Vegan Bagel Sandwich with Pesto
This vegan pesto bagel sandwich is full of fresh flavors and lots of veggies. Even better, making a vegan bagel sandwich isn’t complicated and takes less than 20 minutes. It’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or even a light dinner!
This recipe is one I come back to time and time again when I need a simple meal solution. Everyone loves it and it doesn’t require that much work to prepare.
It makes a healthy side dish for a bowl of soup or salad. I love it for dinner with some roasted pepper and tomato soup or vegan minestrone soup.
For lunch, it's great to carry along with a yogurt parfait, crispy chickpeas, or piece of fruit and make the pesto bagel sandwich the main dish!
Why This Recipe Works
- Great flavor. Pesto really packs a punch when it comes to the taste of this easy sandwich.
- Quick and easy. This no-cook recipe is so easy - even kids can make it!
- Healthy meal. Fresh veggies add so many nutrients to this pesto bagel sandwich.
- Travels well. Make it ahead of time and carry it with you for a lunch on the go.
What Goes Into This Recipe
You don't need much to make these vegan bagel sandwiches for a meal.
- Bagels: Any flavor works! Bagels are generally vegan but check the ingredient labels of some flavors for non-vegan ingredients such as eggs, honey, or cheese.
- Pesto: I prefer making my own Sunflower Seed Pesto but you can use store-bought vegan pesto or another pesto recipe as well.
- Veggies: Baby spinach, avocado, tomatoes, and red onion! Use baby spinach leaves which are more tender and small cherry or grape tomatoes.
How To Make This Recipe
- 1) Cut the bagels in half and toast them.
- 2) On each bagel half, spread some sunflower seed pesto and then top with layers of spinach leaves, avocado slices, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion.
Expert Tips and FAQs
- Open face sandwich. This vegan bagel sandwich is meant to be eaten open-faced which means I can pile on the veggies, making it a heartier meal.
- Eat immediately. I find for the best flavor these pesto sandwiches taste the best freshly made. If taking on the go, I recommend keeping the veggies separate and adding them at the last minute.
- Get creative. Use this bagel sandwich recipe as a guide and on different combinations to make your own combinations and to use up ingredients you have in the fridge.
The basic recipe to make bagels doesn't contain any dairy or animal products but sometimes flavored bagels may have ingredients made from dairy which makes them no longer dairy-free or vegan.
There is a wide variety of plant-based sandwich toppings available for vegans to use! For protein ingredients, spreads such as hummus, bean spreads, marinated tofu, and tempeh are all great options! Then of course, all varieties of veggies are fair game. When it comes to sandwich spreads, you can use mustard or vinaigrettes which are often vegan, and/or use vegan mayo.
In moderation, a bagel sandwich is a healthy option for meals, though it does depend on the toppings added to the sandwich. This vegan bagel sandwich is made meat-free without dairy and piles on the veggies for a healthy sandwich option you can enjoy!
Variations
- Change up the pesto. If making your own, I love this sunflower seed pesto but you can also make it with pumpkin seeds too!
- Add some vegan cheese. Not always budget-friendly, but it's a great way to add some more flavor.
- Add protein. Make this pesto bagel sandwich a bit heartier with a bit of classic hummus, roasted red pepper hummus, or white bean spread.
- Add a sauce. It can be as simple as some vegan mayo or this creamy garlic sauce.
- Use other veggies. This pesto bagel sandwich is a great way to use up ingredients you have on hand. Cucumber slices, avocado, lettuce, red bell pepper strips, and roasted veggies are just a few ideas!
More Vegan Sandwich Recipes
- Eggless Benedict with Hollandaise Sauce
- BBQ Tempeh Sandwiches
- Tofu Pesto Sandwich
- Vegan Mushroom Sandwich
- Vegan Báhn Mi
Photos by Alfonso Revilla
Vegan Bagel Sandwich with Pesto
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 bagels halved
- 1 batch of Sunflower Seed Pesto
- ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- 5 ounces of baby spinach
- 1 avocado sliced thinly
- 16 small cherry or grape tomatoes halved
- 1 red onion sliced thinly
Instructions
- Toast bagel halves.
- On each bagel half, spread Sunflower Seed Pesto and layer with spinach leaves, avocado slices, sliced tomatoes, and sliced red onion.
Notes
- Open face sandwich. This vegan bagel sandwich is meant to be eaten open-faced which means I can pile on the veggies, making it a heartier meal.
- Eat immediately. I find for the best flavor these pesto sandwiches taste the best freshly made. If taking on the go, I recommend keeping the veggies separate and adding them at the last minute.
- Get creative. Use this bagel sandwich recipe as a guide and on different combinations to make your own combinations and to use up ingredients you have in the fridge.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Although plantbasedonabudget.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Plantbasedonabudget.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.
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About Toni
Welcome to Plant-Based on a Budget! Here you’ll find affordable and easy-to-make recipes, and an inclusive, supportive approach to plant-based eating.
Janaye says
A bagel with pesto !! I never Med tried that but I definitely need to
Andrea White says
You're going to love it! It's sooo good!
Gina H. says
This bagel sandwich looks incredible! Yum!
Andrea White says
It's a goodie!! Perfect for breakfast, lunch, snack, or even dinner too!
Lathiya says
I can't agree more with you that this is a flavorful and easy recipe to make with unlimited options to try.
Andrea White says
Yessss! There are so many different combinations to play with with this sandwich!
Rachel says
I've had this sandwich on repeat—it's just so good!!
Andrea White says
I'm a big fan of the pesto included in it as well! So good!
Tina says
I think I'm obsessed with this bagel sandwich! Perfect for lunch!
Andrea White says
You are not alone! haha
Teodora says
These are amazing! So tasty! I will make them again for sure!
Andrea White says
Agreed! Such a great sandwich!
Julie says
This pesto sandwich looks delicious using bagels. The pesto recipe is one of my new favourites, thank you.
Andrea White says
Right?! The pesto addition makes the sandwich!!
Katie says
These pesto bagels are incredible! Perfect vegan lunch that everyone will love!
Andrea White says
Agreed! It's a great lunch idea for everyone, kids and adults alike!
Angela says
I love bagels! This bagel with pesto is so fresh and delicious! The perfect lunch recipe!
Andrea White says
Same! It's such a delicious bagel sandwich!
Jan says
the ideal lunch. simple, tasty and healthy. yum.
Andrea White says
Yesss! Love a simple yet super tasty sandwich!
Freya says
Yum, such fresh and delicious flavours!
Andrea White says
Agreed! So so tasty!
nancy says
these pesto bagels are too good! perfect breakfast meal1
Andrea White says
Definitely a great breakfast idea!
Tavo says
Thanks for this idea! The bagels made the perfect breakfast for my family today!
Andrea White says
Yesss! Definitely a great way to start off the day!
Andrea White says
Love how easy this pesto sandwich is to make! SO good!