Sandwiches, oh sweet sandwiches! 🥪 Get ready to sink your teeth into some seriously scrumptious vegan creations that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy. I’ve teamed up with some of the coolest plant-based chefs to bring you 8 mind-blowing sandwich ideas that’ll knock your socks off. From classic comfort food to exotic flavor explosions, we’ve got something for everyone. The best part? These babies are quick, easy, and totally customizable. So grab your favorite bread and let’s get this sandwich party started!
Avocado and Roasted Vegetable Sandwich
Holy guacamole, Batman! This sandwich is like a veggie fiesta between two slices of bread.
You’ll want to start by roasting up a medley of colorful veggies – think bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant.
While those are getting all caramelized and delicious in the oven, mash up some creamy avocado with a squeeze of lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Once your veggies are done, pile them high on your favorite bread (I’m a sucker for a good sourdough), and slather on that avo-goodness.
Pro tip: Add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy kick that’ll make you forget all about dairy.
I swear, every time I make this sandwich, I feel like I’m on a beach in California. Maybe it’s the avocado talking, but hey, a girl can dream, right?
Tempeh “BLT”
Move over, bacon! There’s a new sheriff in town, and it’s made of fermented soybeans.
Slice your tempeh nice and thin, then marinate it in a mixture of soy sauce, liquid smoke, maple syrup, and smoked paprika.
Fry those bad boys up until they’re nice and crispy.
Layer them on toasted bread with fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a generous schmear of vegan mayo.
Want to take it to the next level? Add some sliced avocado. Because let’s be real, when is avocado NOT a good idea?
This sandwich brings me right back to my pre-vegan days of summer picnics and BLTs. Except now, no piggies were harmed in the making of this sandwich. Win-win!
Chickpea “Tuna” Salad Sandwich
Who needs fish when you’ve got these funky little legumes? Chickpeas are the chameleons of the vegan world, I swear.
Mash up some chickpeas and mix them with diced celery, red onion, and pickles.
Add vegan mayo, a squirt of mustard, and a sprinkle of kelp granules for that sea-breezy flavor.
Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of Old Bay if you’re feeling fancy.
Slap that mixture between two slices of bread, add some crisp lettuce, and boom! You’ve got yourself a “tuna” sandwich that’ll make you say, “Chicken of the sea? More like chickpea of the land!”
I once served this to my non-vegan uncle, and he honest-to-goodness thought it was real tuna. Should I tell him? Nah, let’s keep it our little secret. 😉
Grilled Portobello Mushroom and Pesto Sandwich
Alright, mushroom haters, it’s time to get on board the fungi train. Trust me, this sandwich will convert even the most stubborn shroom-avoiders.
Marinate some portobello caps in balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and garlic.
Grill those babies until they’re juicy and tender.
Spread some homemade vegan pesto on your bread (store-bought works too, no judgment here), and layer on those mushrooms.
Add some roasted red peppers and fresh arugula for a peppery kick.
The first time I made this sandwich, I felt like a gourmet chef. Reality check: it’s stupid easy to make, but don’t tell anyone. Let them think you slaved away in the kitchen for hours.
BBQ Jackfruit Pulled “Pork” Sandwich
Get ready to fool your taste buds, because this sandwich is about to rock your world.
Drain and rinse canned jackfruit, then shred it with a fork.
Sauté it with onions and garlic, then add your favorite BBQ sauce and let it simmer until it’s all saucy and delicious.
Pile that pulled “pork” onto a soft bun and top with some crunchy coleslaw.
Fair warning: This sandwich can get messy. But hey, if you’re not wearing half your meal by the end, did you even really enjoy it?
I once brought these to a summer BBQ, and let’s just say, the carnivores were shook. “But… but… how?” they stammered, sauce dripping down their chins. Mission accomplished.
Mediterranean Veggie and Hummus Wrap
Let’s take a little trip to the Mediterranean, shall we? No passport required, just an empty stomach and a love for all things garlicky.
Spread a generous layer of hummus on a large tortilla or wrap.
Load it up with cucumber, tomato, red onion, kalamata olives, and some crisp lettuce.
Sprinkle on some za’atar seasoning if you’re feeling extra fancy.
Roll it up tight and prepare for flavor explosion.
This wrap always reminds me of my backpacking days through Europe. Except now, instead of eating it on a crowded train, I’m lounging on my couch in my PJs. Ah, the joys of adulting.
Tofu Banh Mi
Who says you need meat for a killer banh mi? Not this gal!
Press and slice your tofu, then marinate it in soy sauce, lime juice, and sriracha.
Pan-fry until golden and crispy.
Load up a crusty baguette with your tofu, pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber slices, fresh cilantro, and a schmear of vegan mayo.
Don’t forget a drizzle of extra sriracha for those who like it hot!
Fair warning: This sandwich may cause spontaneous happy dances. I speak from experience.
Vegan “Egg” Salad Sandwich
Eggs? Where we’re going, we don’t need eggs!
Crumble up some extra-firm tofu and mix it with vegan mayo, mustard, finely diced celery and onion, and a sprinkle of black salt (aka kala namak) for that eggy flavor.
Add some turmeric for that classic yellow color.
Spread this mixture on your bread of choice, add some lettuce and tomato if you’re feeling fancy.
The first time I made this, I had a moment of panic thinking I’d accidentally used real eggs. Nope, just the magic of plants fooling me again!
And there you have it, folks! Eight delicious vegan sandwiches that’ll make your lunch break the highlight of your day.
Remember, these are just starting points. Feel free to mix it up, add your own twist, or heck, combine two of these ideas into one mega-sandwich. I won’t judge. In fact, I’ll applaud your culinary creativity.
So, what are you waiting for? Get in that kitchen and start sandwiching! And if anyone tries to tell you that vegan food is boring, just shove one of these in their face (gently, of course). Happy munching!