Easy Chickpea Pesto Sandwich (homemade veggie recipe)

This Easy Chickpea Pesto Sandwich is just irresistible, from its crispy and seasoned chickpeas down to the rich and fresh homemade walnut pesto — all loaded into soft pita or sandwich bread. It’s an utterly delectable marriage of flavors and textures that makes a supreme lunch or dinner. Whether you’re making a roasted chickpea sandwich for a quick meal at home, packing it for work or school, or bringing it along on your picnic, this recipe has got you covered.

This pesto sandwich recipe features a delicious secret ingredient — the savory, chickpea sandwich filling. The chickpeas can be air-fried or pan-fried to golden perfection, with the spice rush of garlic, onion, and smoked paprika for an irresistible crunch. Match it with the deliciously creamy pesto sandwich spread made from toasted walnuts, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes — this flavorful sandwich gives a bold punch with each bite. It’s a delicious meal the whole family will love! And it’s also a popular snack on game day in my family.

Delicious sandwich: the ultimate simple sandwich 

This is a hearty, satisfying vegetarian option for anyone with protein cravings. The chickpeas in total provide a lot of plant-based protein, which makes this chickpea sandwich a healthy choice not only for vegans but also for vegetarians. Pesto gives it a vibrant and Italian-inspired flair that elevates this sandwich to a whole new level.

And this Italian pesto sandwich is so versatile, too. Whether it’s prepping for a busy workday of school runs, looking for a tasty vegan chickpea sandwich filling to send with the kids, or planning a picnic with friends, these sandwiches are the ultimate grab-and-go meal. The roasted chickpeas remain flavorful even when they’ve cooled, and that pesto sandwich spread adds a luxurious, creamy texture to hold it all together.

So, if you want flavors, nutrition, and ease in one dish, this vegetarian pesto sandwich is the answer. This is not just about a chickpea sandwich; it’s fresh, filling, and fun-what you would look ahead to eating over and over again.

In this easy pesto sandwich recipe we’re covering 

Why you’re going to love this vegetarian pesto sandwich with the best roasted chickpea sandwich filling

You’re going to love this vegetarian pesto sandwich, for so many reasons! First, who can resist the marriage of creamy, herby pesto sandwich spread with smoky, crispy roasted chickpea sandwich filling? The homemade walnut pesto brings in a rich, nutty depth that is so balanced by freshness from basil and a hint of lemon in every single bite to keep things bright and flavorful.

Then, there are the roasted chickpeas-so incredibly seasoned with garlic and onion, smoked paprika-added, in for such a satisfying crunch and boost of protein. The best thing about this sandwich is that you can really make it your own. Whether you’re packing it for work, school, or a picnic, this is a great vegetarian sandwich that’s sure to fuel your day. Everything from soft pita to a hearty whole grain will work just great, and you can switch up the veggies or the spread with ease for one sandwich that’s always a little different. It’s totally vegan and full of healthy ingredients that will keep you going, full of energy!

This pesto chickpea sandwich deserves to be a staple in your meal repertoire for anything from a filling lunch or a snack with texture and flavor to a delicious meal in no time.

What You Need to Make the Best Roasted Chickpea Sandwich 

Pesto Sandwich Ingredients

Walnuts & Pine Nuts: these toasted nuts add a rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture to the pesto. Plus, they provide healthy fats that give richness and cut through the bold flavors of basil and garlic.

Sundried Tomatoes: The sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil lend a deep, acid-sweetness that plays well against basil freshness and the earthy nutty taste. Their slightly chewy texture offers variety in the sandwich. 

Fresh Basil: Basil is the star of basil pesto, lending an aromatic herbaceous flavor with subtle pepper and mint undertones. Fresh basil flavor and its vibrant green color are responsible for the authenticity of the classic pesto spread. It a perfect sandwich addition.

Garlic: The pungency of the minced garlic lends a heavy, sharp sting to the pesto in each sandwich bite, breaking through the creaminess of the nuts and oil.

Olive Oil: It imparts the smooth, silky nature into the pesto sauce and enriches the sandwich with healthy fats. It contributes a slight fruitiness on its own.

Lemon Juice: Added fresh, lemon juice brightens up the pesto with its citrus acidity that helps balance richness in both the oil and the nuts, keeping the flavors fresh and lively.

Salt & Pepper: These seasonings enhance all the other ingredients in the pesto to make a well-rounded flavorful spread that ties the whole sandwich together.

