Vegan Pesto Sandwich with Crispy Herb Tofu
This hearty Vegan Pesto Sandwich is slathered with homemade red pesto and stuffed with air-fried crispy herb tofu. Easy to make and perfect for lunch.
If by chance you made my Red Pesto Pasta and happen to have leftover pesto that needs using up, this Vegan Pesto Sandwich is calling your name. The flavor of the pesto pairs perfectly with the crispy herby tofu and fresh tomato slices.
Take it one step further and press it in a panini press to crisp up the bread and warm the pesto. You’ll be left with the most epic crispy sandwich.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Pesto Sandwich
- Satisfying and hearty with the protein-rich crispy tofu
- Easy to make with either homemade or store bought pesto
- A good way to load up on some veggies in your next sandwich
- Prep and store the ingredients separately and enjoy tasty sandwiches throughout the week
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Red Pesto: You can use your favorite store bought pesto (green or red). If you’re vegan like me, you can check the ingredients to make sure that there is no cheese/dairy added. Or, you can use my red pesto recipe to spread on your bread.
- Tofu: Use extra firm tofu. I try to press as much water out of my tofu as possible. This will help it crisp up even more when it is air-fried. Normally, I will drain the tofu and pat it dry with a towel before cutting it. But you can also press your tofu in a tofu press for 15 minutes to remove some excess.
- Cornstarch: Aids in crisping the tofu. You can also try potato starch or arrowroot starch.
- Nutritional Yeast: Helps to give both some umami flavor and extra crispiness to the tofu as is bakes. If you don’t use nutritional yeast, then go ahead and add another tablespoon of cornstarch to replace.
- Seasoning: For more flavor we are adding some thyme and some garlic powder.
- Soy Sauce: For more umami flavor and to help wet the batter to stick to the tofu.
- High Heat Oil: I used avocado oil.
- Sandwich Ingredients: Some hearty bread, a large ripe tomato and some spinach. You can swap for any of your other favorite sandwich fillings.
How to Make A Pesto Sandwich
Start by combining your cornstarch, nutritional yeast, dry herbs, oil and soy sauce to a shallow dish and mix well. Take your tofu and cut into 4 equal wide slabs and dip into the mixture to coat. Place in your air-fryer basket and cook at 400F for 15 minutes.
Spread both slices of bread with your pesto and then top with the spinach, the crispy tofu and a slice of tomato. Sprinkle a pinch of salt on the tomato slice and then place your second slice of bread on top, pesto side down.
You can enjoy the sandwich as is or brush the outside of the sandwich with a little oil and place in a panini press. If you do not have a panini press, you can also cook your sandwich in a pan, carefully pressing down with a spatula to help cook your bread and warm the pesto. Then flip and cook on the other side until golden.
Expert Tips
- You can make your panini with any bread you like, but going for an artisanal bread makes a big difference and will hold up to being pressed.
- If you really want to get your bread crispy, brush the outside of the sandwich with a garlic infused olive oil before placing in the panini press.
- Change up the sandwich filling. You can choose different veggies like thinly sliced zucchini or roasted bell pepper to fill your sandwich with and even add vegan cheese if you want a gooey center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You’ll need a skillet and a heavy bottom pot. Place your sandwich in the skillet and place the heavy bottom pot on top of it, gently pressing down on it as it cooks for 1-2 minutes or until crispy. Then with a spatula, flip the sandwich over and repeat the process with the heavy bottom pot to crisp up the other side.
Traditional pesto is not vegan as it often contains parmesan cheese. If using a store bought pesto, make sure to read the ingredients to make sure it is vegan. If you are in the US, Trader Joe’s has a great branded vegan pesto. You can also make it very easily yourself. I have a red version using sun-dried tomatoes and a delicious tahini pesto as well.
The brands I use for all my tofu dishes include Nasoya, House Foods and Soy Boy. Use the extra firm variety. If you want extra texture in the center of your tofu, freeze and thaw your tofu before using and press out the excess water.
Yes. You’ll just want to change the temp and time that you bake it for. Place your coated tofu on a parchment lined baking sheet and place in the oven at 425F and bake for 25 minutes or until the coating is golden and crispy.
You can make the tofu and pesto in advance and store them separately. To assemble, just spread your bread with the pesto and layer on the veggies and tofu to make your sandwich. Optional, but if you are traveling for work and have access to a toaster oven, you can place your sandwich in there to toast up as a replacement to the panini press.
More Vegan Sandwich Recipes to Try
- Green Goddess Salad Sandwich
- Quick and Easy Buffalo Tofu Wrap
- Tahini Ranch Chickpea Salad Sandwich
- Veggie Pinwheels with Avocado Edamame Spread
- Peanut Curry Chickpea Wraps
- Garlic Chili Lentil Wraps
Vegan Pesto Sandwich with Crispy Herb Tofu
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This hearty Vegan Pesto Sandwich is slathered with homemade red pesto and stuffed with air-fried crispy herb tofu. Easy to make and perfect for lunch.
Ingredients
Crispy Tofu
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 block (450g) extra firm tofu, drained and pat dry with a kitchen towel then cut into 4 length sized slabs
To Assemble Sandwich
- 1 large ripe tomato, I used an heirloom and cut into slices
- 1–2 cups baby spinach
- 2 slices of hearty whole grain bread per sandwich (can make up to 4 sandwiches)
- 1–2 tbsp of dairy-free red pesto or store bought pesto per sandwich
- Salt
Instructions
- To a shallow dish add your nutritional yeast, cornstarch, garlic, thyme and give a good mix to combine. Pour in the oil and soy sauce and mix again into a wet batter.
- Pat your tofu dry with a clean kitchen towel and cut the block into 4 slabs lengthwise. Take each tofu slab and coat evenly in the batter. Place the tofu in an air fryer basket and then cook at 400F for 15 minutes.
- Spread pesto on both slices of bread and then layer one slice with the spinach, the crispy tofu, and a slice or two of tomatoes. Sprinkle the tomatoes with a pinch of salt and then close the sandwich with the other slice of bread spread with pesto.
- If toasting your sandwich, place the sandwich in a panini press to warm through on both sides. Cook until golden on both sides, about 5-6 minutes (See notes for cooking without a panini press).
Notes
To make the sandwich without a panini press, you’ll need a skillet and a heavy bottom pot. Place your sandwich in the skillet and place the heavy bottom pot on top of it, gently pressing down on it as it cooks for 1-2 minutes or until crispy. Then with a spatula, flip the sandwich over and repeat the process with the heavy bottom pot to crisp up the other side.
You can make your panini with any bread you like, but going for an artisanal bread makes a big difference and will hold up to being pressed.
If you really want to get your bread crispy, brush the outside of the sandwich with a garlic infused olive oil before placing in the panini press.
You can choose different veggies for your sandwich like thinly sliced zucchini or roasted bell pepper. You can also add vegan cheese if you want a gooey center.
If you tried this recipe or any other recipe on the blog, then let me know what you thought in the comments below! And if you loved it, don’t forget to rate it too. Feel free to follow on Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok for the latest nutrition tips and recipe videos.
★ Catherine
This post contains affiliate links which means I will make a small commission if you purchase from those links. I only recommend and share products that I know, trust and personally use myself!
