Vegetarian sandwiches are a tasty and healthy option for lunch or dinner. They offer a wide range of flavors and textures that can satisfy even the most discerning palate.
These meat-free sandwiches can be just as filling and delicious as their meaty counterparts.
From classic combinations to creative new twists, vegetarian sandwiches come in many forms. You can find options packed with fresh veggies, hearty spreads, and plant-based proteins.
Whether you’re a long-time vegetarian or just looking to cut back on meat, these sandwiches provide a great way to enjoy a quick and nutritious meal.
1. Caprese Sandwich
The Caprese sandwich is a simple yet delicious vegetarian option. You’ll love its fresh flavors and easy preparation.
Start with a soft Italian roll or baguette. Slice it in half lengthwise.
Drizzle some olive oil and balsamic glaze on the inside of the bread.
Layer slices of ripe tomato, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves on one half of the bread. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
Close the sandwich and enjoy it right away. For a warm version, toast the bread lightly before adding the fillings.
You can also add a spread like pesto or a mix of mayo and basil for extra flavor.
2. Hummus and Veggie Wrap
Hummus and veggie wraps make a tasty and filling vegetarian meal. You can create these wraps easily at home with a few simple ingredients.
Start by spreading hummus on a tortilla or wrap. Add sliced cucumber, tomato, avocado, and bell pepper. You can also include carrots for extra crunch.
Top your wrap with mixed salad greens or spinach. For added flavor, drizzle a bit of olive oil or hot sauce.
You can warm the tortilla before filling if you prefer.
These wraps are versatile. Try different hummus flavors like roasted red pepper for variety. You can also add protein with edamame or chickpeas.
3. Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger
Grilled portobello mushroom burgers are a tasty vegetarian option. You can easily make these at home on your grill or stovetop.
Start by cleaning the mushrooms and removing the stems. Marinate them in a mix of balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, oil, and spices for 20-30 minutes.
Heat your grill to medium-high, about 375-400°F.
Grill the mushrooms for 3-5 minutes per side until they soften and get nice grill marks.
Serve your portobello burgers on buns with your favorite toppings. Try cheese, lettuce, tomato, and a creamy sauce like pesto aioli.
These meaty mushroom burgers are juicy, flavorful, and satisfying. They’re perfect for your next cookout or meatless Monday dinner.
4. Avocado and Tomato Sandwich
This simple yet tasty sandwich combines creamy avocado with juicy tomatoes. Start by toasting two slices of bread to your liking.
Mash half an avocado and spread it on one slice of toast. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Layer thin slices of ripe tomato on top of the avocado. For extra flavor, you can sprinkle some garlic powder or add fresh herbs like basil.
Top with the second slice of toast and enjoy your nutritious, plant-based sandwich. It’s quick to make and perfect for a light lunch or snack.
5. Spinach and Artichoke Grilled Cheese
This tasty sandwich combines two beloved dishes into one cheesy delight. You’ll start by mixing chopped spinach and artichokes with cream cheese and garlic for a flavorful spread.
Spread the mixture on slices of sourdough bread. Add a layer of melty cheese like mozzarella or provolone. Butter the outside of the bread for a crispy texture.
Grill the sandwich in a pan until golden brown on both sides. The heat will melt the cheese and warm the spinach-artichoke filling.
You’ll end up with a gooey, savory sandwich that’s sure to satisfy.
Pair your spinach and artichoke grilled cheese with tomato soup for a comforting meal. It’s a great option for lunch or a quick dinner.
6. Mediterranean Veggie Pita
Mediterranean veggie pitas are a tasty and healthy sandwich option. You can make them quickly with no cooking required.
Start with a soft pita pocket as your base. Spread hummus inside for a creamy layer.
Add chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions for crunch and flavor.
Include some protein with chickpeas or feta cheese. For extra zest, try Kalamata olives or sun-dried tomatoes.
Finish with fresh spinach or lettuce leaves. A drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice ties it all together.
This sandwich is easy to customize. Use any veggies you have on hand. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.
7. Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich
This classic sandwich is easy to make and packed with flavor. Start by spreading peanut butter on two slices of bread.
