The Ultimate Vegan Chickpea Pesto Sandwich. This vegan sandwich is packed with flavor and texture, thanks to the combination of grilled sourdough bread, pesto, and chickpeas. The chickpeas add a satisfying crunch and a boost of protein, while the pesto adds a zesty, fresh flavor.
It’s the perfect vegan lunch or dinner option for vegans and non-vegans alike. This vegan sandwich is sure to become your new favorite! If you’re seeking more plant-based sandwiches and wraps, feel free to browse my complete collection of Vegan Wraps Sandwich Recipes here.
Ingredients & Substitutions: What Is In Chickpea Pesto Sandwich
To make a delicious vegan chickpea pesto sandwich, you will need the following ingredients:
- Chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- Vegan pesto
- Lemon juice (or the juice of 1/2 a lemon)
- Fresh lemon zest
- Nutritional yeast
- Chopped fresh basil
- Italian spice blend
- Clove garlic, minced
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
Chickpeas: The Star of the Show
Chickpeas are the main ingredient in this delicious vegan chickpea pesto sandwich recipe. They add a great source of plant-based protein and a nice texture to the sandwich. When using canned chickpeas, make sure to rinse and drain them thoroughly before using for the best flavor. For added texture, I like to mash some of the chickpeas while leaving some halves intact.
For the sandwich:
- Sourdough bread per sandwich
- Lettuce
- Sliced tomato
- Fresh basil leaves
- A couple of chopped walnuts or pine nuts (optional)
- A drizzle of balsamic reduction (optional)
These ingredients are all vegan and easy to find, making this sandwich a convenient and healthy meal option. The chickpeas provide protein and fiber, while the pesto and nutritional yeast add a delicious umami flavor. The fresh herbs and lemon juice add brightness and freshness to the sandwich, while the balsamic reduction adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess.
Overall, this sandwich is a perfect combination of flavors and textures, making it a great option for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
Helpful Tools
There are a few tools that can make preparing the vegan chickpea pesto sandwich easier and more efficient. Here are a few helpful tools:
- Mixing Bowl: A medium mixing bowl is essential for mixing the chickpea salad ingredients together.
- Potato Masher: A potato masher is the perfect tool for mashing the chickpeas to the desired consistency.
- Grater: A grater can be used to zest the lemon and add an extra pop of citrus flavor to the chickpea salad.
- Measuring Spoons: Accurate measurements are important for the success of the recipe, so using measuring spoons is recommended.
- Grill Pan or Sandwich Press: A grill pan or sandwich press can be used to grill the sourdough bread slices until golden brown.
- Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is essential for slicing the tomatoes and bread.
- Cutting Board: A cutting board is needed for slicing the tomatoes and other sandwich ingredients.
Having these tools on hand can make the preparation process smoother and more enjoyable.
How To Make This Chickpea Pesto Sandwich Recipe
To make the vegan chickpea pesto sandwich, follow these simple steps:
In a medium mixing bowl, add the chickpeas and mash them to your preferred consistency. I like to mash them well but still leave some chickpea halves for texture.
Add in the pesto, lemon juice, zest, nutritional yeast, garlic, chopped basil, nuts (if using), and dried spices. Stir until everything is well mixed.
Thinly coat one side of each sourdough slice with vegan mayo or vegan butter. Then grill until golden brown.
Assemble your sandwich by coating one slice of bread in a thick layer of the chickpea mixture. Top with fresh basil leaves, lettuce, tomato slices, fresh ground black pepper, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction.
Repeat with the second slice of bread and ingredients. Serve and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a brighter and more vibrant flavor to the chickpea salad than bottled lemon juice.
- Adjust the consistency of the chickpea salad: If you prefer a creamier consistency, you can add a tablespoon or two of vegan mayo or yogurt to the mixture.
- Make extra pesto: If you have some extra time, make a larger batch of vegan pesto and store it in the fridge for future use. It can be used as a dip, spread, or sauce for other meals.
- Use high-quality ingredients: Using high-quality ingredients, such as fresh basil, can make a significant difference in the overall flavor of the sandwich.
