Vegan sandwiches have become increasingly popular for those looking to enjoy delicious plant-based meals that are both satisfying and portable.
From chickpea salad to grilled vegetables and creative spreads, these sandwiches prove that you don’t need animal products to create a filling and flavorful lunch option.
These plant-powered sandwiches offer tremendous variety, featuring ingredients like marinated tempeh, portobello mushrooms, and creative chickpea preparations that mimic classic favorites.
You can easily customize these sandwiches with different breads, spreads, and fresh vegetables to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Many can be prepared quickly for busy weekdays or assembled ahead of time for meal prep convenience.
1. Buffalo Chickpea Salad Sandwich
This spicy sandwich brings the heat of buffalo sauce to a plant-based lunch option.
Mash canned chickpeas and mix them with vegan mayo and buffalo sauce for a tangy, flavorful filling.
You can make this sandwich quickly with no cooking required.
The creamy, spicy chickpea mixture creates a satisfying texture similar to traditional chicken salad.
For extra flavor, add a ranch slaw or vegan blue cheese dressing on top.
Serve on toasted bread with lettuce and tomato for a complete meal.
2. Vegan Chicken Salad Sandwich
Vegan chicken salad sandwiches offer a plant-based twist on a classic lunch favorite.
Use chickpeas, tofu, or plant-based chicken alternatives to provide a similar texture to traditional chicken salad.
Mix your protein base with vegan mayo, mustard, herbs like dill and parsley, and seasonings such as garlic powder and thyme.
Add finely chopped celery, onions, and sometimes apples for crunch.
Customize your sandwich with additions like kimchi for a flavor boost.
Serve your vegan chicken salad between whole grain bread slices with lettuce and tomato.
3. Vegan Egg Salad Sandwich
The vegan egg salad sandwich is a quick and protein-packed lunch option that takes just 10 minutes to prepare.
Use tofu as the main ingredient to mimic the texture of eggs.
Mix vegan mayo with fresh herbs and chopped celery for crunch.
This gives it the familiar egg salad flavor without any animal products.
Serve your vegan egg salad on toasted whole grain rye bread.
Top with sprouts and tomato slices for extra freshness and nutrition.
4. Vegan Tuna Salad Sandwich
Vegan tuna salad sandwiches give you the classic flavor without any fish.
Mash chickpeas to create a flaky texture similar to tuna.
Add tahini, mustard, capers, and pickles for that authentic tangy flavor.
Some versions use seaweed or kelp powder to achieve an ocean-like taste.
This sandwich comes together in just 10 minutes.
Enjoy it on bread, bagels, or wrapped in lettuce for a lighter option.
Commercial options like Good Catch Tuna and Unmeat Tuna are also available if you prefer ready-made alternatives.
5. Avocado Reuben with Sauerkraut
The Avocado Reuben offers a plant-based twist on the classic sandwich.
Use rye or pumpernickel bread, creamy mashed avocado, tangy sauerkraut, mustard, and vegan Thousand Island dressing.
Combine the richness of avocado with the sharp, tangy flavor of sauerkraut.
Some versions add vegan Swiss cheese for a melty element.
Spread mustard and dressing on bread slices, layer with mashed avocado, pile on sauerkraut, and add vegan cheese if desired.
Lightly fry both sides until golden and warm.
6. Tempeh Bacon Sandwich with Hummus
This protein-packed sandwich combines smoky tempeh bacon with creamy hummus for a satisfying vegan meal.
Marinate tempeh in a salty, smoky mixture and cook it for a bacon-like flavor.
Use store-bought hummus or make your own.
Chipotle hummus adds a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the smoky tempeh.
Add fresh veggies like lettuce, tomato, and red onion for crunch and freshness.
The sandwich comes together in about 15 minutes.
7. Caramelized Onion and Baked Eggplant Sandwich
This hearty sandwich combines sweet caramelized onions with tender baked eggplant for an incredible flavor combination.
Roast eggplant slices until golden and soft to create a meaty texture.
Build this sandwich on ciabatta or a baguette for the best structure.
Spread vegan pesto on one side and layer with baked eggplant, caramelized onions, and fresh arugula.
Include vegan feta or gouda and sliced tomatoes for extra flavor.
8. Vegan Meatball Focaccia Sub
Vegan meatball subs make a delicious lunch option that’s both satisfying and plant-based.
Encased in soft, airy focaccia bread, these sandwiches offer a welcome change from regular options.
Make homemade vegan meatballs with eggplant or other plant proteins and cook until browned.
Simmer the meatballs in rich marinara sauce.
Top your sub with vegan cheese and fresh herbs like parsley.
Some recipes suggest adding a touch of basil pesto to elevate the taste profile.
9. Coronation Chickpea Sandwich Filler
Coronation chickpea sandwich filler is a vegan twist on the classic British coronation chicken.
It’s quick to make and packed with protein.
Mash a can of chickpeas with a fork.
Mix in vegan mayo, mango chutney, and mild curry powder.
For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice.
Some recipes include raisins or chopped dried apricots.
This creamy, curried filling is ready in under 10 minutes.
