Sandwich

11 Ways to Stuff Your Sandwich with All the Vegetables

by: Valerio Farris

April 12, 2018

I’ve been known to proclaim my love for the sandwich. Heck, I’ve done it on this very site. Twice. Well, I’m here to do it again. This time, however, there’s a different type of sandwich taking center stage: the vegetable sandwich.

No longer does a meal need meat to be considered a meal. Vegetables are full of heft and flavor; they carry all types of textures and tastes. But I don’t need to sit here and sing the praises of vegetables! This is Food52, I’m sure I’m not the only produce lover around these parts. That being said, I am here to make a case for eating them between bread. Sandwiched, literally, between pillowy slices of dough is potentially the bestest way to eat vegetables. Salads are great, and so are sides, but sandwiches? Who can top them—anyone? Anyone? Bueller? I didn’t think so. For a brief blitz through all the genre’s got to offer, read on.

Load ’em UP

Start here with these hefty takes on the lunchtime favorite. These options are not about highlighting a single ingredient, but rather letting them all mingle. It’s a garden party up in there! A bright spread and sharp cheese never hurt anyone either.

Ricotta Sandwich with Kale, Carrots & Parsley-Pecan Pesto

Bombay Sandwich with Cilantro Chutney

Avocadon't Go Breaking My Heart

Let that green goddess shine in these avocado-centric takes. It’s like avocado toast, but better, because there’s, like, another piece of bread. Whoever said less is more?

Pretzel Avocado Sandwich

Triples de Palta (Peruvian Avocado Sandwich)

Monster Avocado Toast Sandwich

All the Single Ladies

Sometimes, it’s all about letting one vegetable take the lead. Think: Chicago, not A Chorus Line. This strategy allows one ingredient to make its way to the front of the stage and belt it all out. They’re simple, sure, but definitely not boring.

Spicy, Garlicky Broccoli Sandwich

Marinated Green Bean Sandwiches

A SHoulder to Fry On

Consider these two your crispy companions. A dip in a boiling vat of oil has never been a bad idea, and these two sammies are here to prove that! Right on.

Fried Cauliflower Sandwich

Trinidadian Doubles (Curried Chickpea Flatbread Sandwiches)

Say Cheese

Now where would this article be without a grilled cheese? Well, frankly, nowhere. So, here you are. Some ooey, gooey sandwiches that promise not to disappoint. But when there’s cheese involved, how could they?

The Fabulous, Legendary Fried Provolone and Tomato Sandwich

Grilled Brie Sandwiches with Honey, Pistachio & Kale Pesto

What’s your favorite vegetable party to stuff into a sandwich? Tell us about it in the comments below.

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Valerio Farris

Valerio is a freelance food writer, editor, researcher and cook. He grew up in his parent's Italian restaurants covered in pizza flour and drinking a Shirley Temple a day. Since, he's worked as a cheesemonger in New York City and a paella instructor in Barcelona. He now lives in Berlin, Germany where he's most likely to be found eating shawarma.

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11 Comments

Becka April 17, 2018

Lots of great inspiration here!! Thanks for throwing out so much love for the vegetarians! :)

Lisa L. April 15, 2018

This should be called Cheese sandwich edit versus vegetable sandwich edit. Looking forward to a true Vegetable Sandwhich edit.

Valerio F. April 16, 2018

I love a good cheese sandwich just like the rest of them, but every sandwich listed above contains a vegetable. For more cheezie goodness, check out this article, it won't disappoint: https://food52.com/blog/12123-10-of-our-best-grilled-cheese-sandwiches-is-it-lunchtime-yet

maureen April 15, 2018

What brand of sliced bread do you recommend in general? I struggle because commercial bread is so bad for you but artisanal sliced bread is often not easy to eat at a desk. It's really difficult to match portability with healthiness when it comes to sandwich bread. would love some recommendations. Thanks.

Darian April 15, 2018

Dave's Killer Bread is a great choice - found with the other sliced breads, it only has real whole ingredients but has the portability of industrial breads. We keep ours in the freezer and thaw slices at a time in the toaster.

Lisa L. April 15, 2018

You are right that commercial breads are generally low in nutrition. Ezekial bread is gluten-free and can be found at most stores in the freezer section. If you toast before using it's an acceptable substitute.

Victoria S. April 15, 2018

@Darian, I agree! Dave's Killer is comparatively expensive but by far the best of ready-sliced breads.

FS April 15, 2018

Even though you asked for sliced bread I'll recommend ciabatta rolls. They come 6 in a pack, presliced and make the dandiest sandwiches, esp. when they're toasted. And they do come in whole grain versions, too!

BerryBaby April 13, 2018

Start with a very large flour tortilla. Spread lightly with Jalapeño Ranch dressing.
Lay thin asparagus (that have been lightly blanched and chilled)
Center of tortilla. Next, shredded red cabbage, cherry tomatoes cut in half, thinly sliced cucumbers (I use a mandolin), pickled sliced pepperocini. Roll it up tightly, slice in half. Done!