These creative vegetarian sandwiches show that meatless meals can be fun and delicious! From crispy falafel to rainbow veggie, these healthy sandwiches are easy ideas for lunch or dinner.
A sandwich might sound like a “boring” meal, but these vegetarian sandwiches are anything but uninspired! I’ve spent years testing different combinations of veggie sandwich fillings in my kitchen, and over the years I’ve collected my favorite ideas for making meatless lunches and dinners.
These vegetarian sandwiches have become my go-to’s for quick weeknight dinners and healthy lunches that actually make me look forward to the meal. I’ve been served some sad vegetarian and vegan sandwiches (like lettuce and tomato on bread). But these are the opposite: they’re filled with fresh and protein-packed ingredients so that every bite is delicious!
20 Vegetarian Sandwiches
This rainbow vegetable sandwich is one of my favorite meals! One way to eat lots of veggies is simply to make them look good. This vegetarian sandwich is as delicious as it is beautiful! It features herbed goat cheese spread, pickled radishes, roasted peppers, avocado, and red onion.
This burrata sandwich is the sandwich of your dreams! Sink your teeth into this creamy, rich cheese paired with fresh basil, ripe tomatoes, and a smoky sundried tomato aioli on ciabatta bread. It’s a no cook meal that will impress anyone!
What makes this coleslaw and Swiss melt sandwich so savory and delicious? Well, start with my best coleslaw recipe. Add a melty cheese on top of a salty pretzel bun, then top with Russian dressing, which makes it taste like a Big Mac.
What’s better than the classic combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil? Not much, in my opinion! So try my Caprese sandwich! This riff on the classic Italian salad from Capri layers the classic ingredients as a sandwich filling, with a creamy pesto aioli that adds a pop of savory brightness to each bite.
If you asked me for easy vegetarian sandwiches, I'd name this one first! Essentially a vegetarian chicken salad sandwich using chickpeas, it features mashed chickpeas, celery, green onion, a little mayo, and a pop of lemon. It's one of my top healthy sandwich ideas (it's also a vegan sandwich).
Some days call for grilled cheese, and this spin is toasty and gooey with a few tricks to elevate the flavors. It’s smoky, salty and savory sweet, with just the right crunch from the golden bread into the molten cheese!
Here's the tofu sandwich of your dreams! This incredible vegan sandwich stars crispy breaded tofu, tangy Russian dressing, and crunchy pickles that create a flavor explosion everyone will love.
A classic tomato sandwich is all about the glory of juicy, ripe tomatoes! Here’s my guide for how to whip up the perfect combination of juicy tomatoes, crusty bread, and mayonnaise for a sandwich that’s super satisfying. Use basil aioli or tarragon aioli to take it over the top.
These vegan lentil sloppy joes are a filling plant-based dinner made with lentils, tomatoes, and seasonings! The tangy flavor makes them a crowd-pleaser, and they’re a huge hit at my house. Serve on a bun with pickles for the true sloppy joe experience.
This Mediterranean-style veggie sandwich was inspired by my recent trip to Italy. While in Pisa, I went to a sweet little sandwich shop and had a sandwich like this. The bread is spread with basil pesto and Kalamata olive spread, and then it’s filled with grilled eggplant, juicy ripe tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella.
Here's a meaty vegetarian sandwich: the Portobello Sandwich! It's modeled after a steak sandwich, but instead the filling is juicy roasted portobello mushrooms, seasoned with garlic, soy sauce and smoked paprika. Add to that crunchy pickles, onions, and a horseradish sauce that smothers it all with a creamy, spicy tang.
How to make the best egg sandwich? In my opinion, there’s really nothing better than a great fried egg sandwich. This one is my ultimate way to make it: gooey, messy, requiring lots of napkins, and slathered with smoky mayo.
A good grilled cheese is one of the ultimate vegetarian sandwiches? Here’s one with a fun twist: the avocado grilled cheese. Simply adding an avocado and tomato to a standard grilled cheese makes it fit for serving to company!