10. Beetroot, Hummus and Sprouts Sandwich
This colorful sandwich combines earthy beetroot with creamy hummus and crunchy sprouts for a nutritious lunch option.
The flavors work perfectly together, creating a balance of savory and sweet.
Use store-bought hummus or make your own for a more personalized flavor.
Add sliced cucumber for extra freshness and roasted red peppers for sweetness.
Choose a hearty whole grain bread to stand up to the moisture from the beets and hummus.
Lightly toast the bread to prevent sogginess.
11. Vegan Pesto and Roasted Pepper Sandwich
This sandwich combines smoky-sweet roasted red peppers with flavorful vegan pesto.
Spread vegan pesto on one slice of bread and add a layer of creamy vegan mozzarella.
The roasted red peppers add a sweet and smoky flavor that works well with the herby pesto.
Include cucumber slices or sprouts for added texture.
Some people add hummus as another spread to make the sandwich more filling.
12. Hummus and Roast Tomato Sandwich
This sandwich combines creamy hummus with sweet roasted tomatoes for a flavor-packed meal.
Roasting tomatoes brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth.
Spread hummus generously on bread slices as your base.
Add the roasted tomato slices while they’re still warm.
Include avocado, baby spinach, or arugula for extra texture and flavor.
Thin slices of red onion or cucumber provide a nice crunch.
Drizzle with olive oil or squeeze lemon juice for added brightness.
13. Chickpea Salad Sandwich
The chickpea salad sandwich is a protein-packed vegan alternative to traditional tuna or chicken salad sandwiches.
Make it in less than 10 minutes.
Mash chickpeas and mix them with vegan mayo, chopped vegetables, and herbs.
Add celery, green beans, olives, and fresh dill for extra flavor.
Serve on your favorite bread with lettuce, tomato, or avocado.
Add roasted sunflower seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.
14. Vegan Cheese and Cucumber Sandwich
Cucumber sandwiches offer a refreshing and light option for lunch or tea time.
The crisp texture of English cucumber pairs wonderfully with creamy vegan cream cheese.
Spread vegan cream cheese on bread slices.
Layer thinly sliced cucumber on top.
Add fresh dill to enhance the flavor.
Include a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
You can use a robustly flavored vegan cream cheese spread with herbs mixed in.
Cut sandwiches into triangles or small squares for an elegant presentation.
15. Vegan Chopped Greek Salad Sandwich
The Vegan Chopped Greek Salad Sandwich combines classic Mediterranean flavors in a handheld meal.
Prepare this sandwich in just minutes.
Start with bread of your choice and layer it with crisp vegetables like cucumber, tomato, lettuce, and arugula.
Add chopped black olives for that distinctive Greek flavor.
For extra kick, add jalapeños.
This sandwich transforms the familiar Greek salad into a portable, satisfying meal.
16. Seitan and Avocado Sandwich
A seitan and avocado sandwich combines hearty plant protein with creamy goodness.
Seitan provides a meaty texture that satisfies hunger.
Start with toasted bread of your choice.
Spread mashed avocado on one slice and add a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Layer thin slices of seasoned seitan on top of the avocado.
Marinate your seitan in soy sauce or spices for extra flavor.
Add fresh greens like arugula or spinach for a nutritional boost.
Sliced tomatoes or roasted red peppers work well too.
For extra zest, squeeze lime juice on the avocado or spread vegan mayo on the second bread slice.
17. Toasted Rye Bread with Thousand Island Dressing
Toasted rye bread provides a perfect base for a satisfying vegan sandwich. The distinct flavor of rye pairs wonderfully with homemade vegan Thousand Island dressing.
Try layering sauerkraut on your toasted rye for a classic flavor combination. Roasted sweet potatoes can be a delicious plant-based protein option that works surprisingly well in this setup.
For added texture and taste, add avocado slices or smokey tempeh. You can also incorporate pan-fried spiced mushrooms for a meaty texture without the meat.
18. Vegan Chicken Wrap with Veggies
Vegan chicken wraps make a perfect lunch option that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Plant-based chicken alternatives provide protein while fresh vegetables add essential nutrients and crunch.
Customize your wrap with vegetables like cherry tomatoes, jalapeños, or leafy greens. Adding flavorful spreads like hummus, spicy guacamole, or tahini sauce takes the wrap to the next level.
For a spicy kick, add buffalo sauce and dairy-free ranch to your vegan chicken pieces. The combination of spicy and creamy flavors works wonderfully with the crisp vegetables.
These wraps are quick to make and usually ready in about 25 minutes. They’re perfect for meal prep or post-workout fuel.
19. Vegan BLT with Tempeh Bacon
The classic BLT gets a plant-based makeover with tempeh bacon as the star. This smoky, savory alternative delivers all the flavor without any animal products.
Marinate sliced tempeh in soy sauce, liquid smoke, maple syrup, and spices, then bake or pan-fry until crispy. Some recipes even include carrot bacon for extra texture and flavor.
Build your sandwich with crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and vegan mayo on toasted bread. For extra flavor, add a chipotle aioli or cashew mayo spread.
