Vegan Pesto Sandwich

This Vegan Pesto Sandwich is a plant-based version of a chicken pesto sandwich. With tofu chicken, vegan pesto, tomato, vegan mozz, and arugula. Delicious for lunch or a light dinner!

This will be your new favorite sandwich! All the vibes of a chicken pesto sandwich, but plant-based! This chicken pesto sandwich is seriously delicious.

With a crunchy ciabatta roll, tasty vegan pesto (with an oil-free option), and my tofu chicken recipe!

The tofu chicken really *makes* this sandwich. And it's so simple. The tofu gets pan-cooked (dry or in a bit of oil) and then you add some soy sauce, agave, and Italian seasoning. Very basic ingredients, but the combo is perfection!

The soy sauce adds a savory and salty flavor. The agave or maple syrup adds sweetness, and helps get a nice caramel on the tofu. And the Italian seasoning works its magic - it creates a flavor association to chicken.

The result: tofu chicken that packs a punch of flavor on this vegan pesto sandwich.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Vegan Pesto Sandwich
• Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
• Step-By-Step Instructions
• FAQ & Expert Tips
• Recipe Prayer
• Related Recipes
• Tried this recipe?
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

Why You'll Love This Vegan Pesto Sandwich

• Dietary needs - this sandwich is totally vegan! It's refined sugar free and it can be easily made oil-free and gluten-free.
• Flavor packed meal - bright pesto, juicy tomatoes, savory tofu, and crunchy ciabatta
• Vegan version of a classic - all the flavors of a chicken pesto sandwich, just veganized!

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

• Ciabatta or Focaccia: Grab your favorite bread/roll. I found frozen ciabatta rolls at Whole Foods! Always check to make sure store-bought rolls are vegan.
• Vegan Pesto: I used my homemade oil-free vegan pesto. You can also use a store-bought vegan pesto.
• Heirloom Tomato: heirloom tomato elevates this sandwich, but feel free to use any large tomato
• Vegan Mozzarella: I used Treeline Cheese cashew mozzarella. This is optional.
• Arugula: also optional, but adds a nice burst of freshness, and a peppery bite. You can also add some spinach.

Tofu Ingredients

• Super Firm Tofu: look for super firm tofu, this is the vacuum packed tofu that is pre-pressed. This tofu holds up significantly better than any other firmness level. If you can't find super firm, use extra firm instead
• Soy Sauce, Tamari, or Liquid Aminos: this adds salty flavor. For gluten-free, use tamari or liquid aminos
• Maple Syrup or Agave: for a bit of sweetness
• Italian Seasoning: this is the real magic of the tofu chicken. The flavors of the herbs are those that we associate with chicken, so the tofu takes on a more chicken-like vibe
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: for cooking, optional

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1. Cook the tofu. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the tofu and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden (if your pan is smaller you may need to do this first step in two batches to get each piece cooked on both sides). Add the soy sauce, maple syrup, and Italian seasoning, and stir. Cook another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the sauce to cook off completely.

Step 2. Assemble the sandwiches. If desired, toast the ciabatta roll. Spread pesto on both sides of the roll. Add the vegan mozzarella, tomatoes, tofu, and arugula. Top with the top bun.

FAQ & Expert Tips

Recipe Prayer

Thank you God for this sandwich and the abundance you have given us. Let this food nourish our bodies. Amen.

Related Recipes

Tried this recipe?

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