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    Home » Easy Vegan Sandwiches & Wraps » Vegan Italian White Bean & Tomato Sandwich

    Vegan Italian White Bean & Tomato Sandwich

    Published: Apr 28, 2021 · Modified: Jul 29, 2021 by Jacqueline Meldrum · 24 Comments

     A white bean sandwich filler paired with tomatoes in this tasty vegan combo with a tangy sauce.

    A vegan white bean and tomato sandwich

    VEGAN ITALIAN WHITE BEAN & TOMATO SANDWICH

     

    I love trying out new, tasty sandwiches and this vegan white bean and tomato sandwich is a real keeper.

    I started by making a white bean sandwich filler and paired it with Italian flavours for the perfect summer sandwich.

    Well, I say Italian flavours but I looked to India for the tangy sauce.

     

    Cannellini beans in a metal colander

    WHITE BEANS

     

    The homemade sandwich filler that's the star of this sandwich is made with white beans.

    The white beans I use are cannellini beans.

    I use tinned cannellini beans for convenience and because they are such good quality, but if you like to soak your beans overnight, go ahead and do that.

    Cannellini beans are kidney-shaped beans, a bit like a white kidney bean.

    They originate from Italy and have a creamy almost nutty flavour.

     

    fresh parsley

    ITALIAN HERBS

     

    For a sandwich with the flavours of Italy, I had to use Italian herbs.

    I used fresh parsley and dried oregano in the white bean sandwich spread.

    If you don't have fresh parsley, you could use dried, but fresh is always better.

    You could also add some fresh parsley on top of the tomato layer, which would work well too.

     

    grating garlic

    GRATING GARLIC

     

    The white bean sandwich filler has garlic in it for flavour, but how do you prepare your garlic?

    I used to chop it finely with a chef's knife.

    Before that, I would use a garlic press, but they are always a pain to clean. That garlic always gets stuck in the corners.

    I also tried a garlic plate, one of those ceramic saucers with little nobbly bits, which you rub the garlic on. It's actually really good, but I managed to smash mine.

    My current favourite way to prep garlic is with a fine Microplane grater. It's super quick and easy and a breeze to clean too.

    Any fine grater would work well, even one of those little nutmeg graters.

    Try it, you'll see how good it is.

     

    Italian white bean and tomato sanwich

    WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE A VEGAN ITALIAN WHITE BEAN SANDWICH FILLER

     

    You don't need any fancy ingredients to make this sandwich filling or the final sandwich.

     

    • cannellini beans
    • garlic
    • fresh parsley
    • dried oregano
    • chilli flakes
    • olive oil
    • salt
    • pepper
     

    HOW TO VARY THE WHITE BEAN SANDWICH FILLER

     
    Here are a few twists on my sandwich filler recipe for you to try:
     
    • Add turmeric, cumin and chilli powder for a spicy sandwich filling
    • Add kidney beans for more colour
    • Add some lemon zest and juice
    • Add sweetcorn for the sweetness and colour
    • Add sundried tomatoes and use some of the oil from the jar instead of olive oil
    also try Vegan Reuben Sandwich
     
    A white bean and tomato sandwich, a red apple and a glass of water

    VARY THAT BREAD

     
     
    I made my sandwich with a soft, wholemeal, seeded bread, but you can vary up the bread for a totally different sandwich experience.
     
    1. Toasted sourdough
    2. Pitta bread
    3. Flour tortilla
    4. Toasted wrap (crunch wrap)
    5. Crusty baguette
    6. Toasted burger bun
    7. Toasted hot dog roll
    8. Panini
    9. Toastie
    10. Toasted sesame bagel
     
    An italian white bean sandwich stacked high with lots of fillings

    WHAT TO SERVE WITH YOUR SANDWICH

     
     
    A sandwich on its own makes a quick lunch for your lunchbox or for a lunch at home, but add a few extras on the side and you have more of a meal to look forward to.
     
    Here are a few extras to serve with your sandwich:
     
    1. Your favourite crisps (chips)
    2. Homemade salt & balsamic vinegar kale chips
    3. Homemade paprika tortilla chips
    4. Dill potato salad
    5. Carrot & dill coleslaw
    6. A green salad
    7. Vegan tomato soup made with tinned tomatoes
    8. A crisp apple
    also try the British Classic Vegan Cheese & Onion Sandwiches
     

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    pin it for later
     
    A vegan Italian white bean and tomato sandwich stacked high with a white bean sandwich filler, salad and a tangy dressing. Good for lunches are home or lunch boxes.

     

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    HOW TO MAKE A VEGAN ITALIAN WHITE BEAN & TOMATO SANDWICH

    Scroll down for step-by-step photos followed by a full printable recipe. If you don't have a printer, hit the print button on the recipe card & save as a PDF.
     
    Vegan Italian White Bean & Tomato Sandwich - Step 1 - bean sandwich filler

     

    STEP 1

    First, make the bean sandwich spread.
     
    Drain the tinned beans and add them to the bowl with garlic, chilli flakes, fresh parsley, olive oil, salt and pepper.
     
    Mash with a fork. Leave some whole beans for texture.
     
    Taste to check for flavouring (the flavours will develop more if you make it the night before.
     
     
    Vegan Italian White Bean & Tomato Sandwich - Step 2 - pulling together the sandwich

    STEP 2

     
    Top one slice of bread with vegan mayo, then top with spinach, sliced cucumber and a generous layer of white bean pate.
     
    The recipe makes enough for 2 sandwiches.
     
    Scroll down for the full printable recipe.
     
     
     
    Vegan Italian White Bean & Tomato Sandwich - Step 3 - adding the last toppings

    STEP 3

     
    Add chopped sundried tomatoes and slices of ripe tomato.
     
