This is my version of the perfect veggie sandwich: toasted bread spread with thick layers of hummus and pesto, lots of raw shredded carrots and beets, crunchy radishes, creamy avocado, and lettuce or sprouts. It’s totally earthy-crunchy, messy, and loaded with flavor, despite being meatless. Swap out any of the ingredients for your favorite fresh or roasted veggies to make this your perfect sandwich!
**AUGUST 2019 UPDATE**
This recipe was originally posted in March of 2016, and is absolutely one of my favorite sandwiches… so much so that it’s the standard by which I judge veggie sandwiches when ordering out at a cafe; if theirs isn’t as good as this one, I’m thoroughly disappointed. It was in desperate need of new photos and less wordy recipe instructions, so I’m re-posting it today. I’ve left the original blog post in tact below, for the sake of nostalgia. Feel free to scroll straight to the bottom to get the recipe, if you’ve already read this old blog post!
Say hello to my favorite sandwich: layers of bright, crunchy, colorful vegetables and creamy sauces all smooshed together between toasted bread.
I’m not using the word “ultimate” lightly in the title; this sandwich really is that good. This sandwich starts with good, toasty, sprouted multigrain. Then you slather it with hummus, pesto, and layers of avocado, radishes, sprouts (or lettuce), and shredded carrots and beets. It’s great with sliced sharp cheddar or a crumble of feta or goat cheese, too!
This is a sandwich I would happily order at a bakery or cafe, but can easily make at home in minutes. There’s usually some variation of all these ingredients in my fridge thanks to the fact that I can find locally grown organic carrots, beets, radishes, and sprouts almost all year round.
This combination of flavors and textures satisfies all of my lunch needs at once- quick, easy, filling, and nutritious. The hummus and pesto make a creamy base for everything else to stick to, there’s crunch from the toasted bread and shredded veggies, and a welcome dose of vitamins and nutrients in every layer. Healthy fats in the hummus, pesto and avocado help keep you full and happy for whatever your afternoons entail and, depending on the bread you use, this sandwich can deliver a hearty punch of protein and fiber, too. It’s great for lunch, and packs just as well in a lunchbox as in a picnic basket or thrown into a backpack for a hike.
Ultimate sandwich, indeed.
Hate beets?
Leave them out!
Craving spice and tang?
Add some pickled jalapeños.
Can’t eat a sandwich without stuffing a few potato chips inside?
You already know what to do.
This is my ultimate sandwich, but you should use this as a starting point and add whatever you like most to make it yours.
If you build yourself a loaded veggie sandwich this week, let me know! Comment below to let me know what you think, or take picture of your sandwich and share it with me on Instagram so I can see!
The Ultimate Veggie Sandwich
Time: 5 minutes
Yields: 1 sandwich
Ingredients:
- 2 slices bread (I used multigrain sourdough-use your favorite!)
- 2-3 Tablespoons hummus
- 1-2 Tablespoon pesto
- Thinly sliced radish
- Small handful of shredded beets (about 1/2 a small beet)
- Small handful of shredded carrots (about 1/2 a small carrot)
- Sprouts or lettuce
- 1/2 an avocado, sliced
- Optional: A pinch of hemp seeds and sea salt
Instructions:
- Start by toasting your bread. This is especially helpful if you are packing the sandwich for later, as the bread won’t get as soggy after a few hours in the fridge if it’s been toasted first.
- Spread one slice of bread with hummus, and one slice with pesto. Use more or less of either to fully coat the bread. Sprinkle salt and hemp seeds on top of hummus, if using. Layer all remaining ingredients on top of the hummus, and top with the pesto-covered bread slice. Cut in half, and eat!
- This sandwich is best if eaten right away, though it does store well. Stored in a sealed container or wrapped tightly in plastic, it will last at least overnight in the fridge. Since none of the ingredients are highly perishable, this sandwich keeps well at room temperature for picnics, hikes, or parties, too. Beware- the beets will stain anything they come into contact with!