theveganlunchbox.co.uk

  • Recipe Index
  • Pack Lunch
  • Meet Jac
  • eBooks
  • Privacy
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • Pack Lunch
  • Meet Jac
  • eBooks
  • Privacy
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • Pack Lunch
    • Meet Jac
    • eBooks
    • Privacy
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Sandwich Recipes » Vegan Caprese Panini Sandwich (air fryer grilled)

    Vegan Caprese Panini Sandwich (air fryer grilled)

    Published: Jan 8, 2023 · Modified: May 14, 2025 by Jacqueline Meldrum · 16 Comments

    The most luxurious vegan Caprese panini sandwich for lunch, toasted in an air fryer (or grilled) for that crisp finish with melted cheese.

    Vegan Grilled Italian Caprese Panini Sandwich.

    All the delicious summery flavours of Italy in the most indulgent vegan grilled cheese sandwich.

    I give you my latest vegan lunchtime creation.

    The vegan Caprese panini sandwich.


    🥪 For more sandwich ideas, say hello to the 150 Easy Vegan Sandwiches (with 6 ingredients or less) ebook. You'll never be stuck for lunch ideas again!  All for the price of a coffee.

    Keep it on your phone when shopping or in the kitchen or print it out to keep handy to glance through. Get it now!

    Jump to:
    • 🥪 What is a Caprese sandwich?
    • 💭 Do you have to grill a caprese sandwich?
    • 🍞 Which type of bread?
    • 🥖 Panini FAQs
    • 🥪 Vegan Caprese sandwich ingredients
    • 🧀 Which type of vegan mozzarella is best?
    • 🧀 How to make vegan cheese melt
    • 🌡️ Air fryer cheese toasties
    • 💭 Air fryer toastie tips
    • 🍅 Ripening tomatoes tip
    • 📖 Vegan Caprese toastie variations
    • 🥗 What to serve with a vegan Caprese sandwich
    • ⭐ Hit the heart (NEW)
    • 🥪 More vegan sandwiches
    • 🥪 If you like your sandwiches toasted
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 How to make a vegan Caprese panini sandwich
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Comments

    🥪 What is a Caprese sandwich?

    A Caprese sandwich is based on a famous Italian salad of the same name.

    Created by a stone worker in tribute to his beloved homeland after the First World War. You can read more about it in this article the history of the Caprese salad.

    The main ingredients are mozzarella, tomato and basil.

    Turning it into a toasted sandwich makes it a more substantial lunch.

    💭 Do you have to grill a caprese sandwich?

    A simple sandwich with the flavours of a Caprese salad would be great just served on soft bread, but it is best grilled.

    Vegan Grilled Italian Caprese Panini with balsamic glaze.

    Grilling it brings out all the flavours, gives you that crunch and then there is all that gorgeous melted cheese.

    Just like a vegan grilled cheese but better.

    🍞 Which type of bread?

    Caprese sandwiches are best made with a crisp Italian bread like ciabatta or panini.

    You can find a selection of Italian bread in the bakery aisle of supermarkets or your local bakery.

    🥖 Panini FAQs

    What is a panini?

    Panini is Italian for 'small bread' and is a term used to describe toasted sandwiches made with Italian bread.

    It is uaually ciabatta bread rolls, but in the UK you can buy flat Italian rolls called panini in supermarkets and bakeries, which are partially grilled with the grill lines on top.

    panini.

    Should panini be grilled?

    Panini are grilled sandwiches which are served while hot and crisp. An Italian version of a grilled cheese sandwich.

    Do you need a panini press to grill a panini?

    There is no need to have a paninin grill to toast sandwiches. You can grill them under a grill (broiler), in a sandwich maker or in a frying pan. You can even grill them in an air fryer.

    Can you grill panini in a waffle maker?

    There are so many things you can grill in a waffle maker including panini. The waffle iron makes a super crisp and crunchy sandwich with that distinctive grid pattern.

