More Satisfying Savory Sandwich Spreads- Plant-Based (Vegan)

Sandwiches have an interesting history (see the bottom of the article) and most adults today, even the vegan ones, probably grew up eating an array of different types of fillers between the slices of bread that made up their sandwich: peanut butter and jam, egg salad, baloney, salmon, grilled cheese, roast beef, and burgers, to mention a few.

Fast forward to the 2020s when the value of vegan food on the worldwide Market has topped 15 billion dollars, it would seem that millions of folks have opted to at least give plant-based food a try and millions of others are "all in" vegan.

Recipes for Healthy, Delicious, Plant-Based, Savory Sandwich Spreads

The following recipes were chosen for this article on the basis of their deliciousness factor. They are largely whole food, plant-based, so the ingredients do not include any animal products such as dairy, eggs, meat, fish, or fowl.

Salt is used in very small quantities, if at all.

Suggested herbs and spices are minimal.

As in making any sandwich at any time in your life, the expectation is that you, the sandwich maker, will likely improvise to include not only what is in the recipe, but to adapt to what you like and what you have in the pantry. 

No chickpeas? Try that can of butter beans or another "white" bean. Not fond of cilantro, throw in some curly parsley instead.

Some of the sandwich spreads are better in a wrap than between two slices of bread. Some can be made into perfect dips or cracker/chip scoops. One or two made a wonderful addition to a vegetable soup and one is a fantastic pasta topper.

Have fun! Be as creative as you want because you are planning to eat the sandwich yourself, right?

Scroll down to find the recipes to:

1. White Bean and Artichoke Spread or Dip

2. Creamy Carrot-Ginger Hummus

3. Smoky Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto

4. Roasted Red Pepper and Spinach Spread

5. Sweet Potato and Lentil Curry Spread

6. Curried Chickpea Salad

7. The History of the Sandwich

1. White Bean and Artichoke Spread

INGREDIENTS:

1 14-oz/389 g can Cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

3 marinated artichoke hearts

1 roasted red bell pepper

2 cloves garlic

1 tablespoon tahini

1 tablespoon lemon juice

(olive oil to preference for dip)

Salt and fresh cracked pepper to your liking

METHOD:

Process until creamy or slightly chunky in food processor.

For dip, top with fresh parsley and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Makes 12 open face buns or 6 sandwiches.

2. Creamy Carrot Ginger Hummus

INGREDIENTS:

8-10 oven-roasted carrots, chopped

15 oz./1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas

2 tablespoons tahini

3 cloves raw (or roasted) garlic, minced

Raw, chopped ginger (to taste)

Juice of ½ lemon

1 tablespoon olive oil.

METHOD:

Blend until smooth and garnish with a sprinkle of smoked paprika.

Use as you would regular hummus, as a spread on buns or bread, or as a dressing on a veggie wrap.

3. Smoky Sundried Tomato Pesto

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup Sun-dried tomatoes,

1 ½ cups toasted blanched almonds,

2-3 cloves garlic, minced

¼ cup nutritional yeast

1 cup fresh basil leaves

Juice of ½ lemon

1 cup of olive oil

METHOD:

Rehydrate sun-dried tomatoes by covering with hot water until plump, then drain

Toast almonds and cool. Blend until finely ground

Add other ingredients and blend until smooth

Keep in a jar with a lid in the fridge.

Makes wonderful open-faced sandwiches on Italian bread or sliced baguette and is delicious on pasta or as a minestrone soup ingredient.

4. Roasted Red Pepper, Toasted Walnut, and Spinach Spread

INGREDIENTS:

1-2 roasted red peppers, chopped and seeded

2 cups fresh spinach

1 cup toasted walnuts, ground fine in blender

¼ cup nutritional yeast

2 cloves of garlic, minced

Juice of ½ lemon,

olive oil if desired, as preferred amount

Salt and pepper to taste

METHOD

Process all ingredients until smooth and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat if desired, or paprika to garnish

This makes a super tasty spread on your favorite bun or toasted artisan bread

5. Sweet Potato and Lentil Curry Spread

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup mashed sweet potato,

1 cup cooked lentils, your choice

1+ tablespoon curry powder, as preferred

1 cup whole fat coconut milk,

2-3 inches fresh ginger knob, minced

3 cloves of garlic, minced

Juice of ½ -1 lime.