That’s right: hummus on a sandwich. You don’t have to reserve hummus just for carrots and pita triangles! It works as a sandwich spread that’s full of plant-based protein to keep you full for hours. Throw it on bread with all your favorite crunchy veggies and it’s a lunch or snack that couldn’t be easier to whip up.
The falafel sandwich is one of the most iconic vegan sandwiches. The crunch of the fried chickpea fritters, the soft herby interior, and the sauces that dribble down your chin: it's my ultimate meal! My recipe features crunchy fritters, ultra soft flatbread, crunchy veggies and creamy, garlicky sauces.
Here’s an easy sandwich recipe that hits the spot: the Ultimate Avocado Sandwich! It's full of umami flavor: the combination of smoky, rich, hearty, crunchy and savory is simple and irresistible.
This jackfruit BBQ sandwich makes the most of this surprising meat substitute: it truly tastes like meat, paired with a sauce that's sweet, tangy, savory, and a little boozy. Serve it on a bun with our easy vinegar coleslaw or our best creamy coleslaw.
This buffalo cauliflower sandwich is a play on buffalo chicken wings and slathered in a spicy buffalo sauce. You can grill the cauliflower on a charcoal grill, or make my buffalo cauliflower wings. Top that with a creamy blue cheese ranch sauce and a few fresh celery leaves.
What’s more classic than egg salad? This one has a healthy spin, with Greek yogurt and mayo together for a light and creamy texture. It's also got fresh herbs to bring in a pop of flavor. It makes a gooey, satisfyingly messy vegetarian sandwich.
There’s something about tangy Russian dressing, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and rye bread that’s terribly comforting and homey. I wanted to find a way to make a Reuben sandwich without the meat so that it could appear at my dinner table more often! This delicious Vegetarian Reuben Sandwich was born.
What Makes a Great Vegetarian Sandwich
The best vegetarian sandwiches balance texture and flavor. I like to use something creamy (avocado, hummus, or cheese), something crunchy (pickles, slaw, or fresh vegetables), and something savory (mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or tangy sauces).
The bread you choose matters more than you might think. Often vegetarian fillings are softer in texture than meat-based ones. Crusty ciabatta and pretzel buns hold up to juicy veggies without getting soggy. Sturdy whole grain bread is good for heavy fillings like chickpea salad.
Spreads are also important to add savory flavor in vegetarian sandwiches. Pesto aioli, Russian dressing, and even goat cheese can add major flavor.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Most sandwiches are best eaten immediately, but you can prep components ahead. You can make the chickpea salad, egg salad, and lentil sloppy joe filling a few days in advance and refrigerate until serving.
For packed lunches, it’s best to pack the wet ingredients separately and assemble just before eating. Store tomatoes, pickles, and greens in small containers to prevent soggy bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are many delicious and nutritious protein options for vegetarian sandwiches, including:
Beans and legumes: Chickpeas, black beans, lentils, etc.
Tofu and tempeh: Marinated and grilled, or crumbled and mixed with other ingredients
Nuts and nut butters: Peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, etc.
Seeds: Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds
Eggs (for lacto-ovo vegetarians)
Cheese (for lacto-ovo vegetarians)
Beyond the classic grilled cheese, there’s a world of exciting vegetarian sandwich fillings to explore:
Roasted vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, etc.
Avocado and sprouts: A simple yet satisfying combination.
Hummus and falafel: A Middle Eastern-inspired delight
Caprese: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil with a balsamic glaze.
Fruit and nut butter: A sweet and satisfying option for breakfast or a snack.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and textures!
Use a variety of spreads: pesto, hummus, tapenade, herb cream cheese, etc.
Add fresh herbs: basil, cilantro, parsley, etc.
Incorporate crunchy or textured elements: nuts, seeds, sprouts, pickles, etc.
Try different types of bread: whole wheat bread, sourdough bread, rye, focaccia, etc.
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