Looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious sandwich option that’s packed with fresh flavors? Meet the Keep It Green Sandwich Recipe – a vibrant, vegetarian delight that’s as nutritious as it is tasty. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner, this sandwich is a celebration of greens, providing a satisfying crunch and a burst of freshness in every bite.
Keep It Green Sandwich Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Sharp knife
- 1 Blender or food processor
- 1 Toaster or grill pan
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Spreading knife
Ingredients
For the Sandwich:
- 4 slices whole-grain bread
- 1 avocado, ripe
- 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 handful fresh spinach leaves
- ½ cup alfalfa sprouts (optional)
- ¼ cup green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup shredded carrots
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Green Pesto Spread:
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup fresh parsley leaves
- ¼ cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
- 1 clove garlic
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Green Pesto Spread:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the basil leaves, parsley leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese (if using), and lemon juice.
- Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
- With the blender or processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Set the pesto aside.
2. Prepare the Sandwich:
- Toast the slices of whole-grain bread until golden brown, either in a toaster or on a grill pan.
- While the bread is toasting, slice the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh into a small bowl.
- Mash the avocado with a fork until smooth, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Once the bread is toasted, spread the mashed avocado evenly on one side of each slice.
- On two of the avocado-covered slices, spread a generous layer of the green pesto.
3. Assemble the Sandwich:
- Layer the spinach leaves, cucumber slices, green bell pepper slices, shredded carrots, and alfalfa sprouts (if using) on top of the pesto spread.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese (if using) over the veggies.
- Top with the remaining avocado-covered bread slices.
- Press down gently on the sandwich to hold everything together.
4. Serve:
- Cut each sandwich in half diagonally.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Whether you’re a health-conscious eater or simply craving something light yet fulfilling, this green sandwich is a must-try. Loaded with fresh veggies, creamy avocado, and a zesty dressing, it’s not just a meal; it’s a treat for your taste buds and a boost for your energy levels.
More Vegetarian Recipes:
- Speedy Lentil Coconut Curry Recipe
- Easy Vegan Pancakes Recipe
- Bulgur Quinoa Lunch Bowls Recipe
- Vegan Chili Recipe
Keep It Green Sandwich Recipe Ingredients:
For the Sandwich:
- Whole grain or multigrain bread (4 slices)
- Avocado (1 ripe, mashed)
- Baby spinach (1 cup, fresh)
- Cucumber (1/2, thinly sliced)
- Zucchini (1 small, thinly sliced)
- Green bell pepper (1/2, thinly sliced)
- Alfalfa sprouts (1/4 cup)
- Fresh basil leaves (a handful)
- Cheese of choice (optional, 2 slices or a spread of soft cheese)
For the Dressing:
- Greek yogurt (2 tablespoons)
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon)
- Olive oil (1 teaspoon)
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning as needed. This dressing will add a tangy creaminess to the sandwich.
2. Assemble the Sandwich:
- Step 1: Start by toasting the whole grain or multigrain bread slices until they’re lightly crispy.
- Step 2: Spread a generous layer of mashed avocado on one side of each slice of bread. This will serve as the base for your greens.
- Step 3: Layer the fresh baby spinach on one of the avocado-topped bread slices. Follow this with thin slices of cucumber, zucchini, and green bell pepper.
- Step 4: Add a handful of alfalfa sprouts and fresh basil leaves on top of the veggies for an extra burst of flavor and nutrition.
- Step 5: If using cheese, place a slice or spread a layer of soft cheese over the veggies. This step is optional but adds a nice richness to the sandwich.
- Step 6: Drizzle a spoonful of the prepared yogurt dressing over the layered greens.
- Step 7: Top the sandwich with the other slice of bread, avocado side down.
3. Serve:
- Cut the sandwich in half or quarters for easy handling. Serve immediately with a side of fresh fruit or a small salad for a balanced meal.
Tips:
- Customization: Feel free to add or swap out veggies based on what you have on hand. Other great additions could be arugula, kale, or even a few slices of grilled zucchini.
- Make it Vegan: To make this sandwich vegan, simply replace the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative, and skip the cheese or use a vegan cheese.
- Meal Prep: You can prep the veggies and the dressing in advance to save time. Just assemble the sandwich when you’re ready to eat.
The Keep It Green Sandwich is more than just a sandwich; it’s a powerhouse of nutrition packed into two slices of hearty bread. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch for yourself or packing a nutritious meal for on-the-go, this sandwich is a green and fresh choice that you’ll keep coming back to. Enjoy the crunch, savor the creaminess, and feel great about what you’re eating!