    🥪 Vegan Caprese sandwich ingredients

    Here are the simple ingredients you need to make this tasty vegan caprese panini.

    homemade pesto.
    • Panini- or ciabatta
    • Pesto - vegan pesto (shop bought or homemade pesto)
    • Tomato - large ripe salad tomatoes
    • Fresh basil - adds so much flavour
    • Mozzarella - grated vegan mozzarella
    • Mayo - vegan mayo
    • Black pepper
    • Balsamic glaze - a balsamic vinegar reduction, which can be bought ready to use

    For full quantities, method and calories, see the printable recipe card below.

    For more inspiration check out 101 Vegan Sandwiches - Back to School Kids Lunch boxes.

    🧀 Which type of vegan mozzarella is best?

    There are so many vegan mozzarellas out there now.

    Some are made with rice, some are made with coconut and others are made with cashew nuts.

    Which is best, is hard to answer as it's a personal choice.

    We used to just buy the Violife mozzarella, but the Tesco one isn't bad either and we quite like the mozzarisella that Pizza Express use on their vegan pizzas.

    🧀 How to make vegan cheese melt

    The trouble with vegan cheese, mozzarella included is it can be difficult to get that same stretchy cheese melt that you get from dairy-based cheese.

    But never fear, I've got this!

    After much experimenting, I found if you mix some vegan mayo with vegan cheddar or mozzarella, it really helps give that oozy cheese finish.

    You are welcome!

    🌡️ Air fryer cheese toasties

    So basically this vegan panini is vegan toasted sandwich.

    Vegan Italain Caprese Panini Sandwich.

    If you have an air fryer (they are amazing bits of kit, I love mine), hopefully you will have experienced the joy of toast cooked in it.

    It is super crisp and crunchy. Mmmmm!

    Air fryers really do make the best toasties.

    If you have one, I do hope you make this air fried grilled cheese.

    If you love cheesy air fryer recipes, try these cheesy cauliflower steaks next.

    💭 Air fryer toastie tips

    Here are a few tips for making air fryer grilled cheese.

    • In the middle - It's best to grill in the middle of the air fryer as the top is hotter (if you have an air fryer with shelves, if not boost it up)
    • No oil - you don't have to spray the bread with oil for that crisp and golden finish
    • Cheese first - open grill the slice of bread with cheese first, to give it a chance to melt, before adding the other ingredients and other slice of bread
    • Sandwich it - then add the rest of the sandwich and air fry it until the outside is crisp

    For easy vegan air fryer recipes, check out my air fryer page and 31 easy air fryer vegetable recipes.

    🍅 Ripening tomatoes tip

    Ripe tomatoes is the key to flavour when making a sandwich, but how do you help them ripen?

    salad tomatoes.

    Pop your large tomatoes in a bowl and place them on the window sill.

    They will ripen in the sun and this helps the flavour to develop.

    Room temperature is the best way to serve tomatoes, as the chill of the fridge deadens the taste.

    Small tomatoes like cherry tomatoes need to be kept in the fridge as they spoil quickly if left out.

    📖 Vegan Caprese toastie variations

    Here are a few tweaks you can make to this vegan grilled sandwich.

    • Baby spinach - instead of or as well as basil
    • Red pesto - instead of basil pesto
    • Cream cheese - instead of mozzarella
    • Roasted red pepper - instead of tomato

    Also, try these toasted pickled vegetable sandwiches with cream cheese.

    🥗 What to serve with a vegan Caprese sandwich

    Here are some ideas for serving this tomato and mozzarella panini for a hearty lunch or light dinner.

    Dill Potato Salad
    • Crisps - on the side or chips to my American friends
    • Salad - a dressed green side salad
    • Slaw - try this carrot and dill coleslaw
    • Potato salad - try this dill potato salad (yes I love dill!)
    • Chips - or French fries
    • Sweet potato fries - or wedges

    ⭐ Hit the heart (NEW)

    Have you seen the little heart?

    Hit it to like the recipe.

    Or hit the molecule-like symbol beside it, to save your favourite recipes or share them.

    🥪 More vegan sandwiches

    Here are a few more tasty vegan sandwiches to try after this gorgeous Caprese panini.

