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    Home » Sandwich Recipes » Vegan Festive Falafel & Cranberry Sandwich for Christmas

    Vegan Festive Falafel & Cranberry Sandwich for Christmas

    Published: Nov 22, 2023 · Modified: May 14, 2025 by Jacqueline Meldrum · 8 Comments

    Rock lunchtime with these delicious vegan falafel Christmas sandwiches with the festive flavours of cranberry and red cabbage.

    Christmas Falafel and Red Cabbage Sandwich

    The festive season is approaching and on the Christmas menu are a variety of festive sandwiches in every supermarket. cafe and coffee shop on the high street.

    However, these Christmas sandwiches can be so disappointing and there aren't always vegan options.

    So, let's make our own sandwiches to get in the spirit of the holiday season and really enjoy our lunch break with big fresh flavours on the lead up to the big day.


    🥪 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 makes a good Christmas sandwich?
    • 🍞 Which type of bread makes a good Christmas sandwich?
    • 🥪 What you need to make a festive falafel and cranberry sandwich
    • 🥣 Try flavoured mayo on your sandwiches
    • 🍟 What to serve with a festive sandwich?
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Can you make festive sandwiches ahead?
    • 🌡️ Can you freeze festive sandwiches?
    • 🧾 More easy vegan Christmas recipes
    • 🥙 Festive sandwich ingredients
    • 🍲 Soup with a sandwich
    • ⭐ Save your favourite recipes for free!
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 How to make Vegan Festive Falafel & Cranberry Sandwiches
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Comments

    🥪 What makes a good Christmas sandwich?

    So what makes a top-notch vegan Christmas sandwich?

    Quick and easy pickled red cabbage.

    It should have a savoury element, a sweet element and some salad or vegetables. because we do want it to be a least a bit healthy.

    Let's face it there will be lots of unhealthy snacking and overindulging at this most wonderful time of the year.

    Also, make sure you include a Christmas flavour.

    Here are a few ideas:

    1. Beetroot - roasted or pickled
    2. Chilli Jam - try this smutty sweet chilli jam, it's addictive stuff
    3. Cranberry sauce - try this easy homemade orange cranberry sauce made with frozen cranberries
    4. Dairy-Free Feta Cheese - or Greek cheese
    5. Festive Chutney
    6. Mincemeat - the Christmas sweet mixture not a meaty mixture
    7. Onion & Sage Stuffing
    8. Parsnip Crisps - try these easy parsnip crisps, but use maple syrup instead of honey
    9. Peppery Rocket - also known as arugula
    10. Pistachios
    11. Quick Pickled Red Onions - try these quick pickled red onions
    12. Red Cabbage - try my quick pickled red cabbage
    13. Sweet Chestnuts
    14. Vegan 'Bacon'
    15. Vegan Cheddar Cheese
    16. Vegan Sausages
    17. Whipped Feta - try this whipped feta with lemon and herbs

    I'm sure you have some great ideas for a vegan Christmas feast sandwich too.

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

    🍞 Which type of bread makes a good Christmas sandwich?

    You can keep it quite simple with your regular brown bread or change it up for a totally different vibe.

    Here are a few ideas. Leave them plain, toast them before adding the fillings or grill them after you have added the fillings.

    1. Baguette
    2. Bloomer's bread
    3. Ciabatta
    4. Flatbreads
    5. Foccacia
    6. Naan bread
    7. Pitta bread
    8. Tiger bread
    9. Tortilla Wraps
    10. Vegan brioche bread or buns
    11. White bread
    12. Wholemeal bread

    The same Christmas vegan sandwich made with different breads (toasted/broiled or untoasted) will taste totally different if you change up the bread.

    🥪 What you need to make a festive falafel and cranberry sandwich

    Here are the simple ingredients you need to make this Christmas lunch sandwich.

    Vegan Christmas Falafel & Cranberry Sandwich
    • Wholemeal Bread
    • Vegan mayo
    • Fresh spinach - or baby spinach
    • Cranberry sauce - shop bought or homemade cranberry sauce
    • Falafel - plain or sweet potato falafel
    • Vegan cheddar - we like Cathedral City Vegan Cheddar
    • Pickled cabbage

    It really is one of my festive favourites at this time of year.

    See the full printable recipe card below for quantities, tips and tweaks.

    🥣 Try flavoured mayo on your sandwiches

    I used plain vegan mayo on my sandwich, but mayo can really be perked up with a few added flavours.

    vegan mayo.

