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This pesto tofu sandwich feels like it’s straight out of a fancy cafe! It’s richly flavorful, hearty, and super filling. Even if you’re not a huge fan of tofu, you’ll love this loaded, creamy tofu pesto sandwich. It is super easy to assemble in just 30 minutes. Plus, it travels well for lunch or dinner on-the-go!
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Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love this Vegan Pesto Sandwich Recipe!
I love a good sandwich that’s hearty, tasty, and satisfying! It makes the perfect, simple weekday vegan lunch, and that’s exactly what this vegan pesto sandwich is.
This deliciously loaded sandwich is what you might expect from a fancy deli or cafe, but is quick and easy to make at home. It’s also great for making in the morning and taking with you for lunch on-the-go. Don’t settle for boring, light lunches that leave you hungry. Whip up this sandwich and have a satiating, energizing lunch that your colleagues will be jealous of!
For more sandwich inspiration, check out my vegan pulled pork sandwich or BBQ tempeh sandwich or a buffalo tofu sandwich! And if you are new to cooking with tofu, you may find this Guide to Tofu helpful to get started!
Ingredients for Tofu Pesto Sandwich
All you need are a handful of simple ingredients to make the best tofu sandwich recipe!
- Extra firm tofu: For this pesto sandwich recipe, extra firm tofu works best.
- Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil works perfectly in this easy tofu sandwich recipe.
- Oregano: Dried oregano makes this quick and easy to flavor.
- Pesto: Use store-bought vegan pesto or use this quick sunflower seed pesto.
- Sandwich fixings: Homemade Sandwich Bread, tomato, and lettuce.
How To Make A Pesto Sandwich Vegan
This easy vegan pesto sandwich will be ready in just a few simple steps.
Preparations:
- Before you begin, assemble all your ingredients and preheat the oven to 375° F.
Step 1: First, lay out the tofu slices on a baking pan and drizzle with olive oil. Then sprinkle the tops with the dried oregano.
Step 2: Place the baking tray of tofu in the oven to roast for fifteen minutes. Alternatively, you can use an air fryer.
Step 3: When the tofu is ready you can assemble your sandwich. First, spread one tablespoon of pesto on the slices of bread. Then layer the lettuce, tomato, and tofu.
Variations on the Pesto Tofu Sandwich
- Walnut pesto: Pesto is usually made with basil leaves, pine nuts, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. However, since pine nuts can be a bit pricey, look for any nuts on sale and use them. Walnuts are a great replacement, like in this recipe! Make sure you choose the walnut slices because they are usually a lot cheaper than the whole walnuts.
- Sunflower seed pesto: Another great choice for pesto is sunflower seeds; they are tasty and very nutritious.
- Skip the bread: You could quickly turn this recipe into a tofu pesto salad or bowl. Cut the tofu into squares instead of slices and top with the pesto, then add shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes to the mix. Voila! You have yourself another delicious lunch for the week! Pretty cool, right? Two lunches in one go!
- Sandwich toppings: Change up the sandwich toppings! You can add on some raw or cooked red onions, sliced pepperoncini, roasted peppers, vegan cheese, roasted eggplant and so much more!
- Make a wrap: A lower-carb version of this vegan sandwich can be made using your favorite vegan wraps or large lettuce leaves.
- Make it spicy or add a vegan mayo: It’s so easy to change up the flavor a bit! Add a bit of sriracha, hot sauce, or anything else that sounds good to you!
Toni’s Recipe Tips
- Crispier tofu: If you prefer your tofu a bit crispier, try slicing it into thinner slices and flip it over halfway through the cooking time.
- Use the right tofu: While you might be able to get away with using firm tofu instead of extra firm tofu, silken tofu varieties definitely won’t work when making this pesto sandwich recipe.
FAQs for Vegan Pesto Sandwiches
Not really. In this preparation, the tofu isn’t marinated. I find that skipping the pressing not only saves a little time, but also leaves the tofu with a creamier texture which really works in this pesto tofu sandwich, mimicking the texture of mozzarella cheese.
