Vegan Caprese Sandwich
A vegan caprese sandwich with pesto is a fresh and flavorful twist on a classic favorite. It’s packed with vibrant ingredients like juicy tomatoes, creamy tofu mozzarella, and rich, herby pesto. This sandwich offers the perfect balance of textures on a crackly French baguette. Whether you’re making lunch for one or feeding a crowd, this tasty sandwich is easy to build and sure to impress.
The homemade vegan pesto takes this sandwich to the next level. Blended with fresh basil, garlic, nuts, and olive oil, it adds bold flavor in every bite. Pair it with extra-firm tofu seasoned just right to mimic mozzarella’s mild taste and texture. Stack everything on your favorite bread, and you’ve got a sandwich that’s fresh, filling, and perfect for picnics, quick lunches, or light dinners. Especially during the warmer months!
Why You’ll Love this Pesto Caprese Sandwich
This caprese sandwich is packed with fresh flavors and satisfying textures. Plus, it’s easy to make and totally customizable for any craving! Here’s why you gotta try it:
- Bursting with Fresh Flavors. This sandwich is loaded with vibrant ingredients like juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil pesto, and creamy tofu. Every bite is fresh, herby, and full of deliciousness. It’s a flavor combo that never gets old!
- Super Easy to Make. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this sandwich in no time. Spread the pesto, slice the tofu and tomatoes, and stack it all together—easy as that!
- Great for Meal Prep. Make the pesto and prep the tofu in advance for quick sandwich assembly throughout the week. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something fast but still satisfying.
- Packed with Protein. Thanks to the tofu, this sandwich delivers a solid protein boost. It’s a tasty way to stay full and energized without extra effort.
- Perfect for Any Occasion. This sandwich fits right in at picnics in the park, backyard BBQs, or as a simple lunch at home. Slice it into smaller pieces for party platters or keep it whole for a hearty meal.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
Our vegan pesto caprese sandwich gets its amazing flavor from key ingredients like fresh French bread, bold pesto, tofu “mozzarella”, and balsamic glaze. If you’re out of something, easy swaps like ciabatta bread, spinach, or homemade cashew cheese can save the day! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Olive Oil – High-quality olive oil is key to a vegan caprese pesto sandwich because it brings rich, fruity flavor and smooth texture to the pesto. If you don’t have olive oil, you can use avocado or walnut oil. Bona Fortuna olive oil is a standout choice, with its bold, fresh taste that adds a gourmet touch to any dish. It’s made from carefully selected olives, ensuring top-notch quality and flavor every time!
- French Bread – Offers a crisp crust and soft interior, giving the sandwich its signature texture. Its sturdy build holds the layers without getting soggy. For a softer option, try ciabatta or herby focaccia.
- Pesto – Brings bold, herby flavor that ties everything together. Its garlicky, basil-rich taste adds a fresh and savory kick. We used this walnut pesto but for a nut-free option, swap walnuts for sunflower seeds, skip them altogether, or use fresh basil leaves.
- Extra-Firm Tofu – Creates a fantastic plant-based “mozzarella” with its dense texture and ability to hold its shape. Pressing the tofu before slicing removes excess moisture and improves its texture. For added flavor, sprinkle the slices with salt, pepper, or a dash of garlic powder.
- Dairy-Free Cheese – Adds a rich, creamy layer that melts beautifully. It mimics traditional mozzarella’s mild flavor and gooey texture. If you prefer homemade options, try cashew-based mozzarella or tofu ricotta.
- Arugula – Lends a peppery bite and crisp texture to the sandwich. It cuts through the richness of the cheese and pesto for a fresh finish. For a milder green, try baby spinach, crispy butter lettuce, or fresh basil leaves.
- Balsamic Glaze – Adds a sweet and tangy flavor boost that balances the rich pesto and creamy tofu. It also gives the sandwich a gourmet touch. If you don’t have a balsamic glaze, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar works too. (An aged vinegar from Bona Fortuna is especially nice!)
How to Make a Caprese Sandwich with Pesto
Making this vegan caprese sandwich is simple and delicious! Just toast your bread with melty vegan cheese, layer on fresh tomatoes, seasoned tofu, and a generous spread of pesto. Finish it with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and some crisp arugula for the perfect flavor combo.