- Toast the bread: Toasting the bread will add a nice crunch to the sandwich and prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
FAQ: Vegan Chickpea Pesto Sandwich Recipe
This vegan sandwich can be made with any type of bread, such as sourdough, whole-grain bread, a baguette, or even a wrap. The chickpea salad mixture can also be used in various ways, including on top of a bed of lettuce, in a lettuce wrap, in a grilled whole-grain wrap with spinach, as a dip for crackers, or by itself as a side salad.
Absolutely! Simply use a gluten-free bread option, such as gluten-free sourdough bread from a specialty shop, or make it at home with a gluten-free sourdough bread recipe. You can also enjoy this delicious Vegan Chickpea Pesto mixture on a bed of lettuce, in a lettuce wrap, or as a dip for crackers for a gluten-free option.
For the best results, it is recommended to use fresh lemon juice in this recipe. The zest of the lemon is also used for added flavor, so if you have a fresh lemon on hand, it’s worth it to use it for both the zest and the juice. While it’s still delicious with bottled lemon juice, fresh lemon adds an extra burst of flavor that makes a noticeable difference in the taste of the sandwich.
Not all pesto is vegan-friendly, but it’s easy to make it plant-based. Traditional pesto contains parmesan cheese, which is not vegan. To make a vegan version, swap out the parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast or a vegan parmesan alternative. You can make your own vegan pesto at home or purchase it from stores like Trader Joe’s.
This vegan chickpea pesto sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftover chickpea mixture you can store it the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place the sandwich on a skillet or griddle over medium heat until it’s warm and the bread is crispy again. If you want to keep it fresh and avoid soggy bread, store the bread and the filling separately, and assemble the sandwich just before eating.
The Best Chickpea Pesto Sandwich
Ingredients
- 1 19oz can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 3 heaping tbsp vegan pesto
- 1.5 tbsp lemon juice (or the juice of 1/2 a lemon)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon zest
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 3 tbsp chopped fresh basil
- ½ tbsp Italian spice blend
- 1 large clove garlic, minced
- salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
For the sandwich
- 2 slices sourdough bread per sandwich
- lettuce
- sliced tomato
- fresh basil leaves
- a couple chopped walnuts or pine nuts (optional)
- a drizzle of balsamic reduction (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, add in chickpeas and mash to your preferred consistency. I mash them well but still leave some chickpea halves for texture.
- Add in your pesto, lemon juice, zest, nutritional yeast, garlic, pesto, chopped basil nuts (if adding) and dried spices. Stir until everything is mixed well.
- Thinly coat one side of each sourdough slice with vegan mayo or vegan butter. Grill until golden brown.
- Assembly your sandwich by coating 1 slice of bread in a thick layer of the chickpea mixture, top with fresh basil leaves, lettuce, tomato slices, fresh ground black pepper and a drizzle of balsamic reduction.
- The chickpea salad mixture keeps in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Serve, and enjoy!
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Conclusion
This vegan chickpea pesto sandwich is a delicious and healthy meal option that is easy to make and highly customizable. Whether you prefer sourdough, whole-grain bread, or a wrap, this sandwich can be tailored to your taste preferences.
The chickpea salad mixture is also versatile and can be used in a variety of ways, making it a great option for meal prep or as a quick snack. With its nutrient-rich ingredients, this sandwich is not only satisfying but also provides a healthy dose of protein, fiber, and vitamins. Give it a try and enjoy the flavors and benefits of this tasty vegan sandwich!
Yum loved this sandwich! I used a fresh sourdough bread and it was delicious 🤤 🤤🤤 I will be definitely trying a few more of your vegan recipes!
Thank you for trying and so happy you liked it!
This sandwich was delicious, I made it with a baguette 🥖 and was so worth it! I will be back for more recipes soon. Everyone I have tried so far has been beyond amazing!
Thanks so much for the feedback Spencer!
Delicious! This filling I just ate on its own as well!
Thanks so much Morgan!
Loved this recipe!
Thank you so much Quinn!