    1. Carrot Sandwiches - an easy and tasty sandwich filler
    2. Cheese & Onion Sandwiches - total comfort food
    3. Easy Vegetable Salad Sandwiches - full of colourful veg
    4. Egg Mayo Sandwiches - just like the real thing
    5. Hummus Beet Sandwich - so, so good
    6. Tofu Grinder Salad Sandwich - the Tiktok famous sandwich

    🥪 If you like your sandwiches toasted

    Try these grilled vegan sandwiches.

    1. Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Toasties - with extreme cheese melt
    2. Black Olive & Tomato Toastie - made with easy homemade olive tapenade
    3. Cuban Sandwich with Mushrooms - my all time favourite
    4. Falafel Beetroot Bagel Sandwich - a colourful packed bagel
    5. Reuben Sandwich with Russian Dressing - oh my that dressing

    For more vegan sandwich inspiration, check out my sandwiches and wraps page.

    👩🏻‍🍳 How to make a vegan Caprese panini sandwich

    Step-by-step photos. Keep scrolling for the full printable recipe (with full ingredient list, calories and nutritional info).

    Vegan Italian Caprese Panini - step 1.

    Step 1 - The filling

    • Cut your panini or ciabatta in half and spread one side with a generous layer of pesto.
    • Top with a layer of fresh basil and slices of ripe tomato.
    • Season the tomato with salt and pepper.
    Vegan Italian Caprese Panini - step 2

    Step 2 - The cheese

    • Grate (or add your pre-grated) vegan mozzarella to a bowl.
    • Add the mayo, salt and pepper. A sprinkle of oregano is good too.
    • Mix well and top the other slice of panini
    • Pop this slice in the air fryer (or under a grill/broiler) to melt. You can do the other side with the tomato too if you want to, but I prefer to leave it fresh.
    Vegan Italian Caprese Panini - step 3

    Step 3

    • Drizzle the tomatoes with balsamic glaze.
    • Top with the melted cheese slice and pop back in the air fryer (or under the grill/broiler) for a few minutes.
    • Serve and enjoy!

    📖 Recipe

    Vegan Italain Caprese Panini Sandwich.

    Vegan Caprese Panini Sandwich

    Jacqueline Meldrum
    The most luxurious vegan Caprese panini sandwich for lunch, toasted in an air fryer (or grilled) for that crisp finish with melted cheese.
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 7 minutes mins
    Total Time 12 minutes mins
    Course Easy Vegan Sandwiches & Wraps
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 1 filled panini
    Calories 540 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 panini (halved)
    • 1 tablespoon pesto
    • 3 slices ripe tomato
    • 1 handful fresh basil
    • 3 tablespoons grated vegan mozzarella
    • 1 tablespoon vegan mayo
    • 1 pinch salt & pepper
    • 1 teaspoon balsamic drizzle
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • Cut your panini or ciabatta in half and spread one side with a generous layer of pesto.
    • Top with a layer of fresh basil and slices of ripe tomato. Season the tomato with salt and pepper.
    • Grate (or add your pre-grated) vegan mozzarella to a bowl.
    • Add the mayo, salt and pepper. A sprinkle of oregano is good too. Mix well and top the other slice of panini.
    • Pop the cheese topped slice in the air fryer (or under a grill/broiler) to melt. 180c/356f for a few minutes. You can do the other side with the tomato too if you want to, but I prefer to leave it fresh.
    • Drizzle the tomatoes with balsamic glaze.
    • Top with the melted cheese slice and pop back in the air fryer (or under the grill/broiler) for a few minutes to crisp up.
    • Serve and enjoy!

    Notes

    • Use panini or ciabatta -  for this toasted sandwich.
    • In the middle - It's best to grill in the middle of the air fryer as the top is hotter (if you have an air fryer with shelves, if not boost it up)
    • No oil - you don't have to spray the bread with oil for that crisp and golden finish
    • Cheese first - open grill the slice of bread with cheese first, to give it a chance to melt, before adding the other ingredients and other slice of bread
    • Sandwich it - then add the rest of the sandwich and air fry it until the outside is crisp

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1filled paniniCalories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 124gProtein: 22gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 1809mgPotassium: 198mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1083IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 67mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword caprese, panini,, sandwich, toasted sandwich, toastie
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    More Easy Vegan Sandwiches and Toasties

    • Caesar's chickpea smash sandwiches.
      BEST Vegan Caesar Smashed Chickpea Sandwiches Recipe
    • 101 vegan sandwiches logo.
      101 Vegan Sandwiches - Back to School Kids Lunch Boxes
    • Gochujang Chickpea Smash Salad Sandwich.
      Vegan Gochujang Chickpea Smash for Sandwiches & Tacos
    • Easy Vegan Cheese Celery Sandwiches.
      Best Vegan Cheese & Celery Sandwiches

    Comments

    1. Sam says

      January 08, 2023 at 2:55 pm

      5 stars
      That looks so good. I am going to try it on my day off this week. Something to look forward to.

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Meldrum says

        January 08, 2023 at 2:57 pm

        Oh yes definitely something to look forward to. So good!

        Reply
        • Jill says

          January 11, 2023 at 11:40 am

          5 stars
          This is on the menu for lunch today. I will pop back later and let you know what I think although I know it will be good. Jill x

          Reply
          • Jacqueline Meldrum says

            January 11, 2023 at 5:50 pm

            I hope you enjoyed it Jill. It's a favourite here.

            Reply
    2. George says

      January 08, 2023 at 2:56 pm

      5 stars
      This is right up my street. Another winner J.

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Meldrum says

        January 08, 2023 at 2:56 pm

        I hope you enjoy it George!

        Reply
    3. rebecca says

      January 12, 2023 at 12:19 am

      5 stars
      Agreed, this is such a great grilled sandwich! thanks for sharing

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Meldrum says

        January 12, 2023 at 12:42 pm

        Oh it really is and I'm glad you found it Rebecca. There are lots more in the recipe index if you are interested.

        Reply
    4. Gina says

      January 12, 2023 at 2:54 am

      5 stars
      Made this today and it was so delicious! Love trying new vegan recipes! I will be making this again!

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Meldrum says

        January 12, 2023 at 12:41 pm

        I am so pleased you enjoyed it Gina. It's a favourite here too.

        Reply
    5. Sharon Chen says

      January 12, 2023 at 7:13 am

      5 stars
      This turned out so good! Perfect, quick, and healthy lunch after all the holiday eats lol!

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Meldrum says

        January 12, 2023 at 12:40 pm

        Something a bit different and a real taste of summer.

        Reply
    6. Tavo says

      January 12, 2023 at 7:24 am

      5 stars
      The perfect sandwich for an easy lunch! thanks for the recipe; it was delicious!

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Meldrum says

        January 12, 2023 at 12:39 pm

        Oh yes, I'd have this any day for lunch. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

        Reply
    7. Dannii says

      January 12, 2023 at 9:41 am

      5 stars
      I adore caprese, so I was excited to try this vegan version. It was delicious - so much flavour and a great way to cook it.

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Meldrum says

        January 12, 2023 at 12:39 pm

        I'm so glad you enjoyed it Dannii. It does have lots of flavour.

        Reply

    Leave a comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    JACQUELINE MELDRUM

    Welcome to The Vegan Lunchbox.

    If you need tasty lunch inspiration, you've come to the right place. Easy recipes and ideas from my Scottish kitchen. Jac x

    Read more -

    Featured Recipe

    • Vegan dill potato salad in a glass bowl
      Dill Potato Salad
    • Vegan Pesto Cheese Swirls on a baking mat
      Vegan Pesto Cheese Swirls
    • Vegan Cheese Red Pepper Filo Hand Pie with salad leaves and cherry tomatoes
      Vegan Cheese & Red Pepper Filo Hand Pies
    • Vegan sesame bagel pizza with salad
      Vegan Sesame Bagel Pizza