In the realm of vegetarian picnic sandwiches, this Mediterranean veggie sandwich ticks all the boxes – it’s seasonally fresh, healthy, delicious, and so easy to make. It’s also pretty on the eye.
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What Makes This a Great Picnic Sandwich
Like my gorgeous Caprese Sandwich and Burrata Prosciutto Sandwich, this is a great summer picnic sandwich using fresh, seasonal produce. But I also love it because you don’t have to worry about how to avoid soggy sandwich issues. This is one of those sandwiches that, thanks to sturdy bread and the nature of the ingredients, it might actually benefit from some resting time.
This Mediterranean sandwich recipe can be served as whole sandwiches or cut into smaller portions with cocktail sticks for picnic finger food or appetizers.
Ingredients
See my recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements and notes.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Basil: I use fresh basil, especially when it is in season, but you can use pesto instead. I like to drizzle it over the tomatoes.
Cheese: You can use mozzarella or feta for this recipe. It depends on how salty you like your cheese. Mozarella tends to be a bit more structured, which can be better for a sandwich. If you like feta, I recommend crumbling some in the avocado mix, which gives you that lovely saltiness and makes it easier to manage in a sandwich.
Tomatoes: This recipe uses fresh tomatoes, but you can use Roasted Vine Tomatoes for extra flavor. This is an especially good option if it is not the season for flavorful tomatoes.
Roasted Peppers: You can, of course, use fresh peppers, especially if you like the crunch. I prefer roasted peppers because of the lovely flavor they bring to the sandwich. I also recommend roasting your own peppers for the best flavor. Jar peppers are never as good. See my tips on how to roast red peppers to see how easy it is.
Vegan Version: You can use vegan cheese alternatives or use no cheese at all. Instead of cheese, dips like classic hummus or roasted red pepper hummus can be a tasty alternative. I would add it to one side of the bread instead of avocado.
Bread: You can experiment with different types of bread, but I think this sandwich calls for sturdy bread. I use country-style or sourdough bread. But I also like a wrap for this sandwich or my Olive and Rosemary Focaccia works well.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Mash ripe avocados in a bowl and add a small squeeze of lemon juice to prevent them from browning. Season with salt and pepper.
Optional: Add some crumbled feta to the avocado mix.
Step 2: Spread the avocado mix onto two slices of bread.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
Top one slice of bread with arugula leaves, tomato slices, thinly sliced red onion, fresh basil leaves, mozzarella cheese, and roasted red peppers.
Step 10: Finish the sandwich with the other slice of bread. You can wrap the sandwich in grease-proof paper and string or secure them with cocktail sticks and serve on a platter.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, alternatives include using a wrap, pita bread, focaccia, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb version (see my ideas for sandwiches without bread for inspiration).
This sandwich will hold up to sogginess if you use sturdy bread like country style, sourdough, or focaccia. Sometimes, it makes the sandwich better to sit for a bit when you have thick, dense bread. If you are worried about it becoming soggy, try to make the sandwich as close to the eating time as possible. My tips for avoiding soggy sandwiches will help you avoid this problem with any sandwich.
Expert Tips
- Use Quality Bread: Opt for artisan, whole grain, or sourdough bread. A good-quality, sturdy bread will make a significant difference to this sandwich’s taste and structural integrity.
- Consider a Press or Grill: You could lightly grill or press your sandwich for a different texture. The ingredients in this sandwich can stand up to being warmed, and it gives the bread a nice crunch. The mozzarella will also have a lovely melt.
- Add a Drizzle of Olive Oil or Balsamic Glaze: A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or balsamic reduction over the vegetables works beautifully with the Mediterranean flavors and adds a bit of richness to the sandwich.
Related Recipes
Sustainable Picnic Sandwich Wraps
Did you try this Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich?
Please leave me a ⭐ rating below and let me know in the comments how you enjoyed it.
Recipe Card
Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 avocados - mashed and seasoned with a few drops of fresh lemon juice
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 cup arugula leaves
- 1 red onion
- ½ cup basil leaves
- 4 ounces mozzarella or feta cheese - option to have both
- 1 roasted red pepper
Instructions
- Mash ripe avocados in a bowl and add a small squeeze of lemon juice to prevent them from browning. Season with salt and pepper. Optional: Add some crumbled feta to the avocado mix.
- Spread the avocado mix onto two slices of bread.
Assemble the Sandwich
- Top one slice of bread with arugula leaves, tomato slices, thinly sliced red onion, fresh basil leaves, mozzarella cheese, and roasted red peppers.
- Finish the sandwich with the other slice of bread. You can wrap the sandwich in grease-proof paper and string or secure them with cocktail sticks and serve on a platter.
Notes
- Basil: You can use pesto instead of fresh basil leaves. I like to drizzle it over the tomatoes.
- Cheese: You can use mozzarella or feta for this recipe. If you like feta, I recommend crumbling some in the avocado mix, which gives you that lovely saltiness and makes it easier to manage in a sandwich.
- Roasted Peppers: You can use fresh peppers. I prefer roasted peppers because of the lovely flavor they bring to the sandwich. I also recommend roasting your own peppers for the best flavor. See my tips on how to roast red peppers to see how easy it is.
- Vegan Version: You can use vegan cheese alternatives or use no cheese at all. Instead of cheese, dips like classic hummus or roasted red pepper hummus can be a tasty alternative.
- Bread: I use country-style or sourdough bread. But I also like a wrap for this sandwich or my Olive and Rosemary Focaccia works well. Whatever you choose, make sure it is quality and sturdy.
- Consider a Press or Grill: You could lightly grill or press your sandwich. The ingredients in this sandwich can stand up to being warmed.
- Add a Drizzle of Olive Oil or Balsamic Glaze: A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or balsamic reduction over the vegetables works beautifully with the Mediterranean flavors and adds a bit of richness to the sandwich.
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