Chickpea Sandwich Filling Ingredients:

Chickpeas: These form the base of the filling, and the roasting or pan-frying imparts to them a mild nutty flavor and creamy texture. Being a rich source of proteins and fiber, the sandwich will be both filling and healthy.

Olive Oil: This is used to roast or pan-fry the chickpeas, making them crispy on the outside and adding subtleness in richness to the filling.

Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Savory, umami layers to the roasted chickpeas come with the irresistible garlicky flavor in the filling, going great with pesto.  

Smoked Paprika: This smoky, slightly sweet spice lifts the chickpeas onto a whole other dimension of depth and complexity that will be great in this sandwich filling.

Salt: Seasoning is important for bringing out the natural flavor of the chickpeas and enhancing the spices.

Best Breads for Vegetarian Pesto Sandwich:

Pita Bread: Pita is soft and has a bit of chew to it, perfect for a sandwich that is easy to take with you. It holds the filling of chickpeas and pesto nicely without getting soggy, and the mild flavor lets those fillings be the star.

Whole Grain Bread: This is heavier, heartier bread, which is ideal for those who want something a little more substantial. It has a dense, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the earthy flavor in the pesto and chickpea filling. Thick slices of whole grain bread is great in any sandwich. 

Ciabatta: Airy and light with a crispy crust; this texture adds a nice crunch to the sandwich. The open crumb will let the filling of pesto and chickpea ooze in for more flavor. Whether you choose to turn this easy recipe into a grilled cheese sandwich or make it a crispy bread by toasting the slices of bread in a panini press using ciabatta bread is always a good option. The bread slice holds well and always makes a great lunch. 

Sourdough: Slightly tangy, with a chewy bite, sourdough bread complements the richness of creamy pesto and chickpeas amazingly well. The crunchy edges add textural elements in each bit.

Focaccia: Soft and fragrant with herbs, focaccia bread provides an Italian-like freshness to the sandwich. It would work perfectly while absorbing all the flavors from the pesto and roasted chickpeas and giving a flavor base. This Italian bread is the perfect way to add so much flavor to a simple recipe.

Ideas for what to serve with pitas 

• Cowboy Caviar Black Bean salad 
• Easy colorful couscous summer salad
• Potato wedges
• Creamy vegan BBQ potato salad 
• Spicy coleslaw 

Pesto sandwich tips and tricks

Following are a few tips that will make your Chickpea Pesto Sandwich more delectable and versatile:

1. Your Choice of Bread: Whether it be a soft sandwich bread, fluffy pita pockets, or something more substantial like a Turkish flatbread, one great thing about this sandwich is its adaptability to whatever choice of bread you make. Go light and crunchy for that perfect snap-a whole grain sandwich bread-or take a different turn and go full Mediterranean with a delicious pita or flatbread.

2. Add Extra Fillings: Add freshness to your sandwich with crunchy layers of veggies like lettuce, fresh cucumber slices, and red onion. These not only add a satisfying crunch but also balance the richness of the pesto and roasted chickpeas. You can also experiment with other veggies like bell peppers or arugula.

3. Make It a Chickpea Salad Sandwich: Mash the chickpeas together with a couple of tablespoons of vegan or regular mayonnaise for a creamy version. This is a great way of turning your sandwich into a delicious chickpea salad, perfect for a more traditional sandwich filling, with an added boost in flavor.

4.    Spice It: Need a little kick of heat it your meal? Spice it up with slices of poblanos or even jalapeños. The peppers add in their mild sting of heat that combines so well with the pesto and chickpeas to add an extra layer of excitement in your sandwich.

5. Meal Prep the Fillings: Save time by prepping the roasted chickpeas and pesto in advance. You can store them in airtight containers in the fridge, then just put your sandwich together when you want, in only a few minutes. Hence, this serves as an excellent option for lunch or a grab-and-go meal during the week!

Chickpea sandwich recipe

These vegan roasted chickpea sandwiches features a deliciously luxe creamy, quick homemade walnut pesto, garlic flavors, and crunchy salad. Pile all the goodness inside fluffy sandwich bread or warm pita bread, and you’re ready to go with a super tasty vegan sandwich that’s good for both lunch and dinner.

