15 Vegetarian Sandwiches That Make a Satisfying Meal

From mouthwatering melts to loaded bites, these delicious meatless sandwiches are bound to become your favorites.

Summer Veggie Melts with Caper Sauce
Photo: Con Poulos

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.

01 of 15

Barbecue Pulled Mushroom Sandwich

barbecue pulled mushroom sandwiches
Yuki Sugiura

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.

02 of 15

Grilled Ratatouille Muffaletta

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Andrew Purcell

The classic New Orleans muffaletta is the inspiration for this make-ahead vegetarian crowd-pleaser. Rustic bread is spread with mayo heightened with olives and pepperoncini, then piled high with ratatouille, a grilled, charred combo of eggplant, peppers, zucchini, and tomatoes.

03 of 15

Grilled-Halloumi-and-Vegetable Wraps

grilled-halloumi-and-veggie wraps
Paola + Murray

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.

04 of 15

Millet Vegetable Burgers

millet burger in bun

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.

05 of 15

Cauliflower-and-Chickpea Pitas With Creamy Yogurt Sauce

Cauliflower-and-Chickpea Pitas with Creamy Yogurt Sauce
Chris Simpson

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.

06 of 15

Roasted Eggplant Sandwich With Soy-Lime Glaze

eggplant banh mi topped with cilantro
Con Poulos

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.

07 of 15

Avocado-and-Boursin Sandwiches

avocado and boursin sandwiches
Lennart Weibull

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.

08 of 15

Falafel

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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.

09 of 15

Summer-Veggie Melts With Caper Sauce

Summer-Veggie Melts with Caper Sauce
Con Poulos

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

10 of 15

Avocado, Caper, and Pickled-Onion Toast

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Shake up your lunchtime routine with this simple tartine, an open-faced take on the sandwich. Whole wheat toast is stacked with creamy avocado, salty capers, and tangy red onions, a flavor combination worth savoring. (For a non-veg option, add smoked trout or a soft-cooked egg).

11 of 15

Classic Egg Salad

egg salad
Minh + Wass

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.

12 of 15

Eggplant and Mozzarella Melt

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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.

13 of 15

Roasted Eggplant, Zucchini, and Chickpea Wraps

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Yunhee Kim

A roasted version of ratatouille (the classic Provençal stew of eggplant, zucchini, onion, and tomatoes) teams up with fresh mozzarella and whole-wheat lavash. Warm the assembled wraps under the broiler before rolling them up, or enjoy them cold as part of a picnic lunch.

14 of 15

Greek Salad Sandwich

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.

15 of 15

Brie, Pear, and Mustard Grilled Cheese

Brie, Pear, and Mustard Grilled Cheese
William Hereford

A combination made in cheese heaven, this simple but elegant sandwich takes Brie, buttery pear slices, and tangy mustard to new heights. Brush both sides of whole-grain wheat bread with olive oil, then cook in a cast-iron pan till the filling turns gooey.

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