Panera Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.My healthy, easy Panera Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich is a delicious copycat version of Panera’s most popular veggie sandwich! Packed with crisp veggies, creamy hummus, and a tangy punch of vegan feta, it only takes 10 minutes to make, and for me, it tastes even better than the original.
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I created this copycat Mediterranean sandwich Panera version because I wanted a fresher, more flavorful, and customizable alternative to the original. Making it at home lets me use my favorite hummus, extra-crisp veggies, and just the right amount of feta for the perfect balance of creaminess and tang.
Seriously, this Panera Mediterranean sandwich tastes amazing and is my go-to on busy days when I think I don’t have time for a healthy lunch. Spoiler alert: I do! It literally takes less time to make this than it does to order takeout, and the best part? I save about $10 every time I make it at home instead of buying it. Quick, delicious, and budget-friendly? Yes, please!
👩🏽🍳 Why I Love This Recipe
I’ve tried and loved so many veggie sandwiches, but this Panera Mediterranean veggie sandwich stands out every time. It’s not just about being healthy, it’s about flavor. The contrast between smooth, garlicky hummus and crunchy cucumbers, the sweetness of roasted red peppers, and that perfect briny bite of feta, it’s honestly one of my favorite combinations.
This sandwich isn’t just my favorite, it’s also my kids’ go-to when we head to the park! For me, it’s the perfect picnic sandwich – easy to pack, holds up well, and tastes just as good under the sun as it does at home. If I’m feeling extra fancy, I’ll toast it into a Mediterranean panini for a little crunch, or pack half of it alongside a steaming cup of soup or a crisp green salad in a thermos.
Unlike store-bought veggie sandwiches that are either too light or just plain boring, this one is wholesome, filling, and packed with nutritious ingredients – and let’s be real, that’s a win for both me and my little picnic crew.
I’ve been obsessed with this homemade Mediterranean veggie sandwich for years, and it’s a meal I never go without. Whether you’re a die-hard Panera fan or just looking for a new vegetarian sandwich to add to your rotation, I know you’re going to love this one.
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🥘 Ingredients
This copycat Panera Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich is made with simple, everyday ingredients like whole wheat bread, creamy hummus, and crisp fresh veggies, all things I always have on hand for a quick, delicious meal.
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Whole Wheat Bread: While Panera uses slices of Tomato Basil Bread for this sandwich recipe, I used vegan-friendly whole wheat bread. I love Dave’s Killer Bread, but if you can’t find that, try one of these healthy bread brands.
Salad Greens: Use whatever salad greens you like to keep on hand. I typically like to buy a green leaf lettuce blend, or you can opt for plain lettuce (emerald greens), spinach, arugula, or sprouts alone.
Vegan Feta Cheese: You only need about an ounce of feta cheese on each sandwich. The tangy flavor of feta goes a long way.
Roasted Red Pepper: Make homemade roasted red bell peppers or use the jarred kind for convenience. They’re delicious either way. Panera’s version is made with peppadew peppers, so if you can find those in a store near you, grab them.
Fresh Vegetables: I used red onion, sliced tomato, and a sliced mini cucumber to stay as close to the Panera version as possible. For the tomatoes, I typically choose vine-ripened tomatoes or Roma tomatoes.
Hummus: Use your favorite brand of pre-made hummus or feel free to make your own hummus at home.
Salt and Pepper: Added to taste. I recommend fresh cracked black pepper and a sprinkle of kosher salt or sea salt for the best flavor.
Substitutions
Bread: You can also use any type of bread you like – try a rustic sourdough or for a gluten free option, try my gluten free bread recipe or my fluffy buckwheat bread.
🔪 How To Make
Making this Panera Mediterranean sandwich is as easy as it is delicious! Here’s exactly how I do it:
Prep Your Ingredients: I grab four slices of bread and slice up my veggies ahead of time, it makes assembling the sandwich so much easier. Then, I spread a generous layer of hummus on two slices of bread because, let’s be real, the hummus is what brings all the flavors together.
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Layer Your Sandwich: I start by piling on fresh greens to one slice of bread, then layer on roasted red peppers, juicy tomato slices, crisp cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. Next comes the crumbled feta (because that tangy bite is everything!), and finally, a sprinkle of salt and pepper to bring out all the flavors.
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Finish: I top off this delicious, flavor-packed sandwich with the final slice of bread, press it down just a little, and slice it in half – because somehow, sandwiches always taste better that way!
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Make A Second Panera Bread Mediterranean Sandwich! I repeat the steps with the remaining bread and ingredients. Serve and enjoy!
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💭 Expert Tips
My #1 Secret Tip for making sure my sandwich stays fresh and delicious is to wait until I’m ready to eat before putting it all together! Trust me, I’ve learned the hard way, veggies and hummus can make the bread way too soggy if assembled too early. If I’m packing this for later, I toast the bread for extra crunch and keep the ingredients separate until it’s time to eat.
Other Tips To Keep In Mind:
- Toast the bread: I love giving my bread a quick toast for extra crunch and structure. It keeps the sandwich from getting soggy and adds a little bite.
- Add fresh lemon juice: A squeeze of lemon juice over the veggies totally brightens up the flavors. It’s a small step but makes a big difference.
- Make it a veggie club: When I’m extra hungry, I add another layer of veggies and a third slice of bread. It turns this into a hearty, stacked veggie club.
📖 Variations
I love customizing this Panera Mediterranean sandwich depending on what I’m craving. Here are some of my favorite ways to switch things up:
Go Gluten-Free: I use gluten-free bread or wrap everything in crisp lettuce for a fresh, low-carb twist.
Add More Protein: When I need something more filling, I throw in grilled tofu, chickpeas, or I add quinoa patties for extra heartiness.
Spice it Up: A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of harissa gives this sandwich the perfect fiery kick.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
I love enjoying this sandwich on its own, but if I want to make it a full meal, here’s what I pair it with:
With Soup: I love pairing this with a warm bowl of butternut squash soup or creamy garbanzo bean soup. It makes the meal extra cozy and satisfying.
With Salad: A fresh avocado, and cucumber salad with a drizzle of lemon dressing is the perfect light and zesty side. It keeps the meal fresh and balanced!
With a Crunch: I always add a little crunch with kale chips, baked eggplant fries, or crispy pita chips. It takes this sandwich to the next level of deliciousness.
🧊 Storage Directions
Refrigeration: I recommend eating this sandwich fresh, but if needed, I store the ingredients separately and assemble just before eating to avoid soggy bread.
Freezing: This sandwich doesn’t freeze well because of the fresh veggies and hummus, so I always make it fresh for the best taste and texture.
❓ Recipe FAQs
No, Panera’s version isn’t vegan because it contains regular feta cheese and their Tomato Basil Bread is made with honey. But don’t worry, it’s super easy to make a vegan version with just two simple swaps! I skip the feta or use vegan feta (or tofu feta!) and choose a plant-based, honey-free bread. That’s it!
The answer is – sort of! It’s got some great nutritional value, it’s high in fiber, high in protein, and has tons of veggies. But it’s also high in calories – one sandwich will run you about 630 calories. Instead, you can save money, time and make my healthier recipe version at home! You can enjoy my whole sandwich for under 300 calories!
I toast the bread for extra crunch and wait to assemble it until I’m ready to eat. If I’m packing it for later, I keep the hummus separate and spread it on just before eating.
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📋 Recipe Card
🎥 Watch How to Make It
Panera Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich
Ingredients
- 4 slices whole wheat bread
- ½ cup salad greens or baby spinach
- ¼ cup vegan feta cheese optional
- 1 roasted red pepper sliced
- 1 tomato slice
- 1 small cucumber sliced
- ½ red onion sliced
- ¼ cup hummus
- salt and pepper to taste
Equipment
Instructions
- Have all ingredients sliced and ready to use.
- Lay two slices of bread on the cutting board. Spread a layer of hummus on each slice.
- Add a layer of salad greens to one slice.
- Top with remaining ingredients. Season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
- Finish with a final slice of bread to finish off the sandwich.
- Repeat with remaining bread and ingredients to make a second sandwich.
- Serve and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- My #1 Secret Tip for making sure my sandwich stays fresh and delicious is to wait until I’m ready to eat before putting it all together! Trust me, I’ve learned the hard way, veggies and hummus can make the bread way too soggy if assembled too early. If I’m packing this for later, I toast the bread for extra crunch and keep the ingredients separate until it’s time to eat.
- Toast the bread – I love giving my bread a quick toast for extra crunch and structure. It keeps the sandwich from getting soggy and adds a little bite.
- Add fresh lemon juice – A squeeze of lemon juice over the veggies totally brightens up the flavors. It’s a small step but makes a big difference.
- Make it a veggie club – When I’m extra hungry, I add another layer of veggies and a third slice of bread. It turns this into a hearty, stacked veggie club.
I love this sandwich! I order it often at Panera. They actually use Peppadew peppers on the sandwich also, which have a sweet and tangy flavor.
So happy to hear that Rebecca! 🙂 And yes, the peppadew peppers are delicious and totally will work on this sandwich too!