    Try one of these swirled through mayo, to change it up completely.

    • Cranberry sauce
    • Fresh herbs
    • Garlic - fresh garlic or garlic powder
    • Gochujang - a Korean chilli paste
    • Marmalade - a Scottish preserve (like an orange jam) made with Seville oranges
    • Mustard - English, French or American mustard
    • Sriracha - Thai hot sauce
    • Sweet chilli sauce - a sweet Chinese sauce with a kick

    🍟 What to serve with a festive sandwich?

    A very merry vegan wrap or sandwich can be served as it is, but you can make it more of a meal by adding a side or two.

    Easy Vegan Carrot & Dill Colelsaw

    Here are a few ideas:

    1. Apple wedges
    2. Cherry tomatoes
    3. Chips (fries)
    4. Coleslaw - try this carrot & dill slaw
    5. Dressed green salad
    6. Homemade soup - try this cream of parsnip soup
    7. Pear wedges
    8. Potato salad - try this dill potato salad
    9. Spiced potato wedges
    10. Sweet potato crisps (chips)
    11. Vegetable crisps (chips)

    👩🏻‍🍳 Can you make festive sandwiches ahead?

    Sandwiches are at their best when they are freshly made and it's just the same for festive sandwiches.

    Festive Vegan Sandwiches for Christmas.

    If you're making them for work the next day or adding to a lunch box and just don't have the time to make them in the morning, heck yes make them the night before and pop them in the fridge.

    They will still be a super tasty vegan festive feast.

    However, if you are going to be home, do make them fresh.

    They will only take two or three minutes to pull together.

    🌡️ Can you freeze festive sandwiches?

    It's not a great idea to freeze Christmas sandwiches.

    They don't defrost well.

    You can freeze some sandwiches, like a plain cheese sandwich or some wraps, like a burrito, but not all ingredients defrost well and are much better served fresh.

    So, the answer is no. Don't freeze your vegan Christmas sandwiches.

    🧾 More easy vegan Christmas recipes

    Here are a few more festive offerings to get you in the festive spirit at this time of the year.

    cannellini bean pate with black olives and miso.
    1. Best Hot Chocolate with Pear & Ginger
    2. Lemon & Sweet Basil Shortbread
    3. Moist Vegan Fruit Cake
    4. Mushroom & Chestnut Sausage Rolls
    5. Scottish Mushroom & Chestnut Pate
    6. Spicy Lentil Sausage Rolls
    7. Three Ingredient Chocolate Fudge
    8. Vegan Festive Feast Sandwich
    9. Vegan Sage & Onion Sandwiches
    10. White Bean & Black Olive Pate

    For more Christmas recipes, including Christmas dinner and Christmas desserts, check out my Vegan Christmas page over on my main blog Tinned Tomatoes.

    🥙 Festive sandwich ingredients

    Here are a few simple layers that can be added to a festive sandwich.

    • Teriyaki tofu crumbles in a frying pan
      Teriyaki Tofu Crumbles for Tacos or Wraps
    • Air Fryer Falafel.
      Air Fryer Falafel (Oil-Free & Vegan)
    • Vegan Whipped Feta with Lemon & Herbs
      Vegan Whipped Feta with Lemon & Herbs
    • Quick and easy pickled red cabbage.
      Easy Quick Pickled Cabbage for Tacos or Sandwiches
    • vegan air fryer pepperoni
      Easy Vegan Pepperoni (Air Fryer or Oven)
    • Homemade paprika tortilla chips with dip
      Easy Paprika Tortilla Chips
    • A dressed Vegan Grinder Salad with corn
      Vegan Grinder Salad with Corn
    • Crunchy Italian Chickpeas.
      Crispy Italian Chickpeas Roasted in the Air Fryer

    🍲 Soup with a sandwich

    Serving soup with a sandwich is a classic lunchtime favourite.

    Here are a few homemade soups to serve with your Christmas sandwich.

    • Easy Grated Carrot & Lentil Soup with Cabbage
      Grated Carrot & Red Lentil Soup with Cabbage
    • A bowl of vegan tomato soup with a swirl of cream
      Vegan Tomato Soup made with Tinned Tomatoes
    • Vegan broccoili and pea soup with a swirl of cream
      Easy Vegan Broccoli and Pea Soup
    • Easy Roasted Butternut Squash & Red Pepper Soup
      Easy Roasted Butternut Squash & Red Pepper Soup

    ⭐ Save your favourite recipes for free!