No, tofu can be eaten uncooked. But I find that when making a tofu sandwich, cooking the tofu gives the edges some nice texture and flavor which works really well when added to the sandwich.
Serving Suggestions
These hearty sandwiches are wholesome enough to enjoy on their own as a stand-alone lunch or dinner, but can always be paired with additional plant-based sides to round out the meal!
- Chips: Potato chips, pita chips, or crackers.
- Cut veggies and dip: Like roasted red pepper hummus, white bean dip, or French onion dip.
- Potatoes and fries: Enjoy roasted or French fried, or switch up the fries with sweet potato fries, carrot fries, or baked zucchini fries.
- Soup: Alongside any soup you love, like vegan minestrone soup, vegetable barley soup, or lentil sweet potato soup.
- Salad: Serve with a side salad like my fall roasted pumpkin salad, vegan broccoli salad, or strawberry kale salad
Storage Instructions
You can store any leftover cooked tofu in the fridge for 3-4 days, reheating it in the oven as needed.
Once assembled as a sandwich, though, I recommend enjoying it as soon as possible before the pesto sauce and tomatoes make your bread ‘soggy.’ To help it last longer, assemble the sandwich with a ‘dry’ layer (like lettuce between the wet ingredients and the bread).
To take one to work, I prefer to store the components separately (i.e., in a lunchbox with different compartments), then assemble it in seconds to eat.
More Vegan Sandwiches to Try!
Vegan Dinners
Portobello Mushroom Sandwich (With Coffee Rub)
Vegan Dinners
Vegan Bagel Sandwich with Pesto
Vegan Dinners
Easy Crispy Buffalo Tofu Sandwich
Vegan Lunches
Sweet Potato Sandwich
If you tried this easy Pesto Tofu Sandwich recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks!
If you’re loving my recipes and would like a more comprehensive resource, check out my cookbooks!
Pesto Tofu Sandwich
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Ingredients
- 16 ounces block of extra firm tofu sliced ½-inch thick
- 1 Tablespoon of olive oil
- Generous pinch of dried oregano to taste
- ¼ cup of Sunflower Seed Pesto
- ~6 slices of tomato
- 4 butter lettuce leaves (or any lettuce you have on hand)
- 4 slices of sandwich bread
Instructions
- Drizzle the tofu slices with olive oil and sprinkle with the dried oregano.
- Roast in a 375 degrees F oven for 15 minutes.
- Once the tofu is done, assemble your sandwich. Spread one tablespoon of pesto on each slice of the sandwich, then place the lettuce, tomato, and tofu.
Notes
- Crispier tofu: If you prefer your tofu a bit crispier, try slicing it into thinner slices and flip it over halfway through the cooking time.
- Use the right tofu: While you might be able to get away with using firm tofu instead of extra firm tofu, silken tofu varieties definitely won’t work when making this pesto tofu sandwich recipe.
This looks so good and delicious
It’s such a tasty sandwich!
A satisfying and healthy sandwich that’s perfect any day of the week!
For sure! It’s a nice easy sandwich to whip up during the weekdays!
I love this sandwich whenever I’m craving Italian but have limited time
It’s definitely a quick way to enjoy a yummy sandwich!
Perfect summer sandwich if you ask me!
Agreed! It’s a delicious and filling sandwich!
Love this tofu sandwich. I always try and have some baked tofu on hand and the pesto is quick and easy to make. So we enjoy these a lot.
Love it! It’s always great to have an easy pesto recipe on hand!
my kind of sandwich! so so good!
This is so filling and delicious!
Super filling and hits the spot!
Delicious way to serve up
Pesto in a sandwich
Yesss! Definitely a great idea for pesto lovers!
I’ve been on the hunt for a different sandwich to try. happened on this recipe and made it for the picnic we had on the weekend. It was tasty, will make again.
Love that! It’s definitely a great sandwich for a nice picnic:)