20. Whole Food Plant-Based Veggie Sandwich
A whole food plant-based veggie sandwich focuses on unprocessed ingredients and avoids added oils. Start with hearty whole grain bread as your base.
Load it up with fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and onions. These provide crunch, flavor, and nutrients without processed ingredients.
For creaminess without dairy, spread hummus, mashed avocado, or tahini. These whole food options add richness and protein to your sandwich.
To boost the protein content, add sliced tempeh or cooked lentils. Sprinkle with herbs like basil or dill for extra flavor without salt or sugar.
21. Open-Face Tartine with Avocado and Tomato
A tartine is a French-style open-faced sandwich that makes a perfect vegan lunch or snack. This version combines creamy avocado and juicy tomatoes on toasted bread.
Mash ripe avocado with a squeeze of lime juice and spread the mixture on your favorite toasted bread. Top with sliced heirloom tomatoes for the best flavor.
Add everything bagel seasoning, a drizzle of balsamic reduction, or fresh herbs for extra taste. This sandwich delivers fresh ingredients and satisfying textures in every bite.
Essential Ingredients For Vegan Sandwiches
Building amazing vegan sandwiches requires a few key components that add protein, flavor, and satisfying textures. The right combination of ingredients can transform a simple sandwich into a memorable meal.
Plant-Based Proteins
Tofu is incredibly versatile for sandwiches. Press it firmly, slice it thin, and season with spices like turmeric and kala namak salt for an “eggy” flavor.
Tempeh offers a nutty, hearty texture that works well when marinated and lightly fried. It absorbs flavors beautifully and provides substantial protein.
Chickpeas make excellent sandwich fillings when mashed with vegan mayo for a “chicken” salad alternative. Try adding curry powder for extra flavor.
Seitan (wheat gluten) creates meaty textures perfect for slicing thin for deli-style sandwiches. Lentils can be formed into patties or spreads, adding protein and a satisfying bite to your sandwich.
Popular protein brands:
- Tofurky slices
- Beyond Meat
- Field Roast products
- Gardein chicken alternatives
Flavorful Spreads and Sauces
Vegan mayonnaise forms the base of many sandwich spreads. Brands like Follow Your Heart and Just Mayo provide creamy texture without eggs.
Hummus adds protein and creaminess as an alternative to mayo. Try different flavors like roasted red pepper or everything bagel.
Nut butters like almond, cashew or peanut pair wonderfully with fruit or jam for sweet options.
Vegan cheese spreads have improved dramatically in recent years. Look for cultured cashew varieties for complex flavors.
Quick homemade sauce options:
- Avocado mashed with lime and salt
- Tahini mixed with lemon juice and herbs
- Vegan pesto (using nutritional yeast instead of parmesan)
- BBQ sauce mixed with vegan mayo
Vegetable Varieties and Textures
Crisp vegetables add essential crunch and freshness. Layer thinly sliced cucumber, radish, or bell peppers for texture contrast.
Leafy greens provide nutrition and volume. Try arugula for peppery flavor, butter lettuce for softness, or kale massaged with lemon juice.
Roasted vegetables add sweetness and depth. Eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers become rich and flavorful when roasted with olive oil.
Pickled items like red onions, jalapeños, or traditional pickles add tangy brightness that cuts through richer ingredients. Avocado provides healthy fats and creamy texture—mash it or slice it thinly.
Texture tips:
- Vary raw and cooked vegetables
- Include something crunchy in every sandwich
- Consider marinating vegetables for deeper flavor
Tips For Building A Satisfying Vegan Sandwich
Making a great vegan sandwich requires attention to key elements that create balance and satisfaction. The right combination of ingredients and bread will transform your lunch from ordinary to exceptional.
Balancing Flavors and Textures
A memorable vegan sandwich needs contrast in every bite. Combine creamy elements like hummus, avocado, or vegan mayo with crunchy components such as fresh vegetables or toasted nuts.
Add depth with savory ingredients like marinated tofu, tempeh, or roasted vegetables. These provide substance and make your sandwich filling.
Layer in these flavor boosters:
- Pickled vegetables for tanginess
- Fresh herbs (basil, cilantro, dill) for brightness
- Spicy elements like sriracha or jalapeños
- Sweet touches like roasted red peppers or thinly sliced apples
Don’t forget umami flavors from ingredients like nutritional yeast, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes. These create satisfying richness that many miss in vegan sandwiches.
Choosing the Perfect Bread
The foundation of your sandwich matters just as much as what goes inside it. Different breads offer varying textures and flavors that complement your fillings.
Best bread options for vegan sandwiches:
- Whole grain bread works well for hearty sandwiches with roasted vegetables.
- Sourdough adds a tangy contrast to milder fillings.
- Ciabatta or baguette pair nicely with juicy ingredients.
- Wraps or pita make sandwiches more portable and less messy.
Lightly toast your bread to prevent sogginess, especially when you use juicy ingredients like tomatoes or saucy fillings. Toasting creates a barrier that keeps everything intact.
Balance the bread-to-filling ratio. Too much bread can overpower delicate flavors, while too little won’t support hearty fillings.