METHOD:

Saute ginger and garlic in 1 inch of broth or water

Add in all other ingredients (except lime juice) and simmer until slightly thickened.

Squeeze in the lime juice at the end of the cooking and mix everything well.

Cool before using on a wrap, adding in other vegetables of choice: red onion, cucumber, red pepper, tomato, raw zucchini, sprouts, lettuce, spinach, and vegan mayo, etc

Also delicious as a spread on a multigrain bread.

6. Curried Chickpea Salad

INGREDIENTS:

2-3 cups mashed chickpeas

½ cup chopped celery

½ cup thinly sliced, chopped red onion,

¼ cup finely chopped and sliced cucumber

¼ cup raisins

1 tablespoon Garam Masala powder, or as preferred

¼ cup vegan mayonnaise

1 tablespoon lime juice

METHOD:

Mix together the Garam Masala with lime juice and mayonnaise.Combine all ingredients and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Is excellent as a filling for wraps, buns, or simply as a salad. .

This was our adult son's favorite spread.

7. The History of the Sandwich

The history of the sandwich dates back to the 18th century and is often attributed to John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, a British nobleman. Legend has it that the Earl was an avid gambler and didn't want to leave the gaming table to eat. In a stroke of culinary innovation, he ordered his servant to place some meat between two slices of bread, allowing him to enjoy a meal without using utensils or getting his cards greasy. The concept of the sandwich quickly gained popularity, and soon others began ordering "the same as Sandwich."

While the Earl of Sandwich is credited with popularizing the concept, the idea of using bread as a vessel for other ingredients has ancient roots. In various cultures, people have wrapped or encased food in bread-like substances for centuries. The Jewish dish "Hillel sandwich," for instance, involves placing a mixture of chopped nuts, apples, and spices between two matzahs.

The sandwich gained prominence in the 19th century as a convenient and portable meal. As industrialization and urbanization increased, workers needed a quick and easily transportable lunch. The sandwich fit the bill perfectly, becoming a staple in lunchboxes and picnics.

In the 20th century, the sandwich evolved into an endless array of forms, from the classic peanut butter and jelly to the elaborate club sandwich. Fast-food chains further popularized the sandwich, introducing iconic options like the hamburger and the submarine sandwich. The sandwich has become a global phenomenon, with diverse cultures contributing their own unique twists to this versatile and beloved culinary creation. Whether enjoyed as a simple snack or a gourmet creation, the sandwich remains a ubiquitous and timeless part of culinary culture worldwide.

In recent years, the evolution of dietary preferences and an increased focus on sustainability have given rise to a growing interest in plant-based sandwich spreads. As more individuals adopt vegetarian or vegan lifestyles, the demand for flavorful and nutritious alternatives to traditional spreads has surged. Innovative plant-based options, such as hummus, guacamole, and various nut or seed-based spreads, have become popular choices. Hummus, made from blended chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and spices, offers a creamy and protein-rich alternative. Guacamole, crafted from mashed avocados, tomatoes, onions, and lime juice, provides a rich and tangy option. Additionally, nut and seed spreads, like almond butter or sunflower seed butter, contribute a delightful nuttiness while packing essential nutrients. These plant-based spreads not only cater to a diverse range of dietary preferences and needs, but also introduce exciting new flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits to the ever-expanding world of sandwich creation. As the demand for plant-based options continues to rise, the sandwich landscape reflects a broader shift towards more sustainable and health-conscious choices. Find more savory sandwich recipes listed at: the Savory Plant-Based Vegan Sandwich page on this site.