Slice a ripe banana and layer it on one slice.
You can add extras like a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey for more sweetness. Some people like to add chopped walnuts for crunch.
For a warm version, try grilling the sandwich in a pan with a bit of vegan butter. Cook until golden brown on both sides. This creates a crispy outside and gooey inside.
You can also use almond butter instead of peanut butter for a different taste. For extra protein, choose whole grain bread.
8. Chickpea Salad Sandwich
You can make a tasty chickpea salad sandwich in just 10 minutes. Start by mashing canned chickpeas with a fork or potato masher.
Mix in chopped celery, green onions, and pickles for crunch. Add mayo, mustard, lemon juice, and spices like dill or celery seed for flavor.
Spread the chickpea mixture on bread and top with lettuce or other veggies.
This sandwich is protein-packed and perfect for a quick lunch.
You can store leftover chickpea salad in the fridge for a couple of days. Try it on different breads or add extra toppings to change things up.
9. Roasted Vegetable Panini
Roasted vegetable paninis are a tasty and satisfying sandwich option. You can use a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant.
To make one, roast your chosen veggies in the oven until tender.
Spread pesto on bread slices and add a layer of mozzarella cheese.
Place the roasted vegetables on top and grill the sandwich in a panini press or skillet. The result is a warm, crispy sandwich with melted cheese and flavorful vegetables.
You can customize your panini by adding different herbs or swapping cheeses. It’s a great way to use up leftover roasted vegetables too.
10. Eggplant Parmesan Sub
The Eggplant Parmesan Sub is a tasty vegetarian sandwich option. You start by slicing eggplant into rounds and salting them to remove excess moisture.
Next, you bread the eggplant slices. Dip them in flour, then beaten egg, and finally a mix of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
Fry or bake the breaded eggplant until golden brown.
Place the crispy eggplant slices on a toasted sub roll and top with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.
Add fresh basil leaves for extra flavor. You can also include thinly sliced onions if you like.
This sandwich is filling, flavorful, and perfect for lunch or dinner.
11. Tofu Banh Mi
Tofu Banh Mi offers a tasty vegetarian twist on the classic Vietnamese sandwich. You’ll love the mix of flavors and textures in this handheld meal.
Start by marinating tofu slices in a blend of soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, and ginger. This infuses the tofu with savory-tangy goodness.
Cook the marinated tofu until golden and crispy.
Load it onto a crusty baguette with pickled veggies like carrots and daikon radish.
Add fresh cilantro, cucumber slices, and jalapenos for extra crunch and zing. A smear of vegan mayo or sriracha sauce gives it that final kick.
This sandwich packs a flavor punch with its combo of spicy, sour, sweet, and umami notes. It’s a satisfying meal that will please both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
12. Zucchini and Pesto Sandwich
This tasty vegetarian sandwich combines grilled zucchini with flavorful pesto.
Slice zucchini lengthwise into thin strips and grill until tender with light char marks.
Spread pesto on crusty bread like ciabatta or a French loaf. Layer the grilled zucchini slices on top.
You can add other grilled veggies like red peppers or eggplant too.
For extra flavor, try adding fresh mozzarella or goat cheese. A handful of arugula or spinach gives a nice peppery crunch.
This sandwich works great for picnics or packed lunches. The bold pesto and smoky grilled zucchini create a satisfying meat-free meal.
13. Buffalo Cauliflower Wrap
Buffalo cauliflower wraps offer a tasty vegetarian twist on buffalo wings. To make them, you’ll coat cauliflower florets in a spicy buffalo sauce and bake them until crispy.
Wrap the baked cauliflower in a tortilla with lettuce, tomato, and cucumber for crunch.
Add a drizzle of vegan ranch dressing for extra flavor.
You can customize your wrap by adding avocado slices or shredded carrots. For a gluten-free option, use corn tortillas or lettuce wraps instead of flour tortillas.
These wraps are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. They’re filling, flavorful, and pack a spicy kick that will satisfy your buffalo sauce cravings.
14. Mushroom Melt
A mushroom melt is a tasty vegetarian sandwich option. You can make it with various types of mushrooms, like portobello or button.
To prepare, sauté mushrooms with shallots and thyme until they’re soft and brown. This brings out their rich flavor.
Place the cooked mushrooms on bread slices. Top with cheese like Swiss, cheddar, or provolone. You can use one type or mix them for more flavor.
Toast the sandwich in the oven until the cheese melts. The bread will get crispy while the inside stays gooey.
For extra taste, add a splash of soy sauce to the mushrooms. This gives them a savory boost.
15. Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwich
Cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches are a light and refreshing vegetarian option. You can make them easily with just a few ingredients.
Start by spreading cream cheese on slices of bread. Layer thinly sliced cucumbers on top.
For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of fresh dill or chives.
You can use any type of bread, but soft white bread or whole wheat work well. To make it vegan, swap regular cream cheese for a plant-based version.
These sandwiches are perfect for warm days or tea parties. They’re also great for quick lunches or snacks. Cut them into small triangles or rectangles for a fun presentation.
16. Beet and Goat Cheese Sandwich
This vegetarian sandwich combines sweet, earthy beets with creamy goat cheese. You’ll love the mix of flavors and textures.
Start with two slices of your favorite bread. Spread a layer of soft goat cheese on each slice.
Add thin slices of cooked beets on top of the cheese.
For extra crunch and flavor, toss some arugula or mixed greens with a light vinaigrette. Add these dressed greens to your sandwich. You can also include some chopped walnuts for more texture.
Press the two halves together and enjoy your colorful, tasty beet and goat cheese sandwich. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.
17. Vegan BLT
A vegan BLT offers a plant-based twist on the classic sandwich. You can make it with eggplant bacon or tempeh bacon for a smoky flavor.
Toast your bread and spread vegan mayo on one side. Add crispy vegan bacon, sliced tomatoes, and lettuce.
For extra flavor, try adding avocado or pickled red onions. You can also use herbed avocado spread instead of mayo.
Cook your vegan bacon on a griddle or skillet until browned and crispy. Brush it with marinade for more taste.
Assemble your sandwich, slice it in half, and enjoy your meat-free BLT. It’s a tasty and satisfying meal that’s easy to make at home.
18. Falafel Wrap
Falafel wraps are a tasty vegetarian sandwich option. You can make them easily at home. Start by preparing falafel balls using chickpeas and spices.
While the falafels bake, slice some pears and sauté them for added sweetness.
Spread hummus on a tortilla or flatbread as the base for your wrap.
Add lettuce, chopped cucumber, and pickled onions for crunch and tang. Place the warm falafels and caramelized pears on top.
Drizzle with a simple tahini dressing made from tahini, lemon juice, and water. Roll everything up tightly in the wrap.
You can customize your falafel wrap with other veggies like tomatoes or bell peppers. For extra heat, add a dash of sriracha sauce.
Tips for Creating Delicious Vegetarian Sandwiches
Making tasty vegetarian sandwiches is easy with the right ingredients and techniques.
Focus on fresh produce and flavorful spreads to create satisfying meat-free options.
Ingredient Selection
Pick high-quality bread as your base. Whole grain, sourdough, or ciabatta add texture and taste.
For protein, try:
• Hummus • Mashed beans • Sliced tofu • Nut butters
Load up on veggies like:
• Crisp lettuce • Juicy tomatoes • Crunchy cucumbers • Grilled zucchini
Add creamy elements like avocado or cheese for richness. Sprinkle in some seeds or nuts for extra crunch and nutrition.
Flavor Enhancements
Boost flavor with spreads and sauces. Try:
• Pesto • Mustard • Balsamic glaze • Vegan mayo
Herbs and spices add depth. Use:
• Fresh basil • Cilantro • Garlic powder • Smoked paprika
Pickled veggies bring tangy zip. Include:
• Pickled onions • Jalapeños • Sauerkraut
Roast or grill veggies to bring out their sweetness. This works great for peppers, eggplant, and mushrooms.
Mix textures for interest. Pair smooth spreads with crunchy veggies. Layer thin and thick slices for variety in each bite.