I want to share a secret with you. Eggplant is my favorite vegetable of all time, well, actually, it’s a fruit cause it has seeds. You knew that, right? That’s why adding eggplant to one of my vegan grilled sandwich ideas was a no brainer. I hope you love it like I do.

I grew up with eggplant-based dishes, so it reminds me of my Babushka. She used to flame grill the eggplants to scorch the skin before making this delicious eggplant garlic dish, similar to Babaghanouj, but without the Tahini. I will never forget the smell of scorched eggplant. It was one of my favorite vegan recipes she made.

So, I present to you two mouthwatering vegan grilled sandwich ideas that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

These plant-based creations are not only packed with flavor but also offer a healthy twist on classic comfort food.

Two mouthwatering vegan grilled sandwich ideas you can choose from, or try both.

Our first recipe is a Grilled Veggie Delight Sandwich featuring my beloved eggplant along with zucchini and charred red pepper. The second is a Savory Mushroom and Caramelized Onion Sandwich, perfect for those who love earthy flavors with sweetness. 

Both of these delicious vegan grilled sandwich ideas are simple to make and can be easily customized to suit your preferences. They’re ideal for a quick lunch for the whole family or even as a crowd-pleasing option for your next gathering. So, let’s make these easy vegan sandwiches!

1. Grilled Veggie Delight Sandwich

This colorful sandwich combines the smoky flavors of grilled eggplant, zucchini, and charred red bell peppers with zesty vegan mayo and creamy smashed avocado for a taste explosion. (Serves 2) One of the best parts is it’s all on a delicious crisply sourdough pieces of bread.

Ingredients:

For the sandwich:

• 4 slices of hearty whole-grain bread (sourdough recommended)
• 1 small eggplant, sliced lengthwise
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise
• 1 red bell pepper, deseeded and quartered
• 1 ripe avocado
• A handful of fresh spinach leaves
• 2 tbsp sliced black olives
• 2 tbsp olive oil for grilling
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the zesty vegan mayo:

• 1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Brush eggplant, zucchini, and bell pepper with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
2. Grill vegetables on a preheated BBQ or grill oven for 3-4 minutes per side until tender on medium-high heat. Set aside.
3. In a small bowl, mix together vegan mayo, lemon juice, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
4. In a separate bowl, mash the ripe avocado with a fork. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Lightly toast bread slices. Spread a generous amount of zesty mayo on each slice.
6. On one slice, layer on the smashed avocado, followed by grilled veggies, sliced black olives, and a handful of fresh spinach.
7. Close your veggie sandwich and gently press. Optionally, grill the whole sandwich for extra crunch for about a minute on each side. Or you can make it an open grilled sandwich and leave the top part off altogether. 
8. Slice diagonally and serve immediately.

Equipment needed:

• BBQ or grill oven
• Grill brush or non-aerosol oil spray bottle
• Small mixing bowls
• Knife and cutting board
• Tongs to flip veggies and bread

2. Savory Mushroom and Caramelized Onion Sandwich

This hearty and delicious sandwich combines the earthy flavors of sautéed mushrooms with sweet caramelized onions and creamy hummus for a satisfying meal. (Serves 2)

Ingredients:

For the sandwich:

• 4 slices of whole-grain bread
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms (cremini or button)
• 1 large white onion, thinly sliced (you can also use red onion)
• 1 tbsp coconut sugar or raw brown sugar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 4 tbsp hummus
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook for 5 minutes.
2. Sprinkle sugar over onions, reduce heat to low, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until caramelized.
3. In another pan, heat remaining olive oil and sauté mushrooms until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Toast bread slices and spread hummus on each slice.
5. Layer sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and baby spinach on one slice of bread.
6. Close the sandwich with the other slice, cut diagonally, and serve.

Equipment needed:

• Two large sauté pans
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Toaster

These vegan grilled sandwich ideas offer a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will satisfy your cravings while providing nutritious, plant-based goodness. The Grilled Veggie Delight Sandwich brings a burst of

Mediterranean-inspired flavors, while the Savory Mushroom and Caramelized Onion Sandwich offers a more indulgent, comfort food experience. Both recipes are made of simple ingredients and are very versatile. 

Don’t be shy to mix them up:

Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, spreads, or types of bread to create your own unique vegan grilled sandwich ideas. You could try adding roasted red peppers to the mushroom sandwich or swapping the hummus for a white bean spread. The possibilities are endless!

Remember, these sandwiches aren’t just delicious – they’re also packed with nutrients. A healthy vegan twist on classic sandwiches. The vegetables provide essential vitamins and fiber, while the avocado and hummus offer healthy fats to keep you satisfied. It’s the perfect way to fuel your body for whatever the day might bring.

So, whether you’re looking for a quick and easy lunch, a satisfying dinner, or just want to explore more best vegan grilled sandwich ideas, these recipes are sure to hit the spot. Happy grilling, and enjoy your delicious, plant-based feast!