The Best Chickpea Pesto Sandwich | Vegan | RECIPE |

pesto

🥗Healthier: avocado spread

💰Cheaper: homemade basil sauce

Avocado spread adds creaminess with healthy fats.

bread

🥗Healthier: whole grain bread

💰Cheaper: store-brand bread

Whole grain bread offers more fiber.

avocado

🥗Healthier: smashed peas

💰Cheaper: hummus

Smashed peas provide creaminess at a lower cost.

tomato

🥗Healthier: cucumber

💰Cheaper: lettuce

Cucumber adds crunch and is often cheaper.

In a medium mixing bowl, add 1 19-ounce can of rinsed and drained chickpeas and mash them thoroughly, leaving some texture.

Add salt, pepper, chili flakes, and Italian spice blend to the mashed chickpeas.

Mix in 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast and 1 large clove of minced garlic.

Add 3 heaping tablespoons of vegan basil pesto to the mixture.

Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon and add 2 tablespoons of lemon zest.

Mix in 3 tablespoons of freshly chopped basil and combine everything well.

Spread a thin layer of vegan butter or vegan mayo on the outside of two slices of sourdough bread.

Heat a pan over medium heat and grill both sides of the bread until golden brown, using vegan mayo on one side only.

Spread a generous layer of the chickpea mixture on one slice of grilled sourdough.

Layer tomato slices and more fresh basil leaves on top of the chickpea mixture.

Sprinkle fresh ground black pepper and drizzle balsamic reduction on top.

Add a piece of fresh lettuce on top and close the sandwich.

Cut the sandwich in half and serve.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens