Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add a small drizzle of olive oil and place the bread slices in the pan. Toast until golden brown and crisp, flipping as needed. You may need to do this in batches.
Make the Chickpea Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the chickpeas, tomato pesto, lemon juice, and salt and pepper. Use a fork or potato masher to smash everything together until well-combined but still slightly chunky.
Assemble the Sandwiches
Spread a thin layer of mayo on half of the toasted bread slices, if using. Top each with a generous scoop of the smashed chickpea filling, then layer on sliced tomatoes and lettuce. Top with the remaining slices of bread.
Serve or Store
Slice sandwiches in half and enjoy immediately. Makes 4 sandwiches. If you're only making a couple now, you can store the extra chickpea filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Enjoy!
Bread Choices: Sourdough adds a nice tang and crunch, but any sturdy bread like multigrain or ciabatta works well.
Make Ahead: The chickpea mixture keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 2 days—perfect for prepping ahead and assembling fresh!
Add-ons: Feel free to add avocado slices, a handful of arugula, or red onion for a twist.
Note: Nutritional information is approximate values and can vary significantly depending on the specific brands of ingredients used. Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and should not be considered professional nutritional advice.