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This pesto tofu sandwich recipe will absolutely blow your mind! It’s simple, delicious, and most importantly, super filling. A triple win! Even if you’re not a huge fan of tofu, you’ll love this tofu pesto sandwich. It is creamy, has so much flavor, and is super easy to assemble! Plus, it will be ready in just 30 minutes! Ready to dig in? Let’s get to it!

two completed Tofu and Pesto Sandwiches against a light surface

I love a good sandwich! So hearty, tasty, and satisfying! Those words describe this sandwich EXACTLY! Also, it’s super simple to make for an easy weekday vegan lunch!

If you are new to cooking with tofu, you may find this Guide to Tofu helpful to get started!

Need some more sandwich inspiration? I think you’re going to love this vegan pulled pork sandwich or this BBQ tempeh sandwich! But if you prefer a tofu sandwich filling, then you have to try this vegan báhn mi or a buffalo tofu sandwich!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Quick and easy. An excellent option for lunch when you’re in a hurry! 
  • Travels well. Make it in the morning and take it with you in a paper bag (or silicon) and a glass container. 
  • Delicious and satisfying. It’s super filling, nutritious, and uber tasty. 
  • Everyone will be jealous. Don’t be surprised if your work colleagues (or college classmates) ask you for a bite or, even better, a recipe.

What Goes Into This Recipe

All you need are a handful of simple ingredients to make the best tofu sandwich recipe!

ingredients for Tofu and Pesto Sandwich measured out against a light surface
  • 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: Bread, tomato, and lettuce. 

How To Make This Pesto Sandwich Recipe

Are you ready to make this easy vegan pesto sandwich? It’s ready in just a few simple steps.

  • 1) Assemble all your ingredients and preheat the oven to 375° F before you begin prepping.
  • 2) First, lay out the tofu slices on a baking pan, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle the tops with the dried oregano.
  • 3) Place the baking tray of tofu in the oven to roast for fifteen minutes.
process of adding tofu slices to oven
  • 4) When the tofu is ready you can assemble your sandwich. Spread one tablespoon of pesto on the slices of bread, then layer the lettuce, tomato, and tofu. 
cooked tofu alongside ingredients for tofu and pesto sandwich

Variations

  • 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! Make sure you choose the walnut slices because they are usually a lot cheaper than the whole walnuts. 
  • Sunflower seed pesto: Another great choice 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.
  • 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!

Expert Tips and FAQs

  • 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.
Do I need to press tofu when making a tofu sandwich?

Not really. In this preparation, the tofu isn’t marinated and we 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.

Do you have to cook tofu?

No, tofu can be eaten uncooked, but we 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.

completed Tofu and Pesto Sandwich on top of a white surface

More Tofu Recipes

Pesto Tofu Sandwich Recipe

5 from 58 votes
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
This pesto tofu sandwich recipe will absolutely blow your mind! It's simple, delicious, and most importantly, super filling. A triple win! Even if you're not a huge fan of tofu, you'll love this tofu pesto sandwich. It is creamy, has so much flavor, and is super easy to assemble! Plus, it will be ready in just 30 minutes! Ready to dig in? Let's get to it!

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.

Nutrition

Calories: 479kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 25gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 703mgPotassium: 692mgFiber: 4gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 2295IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 210mgIron: 6mg

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.

Additional Info

Author: Zhoro Apostolov
Course: Lunch, Snack
Cuisine: American
Method: Oven
Diet: Vegan
Tried this recipe?Please tag us at @PlantBasedOnABudget! 🙂

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Comments

  1. 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.

  2. 5 stars
    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.