Chickpea and Pesto Sandwich Ingredients

For the Chickpea Sandwich Filling

• 4 Pitas or a pack of sandwich toast
• 4-6 large tbsp Vegan Pesto
• 1 19oz can Chickpeas rinsed and drained
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• ½ tsp Garlic Powder
• ½ tsp Onion Powder
• 2 tsp Smoked Paprika
• ½ tsp Salt

Homemade walnut pesto

• 1 cup Walnuts
• ⅓ cup Pine Nuts
• 6-8 Oil packed Sundried Tomato halves
• 1 clove Garlic minced
• 1 bunch Fresh Basil equal to 1 cup packed basil or 60 basil sprigs
• ¼ cup Olive Oil
• Juice from ½ Lemon or juice from 2 limes
• ½ tsp Salt more if needed
• Pinch of Pepper

Optional extra fillings

• Lettuce
• Sliced cucumber 
• Red onion slices

How to make vegan pesto sandwich spread 

How to Make Homemade Vegan Pesto step-by-step

    1.    Heat a small non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the walnuts and pine nuts and toast them for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Remove from the heat.

2.    In a blender or food processor, add the toasted nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, parsley, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and black pepper.

3.    Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides if needed. Season more to taste if needed.

4.    Transfer remaining pesto to a clean jar for refrigerator storage.

How to make Chickpea sandwich filling 

How to Make Chickpeas in the Air Fryer

    1.    Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C).

2. Drain and rinse the chickpeas, placing them in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Toss so that the chickpeas are well-coated.

3. Pour the seasoned chickpeas into the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket a couple of times during cooking to ensure they crisp up evenly.

4. Once the chickpeas are golden brown and crispy outside, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool a bit to munch on.

5. Sprinkle a pinch of extra salt, if needed, and voila!

How to Make Chickpeas in the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Drain the chickpeas, then rinse them under cold water and place them in a bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt on top. Toss to evenly coat the chickpeas.

3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the chickpeas out in a single layer.

4. Roast for about 20-25 minutes, shaking pan halfway through, till the chickpeas are crispy and golden.

5.    Let them cool for a minute or two, then season with additional salt if needed.

Stovetop Chickpeas

    1. Heat a small amount of olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.

    2. Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas to the pan, then sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt.

    3. Stir the chickpeas occasionally; cook for about 7-10 minutes until golden and slightly crispy on the outside.

4. Let cool and set aside.

How to make the Best Pesto sandwich recipe 

Sandwich Assembly Option Using Regular Sandwich Bread

    1. Toast the Bread: Lightly toast 2 slices of your favorite sandwich bread-whole wheat, sourdough, or multigrain work great. This will add a little crunch and help the bread hold up to the fillings.

2.     Spread the Pesto: Slather a good amount of your homemade pesto-or store-bought if you’re in a pinch-on one side of each slice of toasted bread. Spread pesto evenly.

3.     Add the Fillings: Add fresh, crispy salad greens to your sandwich, tomato slices, and cucumber slices in an even layer. Sprinkle the veggies with a pinch of salt and pepper for extra flavor.

4. Add in the Chickpeas: Spoon the crunchy roasted chickpeas over the vegetables, evenly distributing them across the sandwich.

5. Top it Off: Place the second slice of toasted bread, pesto side down on top. Gently press the top piece of bread down to hold it all in place.

6. Slice and Serve: Cut the sandwich in half and enjoy!

This is great for an easy lunch, school meals, or a quick picnic sandwich!

Pita Sandwich assembly

Warm the pita bread until soft and fluffy in the oven, microwave, or a skillet. Smear a generous spoon of fresh homemade pesto on the inside of each pita. Add crunchy salad, slices of juicy fresh tomatoes, and fresh cucumber among your favorite sandwich fillings. Stuff these with roasted BBQ chickpeas and finish with a little extra pesto, if desired.

Delicious Vegan and Vegetarian Variations of Chickpea Sandwich Filling

Want even more delicious sandwich options? Following are some delicious vegan and vegetarian variations you can add to your Pesto Chickpea Sandwich to keep things interesting:

1. Roasted Veggies

Roasted Bell Peppers, Zucchini, and Eggplant: Smear roasted or grilled veggies on for added flavor and texture. These go just perfectly with the creaminess from walnut pesto and the crunch from the chickpeas. It’s a great flavorful sandwich choice. 

2. Avocado and Sprouts

Avocado Sliced: The creaminess in the avocado really adds richness to this sandwich and complements the crunchy texture of the chickpeas.

Sprouts or Microgreens: Top with alfalfa sprouts, radish sprouts, or microgreens to add a burst of freshness and a nice crunch to go with your fresh homemade pesto.

3. Quick Pickled Veggies

Pickled Red Onions or Quick Pickled Cucumber: Some tangy pickled veggies to help cut through the richness from the pesto and chickpeas.

