Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply trying to eat more plant-based foods, we have some lunchtime inspiration that’s sure to brighten up your midday meal, all centered around our favorite vegetarian sandwich ideas. Our vegetarian sandwiches include creative options layered with mushrooms, roasted vegetables, and cheeses, grain-forward burgers, and classics like egg salad and grilled cheese. Special breads, like pita, crusty hoagie rolls, and brioche buns, bring them all together. Best of all, these sandwiches stack up in no time.
Barbecue Pulled Mushroom Sandwich
You’ll need both hands to handle this meat-free riff on pulled-pork sandwiches starring grilled Maitake (aka hen-of-the-wood) mushrooms. Once browned, the mushrooms are shredded, then mixed with a simple barbecue sauce, mounded onto brioche buns, and topped with a vinegar-spiked slaw for a satisfying crunch.
Grilled Ratatouille Muffaletta
The classic New Orleans muffaletta is the inspiration for this make-ahead vegetarian crowd-pleaser. Rustic bread is spread with a layer of mayonnaise, enhanced with olives and pepperoncini, then piled high with ratatouille, a grilled, charred combination of eggplant, peppers, zucchini, and tomatoes.
Grilled-Halloumi-and-Vegetable Wraps
A wrap that’s actually a warm tortilla? Yes, please! Inside, charred Halloumi cheese (perfect for the grill or grill pan), bell peppers, zucchini, and radicchio—cheesy heaven.
Millet Vegetable Burgers
Cooked millet is the foundation of these outstanding veggie burgers. Combined with grated carrot and zucchini, minced garlic and shallots, chopped parsley, and thyme, this tasty grain is formed into patties and cooked on the stovetop in under 10 minutes.
Cauliflower-and-Chickpea Pitas With Creamy Yogurt Sauce
This falafel-inspired pita sandwich gets its crunch from toasted chickpeas and a flavor boost from roasted cauliflower. Drizzle the bright, zippy lime-jalapeño yogurt sauce over the filling before digging in.
Roasted Eggplant Sandwich With Soy-Lime Glaze
A vegetarian spin on the Vietnamese banh mi, this epic French bread sandwich is filled with roasted eggplant glazed with a kicky combination of soy sauce, lime juice, and garlic. Quick-pickled carrots, radishes, and cucumber provide a fresh, crunchy counterpoint.
Avocado-and-Boursin Sandwiches
The flavors of lemon and garlicky Boursin sing with each bite of this must-make veggie temptation. Stacked in between are layers of carrots, avocado, shredded red cabbage, and cucumbers for crunch and texture.
Falafel
Mashed chickpeas are transformed into wondrous falafel, seasoned with cumin, coriander, sesame seeds, and fresh mint. Pan-fry and serve these garbanzo patties in pita pockets with crunchy vegetables and creamy tahini sauce.
Summer-Veggie Melts With Caper Sauce
Grilled vegetables meet melty Provolone cheese in this colorful sandwich. The hoagie roll takes a turn on the grill too, so it’s both toasty and soft, while the zesty basil-caper sauce adds the final flourish.
Classic Egg Salad
This classic, creamy egg salad combines mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and celery with chopped hard-cooked eggs. Mix in other ingredients according to your taste, such as pickle relish or fresh herbs.
Eggplant and Mozzarella Melt
An oven-baked sandwich version of eggplant Parmesan, this satisfying vegetarian entree starts with crusty Italian bread and then builds from there. Brush the halved loaf with garlic butter and brown under the broiler before adding the layers of tomato sauce, eggplant, and mozzarella.
Greek Salad Sandwich
Create a portable version of your favorite summer salad. Spread olive bread with a purée of chickpeas, lemon juice, and parsley, then stack the sandwich with sliced cucumber, tomato, red onion, and feta cheese.
Avocado-and-Sprout Club Sandwiches
You don’t have to grow your own sprouts on your kitchen windowsill to make this delicious sandwich, but it would be a nice touch. This sandwich is a taste and texture sensation with sprouts, avocado, radish, and tangy vegetarian-friendly goat cheese (made with vegetable rennet/enzyme).
Heirloom Tomato With Garlic-Parsley Aioli
If you have a beautiful, ripe heirloom tomato you want to savor, this sandwich will do the trick. Cut thick slices of your tomato and spread on the aioli, a mixture of smashed or crushed garlic, minced parsley, and mayonnaise. Put it all in a brioche or even between slices of challah bread for a change of pace.
Grilled Mozzarella Sandwich
Jake Sternquist
When you’re craving comfort and creaminess, this is the meat-free sandwich to make. This isn’t your grilled cheese of yesteryear; this elegant version is a crispy, melty creation dipped in fresh eggs and cream and cooked in a skillet to perfection. A pinch of nutmeg adds a dash of savory flavor.
