Veggie Hummus Sandwich

You’re going to love this veggie hummus sandwich for a quick lunch or dinner. It’s ready in 10 minutes and the variations are endless! You can use store bought or homemade hummus as well as your favorite vegetables to make a protein-packed vegan sandwich in no time.

Forget about mayo packed heavy sandwiches, this vegetarian sandwich packs more flavor and versatility than the standard options you’d find at a café – all from the comfort of your kitchen! Use my easy homemade Hummus recipe, or get creative with a flavored hummus like Beet Hummus, Roasted Garlic Hummus, or Roasted Red Pepper Hummus.

Recipe Highlights: Vegetarian Hummus Sandwich

Cultural Influence: A Middle Eastern/Mediterranean-inspired hummus sandwich that brings together classic flavors for an easy and satisfying lunch

Suitable For: Vegetarians, vegans, and anyone looking for a healthy, quick, and portable meal option

Skill Level Required: Beginner-friendly, perfect for those short on time or looking for an easy, nutritious meal

Customization: Highly customizable with various hummus flavors and vegetable options, and can be made with any type of bread, making it versatile for different tastes and dietary needs

Ingredients

• Hummus: The creamy base of this sandwich. You can use classic hummus or switch things up with roasted red pepper, roasted garlic, or harissa hummus for added flavor.

• Zaatar or Sumac (Optional): These Middle Eastern spices add a unique earthy and tangy note to the sandwich. Zaatar gives a herby, slightly nutty flavor, while sumac adds a lemony tang.

• Cucumber: Adds a cool, crisp texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy hummus.

• Tomato: Brings juiciness and a slight acidity to balance the richness of the hummus. A sprinkle of salt enhances the flavor.

• Radishes: Crunchy with a peppery bite, radishes add an extra layer of freshness.

• Red Onion: Provides a sharp, zesty flavor that contrasts nicely with the other ingredients.

• Kalamata Olives: These briny olives add depth and a salty burst of flavor. Make sure they are pitted.

• Olive Oil: A drizzle of good-quality olive oil adds richness and ties all the flavors together.

• Bread: The hearty base of the sandwich, adding fiber and a nutty flavor. I used whole wheat bread for this recipe, other bread options like ciabatta, no knead bread, pita, or flatbreads can work too, offering different textures and flavors.

Ingredient Spotlight: Hummus

Hummus is a Middle Eastern staple that dates back centuries. It’s made from a blend of cooked chickpeas, tahini (sesame paste), lemon juice, and garlic.

While its exact origin is debated, it’s a beloved dish across the Levant and Mediterranean regions, symbolizing both tradition and shared culinary heritage. Hummus has gained global popularity due to its versatility and health benefits. Furthermore, it has become a go-to for vegans and vegetarians.

Hummus in the Sandwich

In this sandwich, hummus acts as a creamy, flavorful base that brings everything together. Its rich, nutty taste from tahini and the tangy undertones from lemon juice complement the fresh vegetables, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Unlike traditional spreads, hummus provides not only taste but also plant-based protein and fiber, making this sandwich more satisfying and nutritious.

Flavors and Textures

Hummus has a smooth and creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with crunchy vegetables like cucumbers, radishes, and onions. Depending on the hummus variety, you can introduce different flavor profiles to the sandwich. For instance, roasted red pepper hummus adds a smoky sweetness, while harissa hummus gives a spicy kick. Roasted garlic hummus can offer a deeper, savory flavor.

Store-Bought vs. Homemade

While store-bought hummus is convenient and comes in many varieties, homemade hummus can be tailored to your taste. Making hummus from scratch allows you to control the texture, seasoning, and even experiment with flavors. For example, you can add sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, or different spices. Homemade hummus also tends to be fresher and free from preservatives.

How to Make Veggie Hummus Sandwich

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables and Bread

Start by slicing the cucumber, tomato, radishes, and red onion. Cut them into thin, even slices to ensure a good balance of textures and flavors in every bite. Then, set the sliced vegetables aside for easy assembly.

Now, choose your preferred type of bread—whole wheat, ciabatta, pita, or any other option. If desired, lightly toast the bread for a bit of crunch or warmth.

