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Home » Recipes » Sandwiches

The Ultimate California Veggie Sandwich

Published: Mar 30, 2022 · Modified: Oct 26, 2024 by Emily · 4 Comments

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The Vegan California Veggie Sandwich is a classic for a reason! With pesto, hummus, avocado, and tons of crunchy vegetables, it's full of hearty and nourishing ingredients and West Coast vibes. Vegan and easily gluten-free!

side view of a vegan california veggie sandwich at a picnic on a blanket
Jump to:
  • California Veggie Sandwich FAQ
  • Ingredients
  • Ways to Customize This Vegan California Veggie Sandwich
  • Other Hearty Vegan Sandwich Recipes To Try
  • The Ultimate California Veggie Sandwich

Sandwiches are consistently one of the best lunches for really any time of year, no matter the mood you are in.

I love the Whole Foods-inspired Tempeh BLT Sandwich on most days, and the Grilled Veggie Party Sub is perfect for a crowd. Clearly, I could go on and on!

Today's recipe comes in a variety of forms, but this particular version is my favorite. I hope you love it too!

California Veggie Sandwich FAQ

What is a California veggie sandwich?

A traditional California veggie is a hearty lunch sandwich made with two slices of crusty whole grain bread, a flavorful spread like pesto, sprouts, red onion, avocado, tomatoes, and cucumbers. This combination of creamy and crunchy elements is very satisfying.

Where did the name come from?

California is a state known for its wide array of fresh produce. This sandwich is fully loaded with fresh vegetables, so this name is a natural fit when combined with the whole-grain sourdough bread that really came to prominence in San Francisco.

side view of a red tomato on a vine on a table

Ingredients

  • Whole-grain bread - Something "crusty" like sourdough
  • Easy Authentic Hummus - Any flavor you prefer
  • Avocado - Just a few slices
  • Pesto - See this vegan basil pesto recipe for a make-your-own version, or try a vegan sun-dried tomato pesto variation (there is a how-to video for pesto linked below)
  • Cucumber - Cut very thinly
  • Tomato - Any variety, Heirlooms will taste best once they're in season
  • Red onion - Just a few thin slices
  • Sprouts - Traditional bean sprouts or pea shoots work well

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overhead shot of two slices of bread with hummus and pesto on a black plate next to cucumbers and tomatoes

Ways to Customize This Vegan California Veggie Sandwich

Feel free to use any bread you enjoy, and of course, anything gluten-free will work perfectly well! If you do not have access to all of these ingredients, that is fine. Store-bought pesto and hummus will be a time saver. If you like paninis, this would be a great candidate for that treatment. Better yet, feel free to melt on some vegan cheese!

This is my "ideal" lunch. It's filling, satisfying, and full of a variety of flavors and textures. With nearly 19 grams of protein, it will keep you going for a while and is perfect for a packable picnic, hike, or beach visit! Honestly, it's made even better served alongside some salt and vinegar kettle chips.

hands holding a vegan california veggie sandwich over a picnic

Other Hearty Vegan Sandwich Recipes To Try

  • four pieces of toasted bread topped with rhubarb and cashew cheese
    Roasted Rhubarb Sandwich
  • melty vegan sandwich
    Fig Jam Grilled Cheese with Honey
  • quinoa beet burger on a bun
    Quinoa Beet Burgers
  • two pieces of Thai peanut bagel slices with carrots and cucumbers
    Thai-Inspired Peanut Butter Bagel

I hope you love this recipe! Please leave a comment and review if you end up trying it, I love hearing your thoughts!

hands holding a vegan california veggie sandwich over a picnic

The Ultimate California Veggie Sandwich

Emily
The California Veggie Sandwich is a classic for a reason! With pesto, hummus, avocado, and tons of crunchy vegetables, it's full of hearty and nourishing ingredients and West coast vibes. Vegan and easily gluten-free!
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Course lunch
Cuisine American
Servings 1 sandwich
Calories 522 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 slices of whole grain crusty bread (use GF bread if gluten-free)
  • 2 TBS hummus
  • ¼ of an avocado a few slices
  • 2 TBS basil pesto video below
  • 6 slices of cucumber cut thinly
  • 3 thick slices of tomato any kind is fine
  • 3 rounds of sliced red onion cut thinly
  • ⅓ cup bean sprouts or pea shoots

Instructions
 

  • Spread hummus on one piece of bread and pesto on the other. 
  • Layer cucumber slices on top of the hummus, fitting them across the bread with a slight overlap. Next, add avocado, tomato and red onion pieces. 
  • To the side of the sandwich with pesto, add sprouts (pressing down so they stick a bit). Sandwich the two sides together and press to flatten slightly. Wrap sandwich in parchment if desired, tying with a piece of twine for a picnic vibe. 

Video

Notes

This recipe tastes best prepared just a couple hours before eating (or right before). The components like pesto and hummus can be made in advance.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sandwichCalories: 522kcalCarbohydrates: 82.1gProtein: 18.6gFat: 14.8gSaturated Fat: 2.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 12.4gSodium: 969.5mgFiber: 8.3gSugar: 10g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
side view of a vegan california veggie sandwich on crusty bread

More Sandwiches

  • side view of a grilled veggie party sub
    Grilled Veggie Party Sub Sandwich with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
  • vegan tempeh blt sandwich on a white plate
    Tempeh BLT Sandwich

Comments

  1. Jessica says

    June 15, 2022 at 4:24 pm

    5 stars
    This was excellent! Will definitely keep this one on hand 🙂

    Reply
    • Emily says

      June 16, 2022 at 11:17 pm

      Hi Jessica,
      I am really happy you liked this one, thank you!
      -Emily

      Reply
  2. Phoebe says

    April 04, 2022 at 2:27 am

    5 stars
    This vegan California veggie sandwich is what dreams are made of! Thank you for this recipe!!

    Reply
    • Emily says

      April 11, 2022 at 12:39 am

      Thank you for trying and commenting!

      Reply

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Hi, I'm Emily! I have been a plant-based food blogger since 2017. Garlic Head is a recipe website for anyone who wants to easily, affordably, and sustainably incorporate more vegetables into their diet. I am a lifelong vegetarian and 10+ year vegan.

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