Here’s a quick preview with step-by-step photos, but you can find the full recipe in the recipe card below.
Step 1: Toast the Bread with Cheese – Preheat your oven to 350°F. Slice the baguette in half lengthwise and place it cut side up on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and layer vegan cheese slices on top. Bake for 6 minutes until crispy and melty, then broil for 30 seconds if needed for extra melt.
Step 2: Prep the Tofu “Mozzarella” – Slice the tofu into 1/4-inch thick pieces. Use a circular cookie cutter, glass rim, or knife to shape the tofu into rounds like traditional mozzarella.
Sprinkle the tofu slices with salt and pepper for extra flavor.
Finally, Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich – Spread vegan pesto on each side of the toasted bread. Layer sliced tomatoes on one side, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and add the tofu rounds on top.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze, add fresh arugula, and close the sandwich. Enjoy!
Helpful Tips and Serving Suggestions
This caprese sandwich is perfect as-is, but sometimes we like to up the level with some avocado or toast it in a panini press! Here are some of our top tips and favorite ways to enjoy it:
- Toast the Baguette for Extra Crunch – Lightly toast your baguette before assembling the sandwich. It adds a crisp texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy tofu and juicy tomatoes. Plus, it helps keep everything from getting too soggy!
- Layer in Some Avocado – Sliced avocado makes this sandwich even creamier and more filling. It’s a simple way to add healthy fats and extra flavor.
- Pack It for a Picnic – This sandwich holds up well for impromptu picnics or road trips. Wrap it tightly in parchment paper, and it’s ready to grab and go!
- Serve with a Side of Chips or Salad – Pair your sandwich with crunchy kettle chips (or these homemade potato skin crisps!) or a fresh Italian tomato salad. It’s a tasty way to round out your meal.
- Grill It for a Melty Twist – Press your sandwich in a panini press or grill pan for a warm, melty experience. The pesto gets extra fragrant, and the bread turns golden and crisp.
FAQs
This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers for up to one day. Keep it wrapped tightly in parchment paper or an airtight container in the fridge. If possible, store the bread, tofu, and pesto separately to keep everything tasting its best!
Yes, you can easily make this pesto vegan caprese sandwich gluten-free! Just swap the French baguette for your favorite gluten-free bread or a gluten-free wrap. There are plenty of tasty options out there that will still give you that perfect sandwich texture!
No worries! If you’re not a fan of pesto, you can swap it out for white bean hummus, egg-free mayo, or a tangy sun-dried tomato spread (like in this luscious sun-dried tomato sauce.) Any of these will add a creamy, flavorful kick without the pesto!
More Delicious Vegan Pesto Recipes to Try
Hungry for more? Subscribe to the World of Vegan weekly newsletter and join our community of over 1 million plant-passionate peeps on Instagram (@Vegan), Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube!
Vegan Pesto Caprese Sandwich
Ingredients
- 1 French baguette
- Olive oil, to taste
- 2 slices of vegan cheese, sliced diagonally, optional
- Extra-firm tofu
- Vegan pesto
- 2 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 1 cup arugula, packed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Slice the bread in half lengthwise, place on a baking sheet cut side up, drizzle with olive oil, and layer vegan cheese slices on top. Bake for 6 minutes until the bread is crispy and cheese is melted. If needed, broil for 30 seconds to melt the cheese.
- Prepare the tofu “mozzarella” slices. Slice tofu block into 1/4 inch thick pieces, keeping the largest surface area intact. Use a circular cookie cutter (or the rim of a glass — or a knife) to cut the tofu into rounds the shape of traditional mozzarella slices. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Remove the baked bread from the oven and spread vegan pesto on each side. Layer the sliced tomato on one side, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and then layer with tofu slices on top of the tomato. Drizzle with balsamic glaze, and top with fresh arugula. Close the sandwich and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
You may also like...
Enter to Win Our Monthly Giveaway!
New winner every month! Drop your name below for a chance to win hundreds of dollars of vegan prizes from our brand partners. You’ll also receive our weekly e-newsletter with plant-based recipes galore!