Remember when lunch used to be a peanut butter sandwich practically every day? T'was a simpler time, wasn't it?
These days I'm looking for something a liiiiiiitle more sophisticated in the sandwich department, and it occurred to me that maybe you are as well. I'm a firm believer that breakfast isn't the most important meal of the day, lunch is!
Lunch keeps you fuelled at a time of day when you need energy to keep you going. And if you're going to be packing your lunches instead of spending money on lunch out each day, your lunch had better be damn tasty!
If you're not sure where to start, check out my 10 Lunch Packing Tips for tasty, healthy, and budget friendly lunches. It's got everything from how to bulk pack your lunches to for the week to the very best lunch packing containers.
If you're more into meal bowls or salads for your lunch, hop over to these 25 Vegetarian Lunch Ideas including Buddha bowls, grain salads and more! I've also got 15 Healthy After School Snack Ideas you won't want to miss.
Today we're rounding out the lunch packing series with 22 Vegetarian and Vegan Sandwiches.
If vegan sandwiches sound boring to you, you gotta get scrolling! There are drool worthy vegan wraps, incredible make-ahead vegetarian and vegan sandwich ideas.
Vegetarian and Vegan Sandwiches
What's better than plant based protein snuggled between two slices of bread? Not much! Only perhaps plant-based protein wrapped up all cozy in a tasty tortilla. There's so much good stuff here I hardly know where to start, but let's go!
1. Tempeh Bacon BLT Sandwiches
What's better than bacon? Tempeh Bacon! Whip up a batch and your vegan sandwiches will be the envy of your school or office.
2. Vegetarian Sandwiches with Lentils and Herbed Ricotta
I legit almost fell off my chair when I saw these Vegetarian Sandwiches from Rhubarbarians. Those lentils! That ricotta!
3. Spicy Vegan Wraps
These Spicy Vegan Wraps are so packed full of goodness you won't believe it. Chipotle hummus, crispy tofu, quinoa, and lots of veggies. Yum! And you can make up a big batch so you've got lunches ready for the whole week.
4. Vegan Eggplant Sandwich
Will you just look at this Vegan Eggplant Sandwich from Little Sunny Kitchen? If you don't want to dive face first into that bad boy you might want to check your pulse. Just saying.
5. Black Bean and Quinoa Freezer Burritos
Does a burrito count as a wrap? I say it does! You can make a big batch of these Black Bean and Quinoa Freezer Burritos and have them on hand for quick lunches on the go whenever you need.
6. Tofu Banh Mi Sandwich
When it comes to vegan sandwiches, I'm a total sucker for a vegetarian Banh Mi, and this Tofu Banh Mi from Choosing Chia is no exception.
7. Curried Cauliflower Chickpea Wraps
These Curried Cauliflower Chickpea Wraps are one of the all-time most popular recipes on Hey Nutrition Lady, and with good reason! They're packed with flavour, super nutritious, and are freezer-friendly to boot!
8. Halloumi Sandwich
This Halloumi Sandwich is a real luxury lunch in my opinion. Pan-fried halloumi, roasted red peppers, and all the best sandwich fixings you can think of. Get it!
9. Chipotle Black Bean Burgers
Who says you can't pack a burger for your lunch? These Chipotle Black Bean Burgers are basically just vegan sandwiches in a fancier package. Make a big batch and keep them in the freezer, you won't regret it!
10. Roasted Chickpea Cauliflower Sandwiches
If you have fond childhood memories of Pita Pockets, but are looking for a healthier option, give these Roasted Chickpea Cauliflower Sandwiches from Bucket List Tummy a try!
11. Herbed Ricotta Toast
Ricotta Toast is on trend right now, and this Herbed Ricotta Toast would make for a great lunch! Just pack the herbed ricotta and toppings separately, toast your bread at the office, and you're good to go.
12. Green Goddess Veggie Sandwich
Some days you just really want an awesome sandwich, and this Green Goddess Veggie Sandwich from Delish Knowledge looks like it would hit the spot.
13. Vegan Gyros
The walnut-lentil gyro "meat" for these Vegan Gyros from A Simple Pantry can be made in your Instant Pot in no time at all, or simmered more leisurely on your stove top. Either way, you'll turn out drool-worthy vegan gyros!
14. Broccoli Grilled Cheese
I make these Broccoli Grilled Cheese Sandwiches in the Air Fryer and they come out perfectly crisp and delicious every time - but I also pack leftover grilled cheese for lunch, and it reheats great!
15. Veggie Wraps with Apples and Spicy Hummus
I love the looks of these sweet and savoury Veggie Wraps with Apples and Spicy Hummus from Veggie Inspired. Gotta love a crunchy vegan wrap with so much going on!
16. Saag Paneer Grilled Cheese
When my friend Kellie from Food to Glow posted this recipe for Saag Paneer Grilled Cheese I made it twice in a matter of a few days. It's so good! If you're a paneer lover, you've gotta try this one.
17. The Ultimate Vegan Sandwich
Those are bold worlds, but The Ultimate Vegan Sandwich from Shivani Loves Food really does live up to the name.
18. Vegan Reuben Sandwiches
Ohhhhhmg will you take a look at these Vegan Reuben Sandwiches from Connoisseurus Veg?! Made with seitan, sauerkraut, and vegan Russian dressing, these vegan sandwiches will take your lunch to the next level!
19. Chickpea Salad Sandwich
This Chickpea Salad Sandwich is one of my favourites for a packed lunch. I make a batch of the chickpea salad on Sundays, and use it to fill sandwiches throughout the week. So easy and so tasty!
20. Vegan Chickpea Caesar Wraps
I love a good veganized riff on a classic, and this Vegan Chickpea Caesar Wrap from The Full Helping ticks all the boxes. Packed with flavour, lots of plant-based protein, these vegan wraps will elevate any lunch box.
21. Pita Pockets with Roasted Veggies and Hummus
Pita pockets make me nostalgic for the lunch boxes of my childhood. These Pita Pockets with Roasted Veggies and Hummus version from Happy Kitchen Rocks includes roasted veggies and hummus.
This post was first published September 7, 2017. It was edited, updated with fresh content, and re-published September 2, 2021.
Sarah
What a great roundup! Thank you for including my chickpea pitas, they're a favorite over here.
Sarah @ Bucket list tummy
What a great roundup, sharing this with my clients for back to school! Thank you for including my cauliflower pitas.
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
How delicious do all of these recipes look? I'm getting hungry just scrolling through 😉 Thanks so much for including my curried chickpea salad sandwich :)!!
Sandra Lea
Thanks I need this desperately. I have been in a work lunch rut lately.
Katie Trant
Glad to help! I've got another one coming soon with more ideas for lunchy salads and bowls, so keep your eyes open for that!