    Hit the heart  (look to the right) to save this and other recipes.

    hit-the-heart logo.

    Once logged in, you can save your favourite recipes and access them by hitting the heart on any of my recipes or going to grow.me where they will be stored for you for free.

    I use this website and can highly recommend them.

    👩🏻‍🍳 How to make Vegan Festive Falafel & Cranberry Sandwiches

    These step-by-step photos will show you how to make these quick and easy festive sandwiches.

    The printable recipe follows these photos and tips.

    Festive Falafel & Cranberry Sandwich - Step 1.

    Step 1

    • Spread each slice of bread with a generous layer of mayo.
    • Slather on a layer of cranberry sauce and be generous.
    • Add a layer of fresh spinach (or other crisp greens).
    • Next, add the falafel, crumble them over the spinach and smoosh them down.
    Festive Falafel & Cranberry Sandwich - Step 2.

    Step 2

    • Add slices of vegan cheddar (use your favourite vegan cheese).
    • Drain the red cabbage, but don't pat dry and add to the sandwich.
    • Top with the other mayo spread slice, cut in half and eat.
    • Enjoy!

    📖 Recipe

    Vegan Christmas Falafel & Cranberry Sandwich

    Vegan Festive Falafel & Cranberry Sandwich for Christmas

    Jacqueline Meldrum
    Rock lunchtime with these delicious vegan falafel Christmas sandwiches with the festive flavours of cranberry and red cabbage.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    Prep Time 3 minutes mins
    Total Time 3 minutes mins
    Course Easy Vegan Sandwiches & Wraps, sandwich
    Cuisine British, vegan
    Servings 1 sandwich
    Calories 478 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 slices wholemeal bread (or your favourite bread)
    • 1 tablespoon vegan mayo
    • 2 teaspoons cranberry sauce
    • 1 handful fresh spinach
    • 4 falafel
    • 2 slices vegan cheddar
    • 2 forkfuls pickled cabbage
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • Spread each slice of bread with a generous layer of mayo.
    • Slather on a layer or cranberry sauce and be generous.
    • Add a layer of fresh spinach (or other crisp greens).
    • Next, add the falafel, crumble them over the spinach and smoosh them down.
    • Add slices of vegan cheddar (use your favourite vegan cheese).
    • Drain the red cabbage, but don't pat dry and add to the sandwich.
    • Top with the other mayo spread slice, cut in half and eat.
    • Enjoy!

    Notes

    • If you're making them for work the next day or adding to a lunch box and just don't have the time to make them in the morning, heck yes make them the night before and pop them in the fridge. However, if you are going to be home, do make them fresh. They will only take two or three minutes to pull together.
    • Don't freeze your vegan Christmas sandwiches!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 sandwichCalories: 478kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 9gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.3gSodium: 769mgPotassium: 314mgFiber: 6gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 2819IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg
    Keyword Christmas sandwich, cranberry sandwich, falafel sandwich, Festive sandwich, vegan christmas, vegan sandwiches
    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. Jill says

      November 22, 2023 at 9:50 pm

      5 stars
      I've been lurking since you said there was a new sandwich recipe coming. It looks bloody gorgeous,

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Meldrum says

        November 22, 2023 at 10:12 pm

        Haha I am just picturing you lurking about. And thanks!

        Reply
    2. Tim says

      November 22, 2023 at 9:54 pm

      5 stars
      Ace! Would never have thought of this, but it sounds very good.

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Meldrum says

        November 22, 2023 at 10:11 pm

        The combination of flavours and textures in this Christmas sandwich work so well. I hope you try it Tim.

        Reply
    3. Sam says

      November 22, 2023 at 9:56 pm

      5 stars
      I am going to buy what I need and make this for lunch on Saturday. Thanks J.

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Meldrum says

        November 22, 2023 at 10:11 pm

        You are so welcome Sam. Enjoy your festive sandwich.

        Reply
    4. Dorothy says

      November 22, 2023 at 10:04 pm

      5 stars
      I am so excited about Christmas already. Planning, planning, planning. Adding this recipe to my folder.

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Meldrum says

        November 22, 2023 at 10:10 pm

        Awww that's nice to hear. I hope you have a fabulous Christmas Dorothy and enjoy the sandwich.

        Reply

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    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

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