Step 2: Spread the Hummus

Take the hummus (classic or any flavored variety) and generously spread it on both sliced of the bread.

Make sure the hummus covers the surface evenly for the best flavor distribution. If using za’atar or sumac, sprinkle a little on top of the hummus to give it a Middle Eastern twist.

Step 3: Assemble the Vegetables

Begin layering the vegetables over the hummus. Start with the cucumber slices, then add the seasoned tomato slices. Continue by placing the radishes, red onion, and finally, Kalamata olives. Arrange them neatly so that each bite gets a combination of all the ingredients.

Step 4: Add Final Touches and Close

Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the vegetables if desired to enhance the flavors and add a touch of richness.

If you prefer, season the sandwich with a little salt or pepper to taste. The olives provide some saltiness, so you may not need much.

Finally, put the other slice of bread on top, cut the sandwich in half, and enjoy! You can serve it immediately or pack it for a school or work lunch.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a Fresh Side Salad
Serve your hummus veggie sandwich alongside a simple Mediterranean salad. You can mix greens, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice will add freshness and extra flavor to the meal.

Soup and Sandwich Combo
A warm bowl of tomato soup, lentil soup, or a light vegetable broth pairs perfectly with this sandwich for a complete, balanced meal. The creaminess of hummus complements the warmth and depth of a good soup.

Add a Side of Pickles or Olives
Tangy pickles or a small dish of marinated olives will bring out the savory flavors of the hummus and veggies, adding more complexity and contrast to the sandwich.

Serve with Chips or Pita Crisps
For a more casual and fun meal, pair your sandwich with a side of pita chips, veggie chips, or even homemade oven-baked fries. Pita chips can even be used to scoop up any extra hummus!

Refreshing Beverage Pairing
This light and flavorful sandwich pairs wonderfully with a refreshing drink. Try it with a cold glass of iced tea, lemonade, or a cucumber-mint water for a light and satisfying beverage pairing.

Turn it into a Wrap
For a fun variation, swap out the bread for a whole wheat or spinach wrap. This option works well for packing the sandwich as an on-the-go meal.

Variations and Substitutes

Different Types of Hummus
Experiment with different hummus varieties for extra flavor. Roasted red pepper hummus adds a sweet, smoky taste, while harissa hummus brings heat and spice. Roasted garlic or lemon-tahini hummus can add a zesty kick. You can also use homemade hummus if you prefer a fresher, more personalized version.

Swap the Veggies
Change the veggies to suit your taste or what’s in season. Grilled zucchini, roasted eggplant, or thinly sliced avocado can add creaminess and depth to the sandwich. Shredded carrots, roasted bell peppers, or even leafy greens like spinach or arugula provide great flavor and texture variety.

Different Breads
The type of bread can make a big difference. Whole wheat bread adds a nutty flavor, but you can switch to ciabatta, pita bread, Ramazan Pidesi, easy flatbread, Bazlama, or sourdough for different textures.

Add a Protein
For a heartier version, add protein like grilled chicken, falafel, or even a boiled egg. These can complement the hummus and veggies while making the sandwich more filling and suitable for a larger meal.

Gluten-Free Option
Swap out the bread for a gluten-free alternative like gluten-free pita or even lettuce wraps to make this sandwich more inclusive for those with dietary restrictions.

How to Store Hummus Veggie Sandwich

Refrigeration
If you need to store your sandwich for later, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge, where it can stay fresh for up to 24 hours. However, note that the vegetables may release moisture over time, making the bread a bit soggy. To prevent this, you can store the bread separately and assemble the sandwich right before eating.

Pack for On-the-Go
For school, work, or a picnic, pack the sandwich in a lunchbox or reusable bag. Consider placing the vegetables in a separate container and assembling the sandwich right before eating to keep it crisp and fresh.

Preventing Soggy Bread
If you plan to store the sandwich for a few hours or overnight, spread the hummus generously on both slices of bread, which creates a moisture barrier. Place drier veggies like cucumbers or radishes in between the hummus and juicier vegetables like tomatoes to keep the bread from absorbing too much liquid.