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The Ultimate Vegetarian Mediterranean Sandwich: Fresh, Easy & Flavorful

Craft a delectable, easy, and vegetarian Mediterranean Sandwich by piling an abundance of fresh vegetables, creamy feta cheese, and fragrant basil pesto onto sturdy, wholesome bread. It’s a vibrant explosion of flavors in every bite!

Your Go-To Mediterranean Sandwich Recipe

Prepare to fall in love with this incredible Mediterranean sandwich, a recipe that has quickly become a staple in our household. Inspired by my sister’s decade-long vegetarian journey and her favorite Panera Bread Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich, this homemade version is simply irresistible. We’ve fine-tuned the ingredients to perfection, creating a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or a healthy snack. The fresh, crisp vegetables combined with the zesty Sriracha mayo and aromatic basil pesto create a harmonious blend that you’ll want to make on repeat.

Forget the drive-thru; this sandwich delivers a gourmet experience right in your kitchen. It’s a testament to how simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create something truly spectacular. If you’re a fan of Mediterranean flavors, vegetarian cuisine, or just a really good sandwich, you’ve found your next obsession!

Why This Mediterranean Sandwich is a Must-Try

What makes this vegetarian Mediterranean sandwich stand out? It’s more than just a collection of ingredients; it’s a celebration of fresh flavors and simple preparation. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your rotation:

Unforgettable Flavor Profile: Each bite is a symphony of tastes – the earthy freshness of spinach, the sharp tang of feta, the sweetness of tomatoes, the smoky notes of roasted red peppers, all brought together by the pungent basil pesto and a hint of spicy Sriracha mayo.
Effortlessly Easy & Quick: With minimal prep and no cooking required (beyond toasting bread), this sandwich comes together in just 10-15 minutes. It’s ideal for busy weekdays when you need a nutritious meal without the fuss.
Nutrient-Packed & Healthy: Loaded with a colorful array of vegetables, this sandwich is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It’s a fantastic way to boost your daily veggie intake and keep you feeling full and energized.
Vegetarian-Friendly & Versatile: Naturally vegetarian, this sandwich can easily be adapted for vegan diets by omitting feta and using a dairy-free pesto and mayo. Its versatility also allows for endless customization with your favorite additions.
Panera Copycat Appeal: If you’re a fan of the iconic Panera Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich, you’ll adore this homemade rendition. It captures the essence of that beloved classic while offering the fresh, customizable touch of a home-cooked meal.
Visually Appealing: The layers of vibrant greens, red tomatoes, and colorful peppers make this sandwich as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat.

Key Ingredients for Your Perfect Mediterranean Sandwich

The magic of this sandwich lies in the quality and freshness of its components. Here’s a closer look at the stars of this recipe and why they’re essential:

Hearty Wheat Bread: The foundation of any great sandwich! We recommend a thick-sliced, sturdy bread like Dave’s Killer Bread or a good sourdough. Its robust texture holds up beautifully against the moist fillings and offers a satisfying chew. Toasting it lightly adds an extra layer of flavor and prevents sogginess.
Fresh Basil Pesto: This is where a significant part of the Mediterranean flavor comes from. Opt for a high-quality fresh pesto, such as Rana’s, for the most vibrant basil flavor and creamy texture. If pesto isn’t your favorite, a generous spread of hummus makes an excellent alternative, offering a different but equally delicious Mediterranean vibe.
Real Mayo: Provides a rich, creamy base for our spicy spread. Brands like Best Foods or Hellman’s deliver that classic, smooth taste.
Sriracha Sauce: Adds a delightful kick and a touch of warmth. Adjust the amount to match your preferred level of spice. It perfectly balances the richness of the mayo and the freshness of the veggies.
Baby Spinach: Light, fresh, and packed with nutrients. Lightly pack the spinach so it fits comfortably within the sandwich without overflowing. You can also use arugula for a peppery note or mixed greens.
Ripe Avocado: (Though not listed in original ingredients, it appears in instructions! A crucial addition.) Adds a wonderfully creamy texture and healthy fats, complementing the other flavors perfectly. Make sure it’s ripe but still firm enough to slice.
Red Onion: Offers a sharp, zesty crunch. Slice it very thinly to distribute the flavor evenly without overpowering the sandwich. If you find raw red onion too strong, a pro tip is to soak the slices in cold salted water for 10-15 minutes, then drain and pat dry. This mellows their intensity significantly.
Crumbled Feta Cheese: Essential for that authentic Mediterranean tang and creamy texture. Gently press the crumbled feta onto the other ingredients to help it stay in place. Goat cheese or even a mild provolone can be interesting alternatives if you want to experiment.
Campari Tomatoes: Choose ripe, firm Campari tomatoes or other flavorful varieties like Roma or Heirloom tomatoes. Their sweetness and juiciness are key. Slice them evenly for uniform layers.
Salt and Pepper: A simple yet crucial seasoning. A small sprinkle on the tomatoes and other layers elevates all the natural flavors.
Jarred Roasted Red Peppers: These provide a fantastic smoky, slightly sweet flavor and a tender texture. Remember to drain them very well before adding them to prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy. You’ll typically find them near pickles and specialty canned goods in the grocery store.

Quick Protein Boost Tip

This sandwich is wonderfully filling on its own, but if you’re looking to add more protein, consider including a layer of thinly sliced deli turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even some marinated chickpeas for an extra vegetarian kick. It transforms this delicious lunch into a more substantial meal!

Crafting Your Perfect Mediterranean Sandwich: A Step-by-Step Guide

Assembling this vibrant sandwich is as easy as it is satisfying. Follow these simple steps to create a culinary delight:

Prepare the Bread: Begin by toasting your hearty wheat bread slices to your desired crispness. While still warm, spread one side of one slice generously with the aromatic basil pesto.
Whip Up the Spicy Mayo: In a small bowl, combine the real mayo with Sriracha sauce. Start with a quarter teaspoon of Sriracha and add more gradually to suit your heat preference. Stir until well blended, then spread this creamy, spicy mixture evenly on one side of the other toasted bread slice.
Layer the Greens and Creaminess: On the bread slice with the Sriracha mayo, gently press a generous handful of baby spinach. Follow with slices of ripe avocado and the thinly sliced red onion strips. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over these layers, pressing it down lightly to ensure it adheres.
Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Arrange the Campari tomato slices on top of the feta. Season these with a light sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance their natural sweetness.
Introduce the Smoky Flavor: Place the well-drained strips of jarred roasted red bell pepper over the tomatoes. Make sure they are thoroughly drained to prevent any excess moisture from making your bread soggy.
Complete the Sandwich: Carefully place the pesto-covered bread slice on top of the layered ingredients.
Serve and Savor: Gently press the sandwich together. Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the sandwich in half, preferably on the diagonal, for easy handling and a classic presentation. Enjoy your masterpiece immediately to experience all the fresh flavors and textures at their best!

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

This Mediterranean sandwich truly shines when enjoyed fresh! The crispness of the toasted bread and the vibrant texture of the vegetables are best right after assembly. However, if you’re planning for leftovers or meal prepping:

To Prevent Soggy Bread: The key is to keep the wet ingredients (like tomatoes, roasted peppers, and spreads) separate from the bread until just before you’re ready to eat. Store sliced vegetables, pesto, and Sriracha mayo in individual airtight containers in the refrigerator. Toast your bread and assemble your sandwich at lunchtime for the freshest experience.

If you absolutely must store an assembled sandwich, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for no more than a few hours. The bread will soften, but the flavors will still be delicious.

Perfect Pairings: What To Serve Alongside Your Mediterranean Sandwich

Elevate your Mediterranean sandwich experience by pairing it with complementary sides that enhance its fresh, vibrant flavors. Here are some fantastic suggestions:

Classic Greek Salad: A quintessential Mediterranean accompaniment. Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, thinly sliced red onion, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a simple dressing of olive oil and dried oregano. It’s refreshing and perfectly echoes the sandwich’s flavors.
Creamy Hummus and Pita: A match made in heaven! Smooth, garlicky hummus served with warm pita bread or crunchy homemade pita chips offers a textural contrast and a rich, satisfying dip.
Fresh Tabbouleh Salad: This bright and herby salad, made with finely chopped fresh parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumber, and bulgur wheat dressed with lemon juice and olive oil, is a light and incredibly flavorful side that complements the sandwich beautifully.
Refreshing Creamy Cucumber Salad: A crunchy and cooling salad featuring crisp cucumbers enveloped in a luscious, tangy dressing. It provides a wonderful textural and flavor contrast to the heartier sandwich.
Homemade Lemonade: Is there anything more thirst-quenching and delightful alongside a savory sandwich? A tall glass of fresh, tangy lemonade cuts through the richness and leaves your palate feeling refreshed.
Simple Fruit Salad: A bowl of fresh mixed berries, melon, or grapes offers a sweet and light counterpoint, perfect for rounding out your meal.
Lentil Soup: For a heartier, more comforting meal, a warm bowl of Mediterranean lentil soup makes an excellent pairing, especially on a cooler day.

More Delicious Sandwich Ideas You’ll Love

If you’re a sandwich enthusiast like us, you’ll be thrilled to explore these other fantastic recipes that promise flavor and satisfaction:

BBQ Chicken Sandwich: A savory delight ready in 15 minutes or less, perfect for a quick and hearty meal!
Classic Chicken Salad Sandwich: Our go-to recipe for a creamy, flavorful chicken salad that never disappoints.
Fresh Tomato Sandwich: Featuring ripe, juicy tomatoes paired with a luscious basil mayo spread for a taste of summer.
Elegant Cucumber Sandwich: Light and refreshing, made with a simple yet exquisite 3-ingredient herb spread.
Easy Chicken Caesar Sandwich: Turn your favorite salad into a portable meal using a convenient salad kit!

Easy, vegetarian Mediterranean Sandwich—pile veggies, creamy feta cheese, and basil pesto on hearty bread.

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★★★★★

5 from 11 votes

Mediterranean Sandwich

By Chelsea Lords

This Mediterranean Sandwich layers roasted veggies, creamy feta, and basil pesto on hearty, crusty bread for a flavor-packed meal—easy, vegetarian, and so delicious!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 1 sandwich (easily scales up!)

Video

Equipment

Small bowl

Ingredients

2 pieces hearty wheat bread like Dave’s Killer Bread
2 tablespoons basil pesto like Rana’s fresh basil pesto
1 tablespoon mayo like Best Foods/Hellman’s
1/2 teaspoon Sriracha
1/4 cup lightly packed baby spinach
1/2 ripe avocado
10 very thinly sliced red onion strips
3 to 4 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
4 slices Campari tomatoes or Heirloom tomatoes
Salt and pepper
6 strips jarred roasted red bell pepper well drained, see note 1

Instructions

Toast the bread. Spread one side of one slice with the pesto. In a small bowl, stir together the mayo and Sriracha (add Sriracha slowly to your heat preference). Spread this mayo on one side of the other slice of bread.
Gently press the baby spinach on top of the mayo. Add avocado, red onion strips, and then sprinkle feta cheese on top and gently press it in. Add the thinly sliced tomatoes on top along with a tiny sprinkle of salt and pepper. Add the well-drained red pepper strips on top. Place the sandwich piece with pesto on top. Gently press together. Cut with a sharp serrated knife and enjoy immediately!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Jars of roasted red peppers are usually found near items like pickles, capers, and artichoke hearts. I love the soft texture and smoky flavor of roasted red peppers in this sandwich! Make sure to drain them thoroughly before adding to the sandwich or they will water down the bread.

Storage: This sandwich is best enjoyed right after being made! Keep ingredients separate and assemble before eating if storing for longer than a few hours.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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