4. Hummus

Spread of Hummus: Use hummus as that extra spread next to the pesto to double down on creamy flavor. Spread hummus on each side of the bread and top with favorite fillings, like spinach leaves.

5. Sun-Dried Tomato and Olive Tapenade

Chopped Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Olives: Add more Mediterranean flair with a sun-dried tomato and olive tapenade that gets folded in.

6. Fresh Herbs

Fresh Cilantro, Mint, or Dill: Stir in a handful of fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, or dill for a bright, herbal flavor.

7. Grated Carrots and Beets

Grated Carrots or Beets: Add some grated raw carrots or beets for a sweet and earthy crunch. In a sandwich, these add color and texture. 

More delicious vegetarian sandwich fillings 

8. Vegan Feta

Crumbled Vegan Feta: Sprinkle some crumbled vegan feta into the sandwich if you want more cheesiness.

9. Smashed Chickpea and Veggie Salad

Chickpeas Smashed with Celery and Green Onions: This is for a quick chickpea salad to make with smashed chickpeas, some celery, green onions, and a little vegan mayo or mustard to give it a creamy, crunchy filling.

10. Creamy Tahini or Yogurt Dressing

Tahini Drizzle or Vegan Yogurt Dressing: Replace or supplement the pesto with a creamy tahini sauce or a light vegan yogurt dressing to add an extra creamy feel to it.

11. Grilled Tofu or Tempeh

Grilled Tofu or Tempeh: Add slices of marinated and grilled tofu or tempeh for added protein and texture.

These filling options provide you with several choices to make a truly personalized pesto chickpea sandwich that is flavorful and nutritious every time!

What to eat with Italian Pesto sandwiches 

• Greek salad
• Roasted brussels sprouts
• Sesame roasted potatoes
• Sweet potato fries
• Oven roasted potatoes 
• Dump sheet mushrooms and vegetables
• Colorful couscous salad

Sauces, dips and gravy you might like with your pesto sandwich 

• Béarnaise sauce
• Vegan aioli 
• Whiskey sauce
• Best vegan gravy
• Low carb keto salsa

How to prep and store roasted chickpea sandwiches 

Here’s how to prepare and store the roasted chickpea sandwiches in order to take them with you while you’re on the go:

Preparation:

1. Roast or Cook Chickpeas in Advance: Whether air-frying, pan-frying, or baking, you may cook the chickpeas ahead of time. Let them crisp and cool, then store them in a dry airtight container at room temperature if eating within a day or two.

2. Pesto Prep in Advance: You can make this homemade vegan pesto ahead of time. Place this in an airtight container or jar, refrigerate, and use within 5 days.

3. Chop Your Veggies in Advance: Wash and chop your vegetables. Place these in containers or in resealable bags within the fridge to maintain freshness.

Assembly for On-the-Go:

1.    Assemble Before Leaving: Well, if you are going to eat this sandwich anytime soon, assemble it before you leave. First, spread the desired amount of pesto on your bread or pita; then add roasted chickpeas and veggies, wrapping it tight.

2. No Soggy Bread: You can put the pesto, roasted chickpeas, and veggies in separate containers if you don’t want soggy bread. Then you assemble just before eating. You could put the pesto in a little container and the other parts in a bento box or resealable bags.

3. Wrap Correctly: If making premade sandwiches, wrap them tightly in parchment paper or foil to keep things secure and avoid leakage. If using a lunch box, line it first with a napkin or paper towel to absorb extra drips and moisture.

Storage:

Refrigeration: If making the sandwiches well in advance, refrigerate them. They will keep fresh for up to a day. The roasted chickpeas will keep at room temperature for a day and refrigerated for longer storage.

Longer Storage of Ingredients: Cooked chickpeas can be stored in a container for 2 to 3 days. Pesto will stay in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and pre-cut veggies will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

Ideal to Take Along for a Picnic or for Lunch:

Keep Cool: If taking them on a picnic or to work/school, keep everything fresh in a cooler bag with an ice pack.

To-Go Containers: In reusable sandwich bags or airtight containers, place the components in and take a small knife or spoon along if you wish to assemble this right before eating.

By prepping ahead and packing smart, you’ll have a delicious roasted chickpea sandwich ready to go for a healthy lunch or picnic!

What I’ve been making lately

• Easy Chickpea Pesto Sandwich (homemade veggie recipe)
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Frequently asked questions about homemade pesto

FAQs about this chickpea sandwich recipe

More Pesto sandwich recipe FAQs

Recipe originally published August 26, 2022

Recipe updated November 8, 2024