlebitofbacon says
We love meatless options for lunch and dinner and this sandwich would work perfectly. I even have everything in the house right now so you were right on with the everyday ingredients. Though I probably would add some cheese to it...since you know cheese. 🙂
Traci Antonovich says
Oh you are speaking my language with that cheese talk LOL. I love cheese a little too much, which is why I also love a good vegan sandwich as often as possible 🙂
Jaclyn Anne says
As a meat-eater, I have to agree that this sandwich is a winner EVEN with meat-lovers! I LOVE how loaded and filling it is!
Traci Antonovich says
Haha I hear ya Jaclyn...I am a meat eater too...and I don't even think about it when I scarf down this sandwich 😉
Shadi Hasanzadenemati says
I'm a total meat eater and I want this sandwich right now!
Traci Antonovich says
Haha, meee too, girl! 🙂
Cindy Gordon says
I love cross over sandwiches like this! It makes my life easier when meat eating family comes over!
Traci Antonovich says
Perfect Cindy! This one definitely crosses over 🙂
Danielle says
This looks so tasty and healthy! I'm always looking for ways to get my non vegetarian husband to eat more vegetarian foods, this sandwich might work!
Traci Antonovich says
YES Danielle! That exaaaactly what I had in mind for this sammie. My other half loves veggie sandwiches when I make this one 🙂
Carolyn Hartman says
I made this tonight for dinner. It was sooo delicious! I was thinking to take it in my lunch, I would use a wrap to be slightly less messy. Yum!
Traci Antonovich says
Great to hear that you love this sandwich, Carolyn 🙂 You're so right...it would make the perfect wrap! I appreciate that you stopped by to comment...thanks!
Elysia | Haute & Healthy Living says
This sandwich looks like it's jam packed with tasty fillings! Just the way I like my sandwiches!!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Elysia! Yep, gimme ALL the fillings! 🙂
Tina Dawson | Love is in my Tummy says
I'd eat this for lunch everyday, no regrets ! Simply amazing!
Traci Antonovich says
Haha, right there with ya, friend! Wish someone would make it for me...every day 😉
Marlynn says
I'm a meat eater, and I love veggie sandos like this!! Especially for lunch. Such a great way to get a healthy boost in the middle of the day.
Traci Antonovich says
I'm a meat-eater too, Marlynn...but I sure do crave a good veggie stack quite often! 🙂
Mike from Chili Pepper Madness says
Saving this for Meatless Monday! It may not include any meat, but yes it will certainly satisfy. Printed!
Traci Antonovich says
Awesome Mike! Hope you love it like I do! 🙂
Jessica Formicola says
This is the sandwich of my dreams! It's packed with so much goodness!
Traci Antonovich says
Haha...I lovvvve hearing that! It's the sammie of mine too! 🙂
Juli Meyers says
I'm a pretty avid meat lovers but sandwhich just don't need them at all. And micro greens are my favorite! Esp sunflower sprouts.
Traci Antonovich says
I'm soooo with you on the microgreens...can't get enough! 🙂
Jessica Robinson says
This sandwich looks so tasty! Filled with all sorts of amazing flavors!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Jessica! That's the only way to eat a veggie sando, right? 😉
Tara says
Ooh, love all those vegetables along with the hummus. Such a great combination of flavors! I can see why this would be a hit with everyone.
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Tara! It's a super hit in our house...end the hummus makes it! 🙂
Sandi says
I would devour this sandwich and I love meat 🙂
Traci Antonovich says
Haha, meeeee too Sandi! I don't even think about it when I'm eating this 🙂
Lisa says
I'm loving how jam-packed that sandwich is! That would definitely make my tummy happy. 🙂
Traci Antonovich says
Happy tummy indeed! I loooove loaded veggie sandos 🙂
Sandwhich says
What's a "Sando"?
Traci Antonovich says
It's something that's delicious and you definitely want 🙂
Sheree says
I believe the term for folks like us ie vegan most of the time, like at home, but will indulge when out or at a friends place - Flexitarian! I love it!
Traci says
Flexitarian...love it! It totally suits me...especially when I go to party with a cheese platter 🙂