This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Looking for simple vegetarian sandwich ideas that are fresh, fast, and full of flavor? Whether you’re packing a school lunch, prepping an easy work meal, or just trying to switch things up at home, these vegetarian sandwich recipes are made with 2 to 3 wholesome ingredients. No fuss required!
Table of Contents
All of these ideas are Weelicious-tested and kid-approved, and many are perfect for vegetarian kids (like my son, Kenya!) or anyone looking to eat more plant-based meals.
What Makes a Great Vegetarian Sandwich?
When building the perfect vegetarian sandwich, I always start with:
- Good-quality whole grain bread, toasted for crunch and to prevent sogginess
- A nutrient-rich spread like hummus (make your own Super Easy Hummus), nut butter, cream cheese, or pesto (whether it’s this classic Basil Pesto Recipe or nut-free Hemp Seed Pesto)
- Fresh toppings like fruits, veggies, seeds, or even olives and cheese
Get creative! You can cut toppings into fun shapes using a mandoline, melon baller, or small cookie cutters for extra lunchbox appeal.
The Ingredients
9 Vegetarian Sandwich Ideas You’ll Love
Here are some of my go-to vegetarian sandwich combinations. Each one is easy to make (only a few ingredients) and packed with flavor, color, and nutrition.
1. SunButter + Banana
A classic combo that’s great for energy and protein. My kid’s school is nut free so I use SunButter, but it’s delicious with peanut butter, almond butter, or even granola butter too. It’s my personal go-to for lunch or an afternoon pick-me-up.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 slices whole grain bread
- SunButter (or peanut/almond butter)
- 1 ripe banana, sliced
2. Avocado + Cucumber
Light, crunchy, and full of healthy fats and plant-based protein from hemp seeds. So simple and so satisfying.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 slices whole grain bread
- ½ avocado, mashed
- Thin cucumber slices
- Sprinkle of hemp seeds (optional)
3. Red Bell Pepper Hummus + Lettuce + Tomato
This open-faced sandwich is bursting with color and crunch. Try my Red Bell Pepper Hummus as a flavorful base, although any hummus you love will work!
What You’ll Need:
- 1 slice toasted bread
- A few spoonfuls of red bell pepper hummus
- Baby gem lettuce
- Tomato slices
4. Egg Salad + Pickles
This vegetarian sandwich is always a hit. The creamy egg salad paired with crunchy pickles is full of flavor and protein. It was the first to disappear when I made a platter of sandwiches!
What You’ll Need:
- 2 slices bread
- Homemade egg salad
- Pickle slices or chopped pickles
5. Chocolate Sun Butter + Chia + Hemp Seeds
Who says sandwiches can’t feel like a treat? Try this Chocolate Sun Butter spread with a sprinkle of seeds for a sweet, protein-packed bite.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 slices bread
- Chocolate Sun Butter recipe
- Chia seeds
- Hemp seeds
6. Whipped Cream Cheese + Olive Tapenade
This savory combo (originally from the Weelicious Lunches cookbook) is one my kids ask for again and again. It’s salty, creamy, and totally addictive. Make your own homemade olive tapenade and layer it with your favorite brand of whipped cream cheese for the perfect vegetarian sandwich.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 slices bread
- Whipped cream cheese
- Olive tapenade recipe
7. Mascarpone + Jam + Fresh Berries
Turn your sandwich into a dessert-inspired delight with mascarpone, homemade strawberry preserves, and fresh berries like blueberries or sliced strawberries.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 slices bread
- Mascarpone cheese
- Strawberry preserves recipe
- Fresh strawberries and blueberries
8. Pesto + Grated Carrots + Bell Peppers
Use homemade basil pesto or other store-bought pesto for this vibrant sandwich. Add chopped crunchy vegetables like carrots and bell peppers for a flavorful veggie-packed lunch.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 slices bread
- Basil Pesto (or Hemp Seed Pesto, Kale Pesto or favorite store bought pesto)
- Grated carrots
- Chopped red or yellow bell peppers
9. Cheese + Tomato (Plus Optional Hummus)
A nostalgic favorite! Freshly sliced tomato with any cheese you love (cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby) is a delicious and easy vegetarian sandwich. Add a layer of hummus or garlic spread for extra zing!
What You’ll Need:
- 2 slices bread
- Sliced cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby)
- Sliced tomatoes
- Optional: classic hummus or garlic spread
Pro Tip: Open Faced vs. Closed Sandwiches
Using a bento-style lunchbox? I like to add the sandwich open-faced for the visual appeal. But, if you need a full sandwich, spread a little extra filling on both slices of bread to keep everything together and mess-free! P.S. Find my favorite school lunch gear here!
More Vegetarian School Lunch Ideas
FAQs
Try spreads like hummus, nut and seed butters, cream cheese, or pesto with nuts. You can also sprinkle in hemp seeds, chia seeds, or add egg-based salads.
Look for whole grain breads that are sturdy enough to hold toppings. Sourdough, multigrain, or sprouted grain breads are great options.
Yes! Toasting the bread helps prevent sogginess. Many of these vegetarian sandwiches hold up well in lunch boxes for a few hours. Just avoid watery vegetables or add them the morning of.
No matter which one you try, these easy vegetarian sandwich ideas will help keep lunch fun, nutritious, and anything but boring. Whether you’re packing a kid’s lunchbox or fixing a quick snack for yourself, these ideas will help you get lunch ready in minutes.
Which one will you try first? Let me know in the comments!
Want more Weelicious? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for all the newest recipes!