    Spread the second slice with mango chutney.  It works so well with the other flavours and adds some tang.
     
    If you want to stay Italian you could spread the top slice of bread with pesto instead.
    Vegan Italian White Bean & Tomato Sandwich on a patterned plate

    Vegan Italian White Bean & Tomato Sandwich

    Jacqueline Meldrum
    A white bean sandwich filler paired with tomatoes in this tasty vegan combo with a tangy sauce.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Total Time 10 mins
    Course Easy Vegan Sandwiches & Wraps
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 2 sandwiches
    Calories 422 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 246 g cooked cannellini beans drained, 400g / 14 oz can before they are drained
    • 1 clove garlic crushed or grated
    • handful fresh parsley
    • 1 tsp dried oregano
    • pinch chilli flakes
    • 2 tsp olive oil
    • pinch salt and pepper

    Sandwich ingredients

    • 4 slices seeded wholemeal bread
    • 2 tbsp vegan mayo
    • handful fresh spinach
    • ¼ cucumber sliced
    • 3 sundried tomatoes chopped
    • 2 ripe tomatoes sliced
    • 2 tbsp mango chutney

    Instructions
     

    • First, make the white bean pate. Add the beans and garlic to a bowl, then add the herbs, oil, chilli, salt and pepper and mash, leaving some whole beans for texture. You can add extra chilli for more kick.
    • Spread two slices of bread with mayo and top with spinach and cucumber slices.
    • Now add a generous layer of the bean pate (there's enough for 2 sandwiches), top with sundried tomatoes and slices of tomato.
    • Spread the second 2 slices of bread with mango chutney and top each stacked sandwich.
    • Cut in half and serve.
    • Enjoy!

    Notes

    • For the best flavour, make the sandwich spread the night before.
    • The sandwich spread can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
    • Take it out the fridge a few minutes before you intend to make the sandwich so it warms a little. The fridge chill dulls the flavour.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1gCalories: 422kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 20gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 11gSodium: 536mgFiber: 13gSugar: 17g
    Keyword vegan sandwich, vegan sandwich filling, vegan sandwiches, white bean sandwich filler
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Heather | Boston Girl Bakes

      April 28, 2021 at 11:06 pm

      OOh loving all the flavors in this sandwich and love that it's made with healthy beans to! Pinning to make later 🙂

      Reply
    2. Julie Menghini

      April 29, 2021 at 6:29 am

      What a fantastic sandwich. I really like that you used cannellini beans and that you mash them not food process them.

      Reply
    3. Unknown

      April 29, 2021 at 6:30 am

      I love all the Italian flavors in the sandwich! Looks so perfect for lunch with a few chips.

      Reply
    4. Aimee Mars

      April 29, 2021 at 6:30 am

      What a delicious and light combination! This really is the perfect sandwich for summer.

      Reply
    5. Whats Cookin Italian Style Cuisine

      April 29, 2021 at 6:30 am

      This sandwich is off the charts spectacular, being 100% Italian and watching my calories this was delicious and absolutely fabulous I almost think this will be a daily lunch for me from now on! thanks for posting love it

      Reply
    6. Anonymous

      April 29, 2021 at 6:35 am

      I have some white beans in the pantry. Have to try this. I do not have mango chutney but will try your pesto suggestion.

      Reply
    7. Anonymous

      April 29, 2021 at 6:35 am

      Thanks. I am going to add this to our lunches this week.

      Reply
    8. Jacqueline Meldrum

      April 29, 2021 at 8:06 am

      Oh definitely try it with pesto. That would work so well.

      Reply
    9. Jacqueline Meldrum

      April 29, 2021 at 8:06 am

      Yay! I hope you all/both enjoy it

      Reply
    10. Jacqueline Meldrum

      April 29, 2021 at 8:06 am

      Yes I like to keep my recipes simple so anyone can make them.

      Reply
    11. Jacqueline Meldrum

      April 29, 2021 at 8:06 am

      Oh yes definitely. I hope you try it.

      Reply
    12. Jacqueline Meldrum

      April 29, 2021 at 8:06 am

      It is. It would be great for picnics as well as lunch boxes.

      Reply
    13. Jacqueline Meldrum

      April 29, 2021 at 8:06 am

      I am so glad you loved it. It really is a tasty sandwich.

      Reply
    14. Jacqueline Meldrum

      April 29, 2021 at 8:06 am

      Enjoy it and yes thecflavours work so well together!

      Reply
    15. Savita

      July 14, 2021 at 9:01 am

      5 stars
      I really loved this sandwich, it is so fresh and delicious.

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Meldrum

        July 16, 2021 at 10:23 pm

        Yay! I am glad you liked it Savita, I am getting a lot of good feedback on this one from my readers.

        Reply
    16. Natalie

      July 14, 2021 at 10:11 am

      5 stars
      Oh yum! What a great lunch idea. Looks light and delicious. I'm making this today for sure.

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Meldrum

        July 16, 2021 at 10:22 pm

        I hope you enjoyed it Natalie.

        Reply
    17. Katherine

      July 14, 2021 at 10:37 am

      5 stars
      What a flavourful sandwich! I love the addition of herbs to the white beans, plus mango chutney is a genius idea for extra flavour.

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Meldrum

        July 16, 2021 at 10:22 pm

        The flavours all work so well together, even if the mango chutney isn't Italian like the rest of the flavours.

        Reply
    18. Alejandra

      July 14, 2021 at 11:52 am

      5 stars
      Wow this looks delicious! Healthy but tasty and easy to make, adding it to my list to try for this week!

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Meldrum

        July 16, 2021 at 10:21 pm

        I hope you enjoyed it for your work lunch Alejandra.

        Reply
    19. Dannii

      July 14, 2021 at 12:20 pm

      5 stars
      I am always looking for more veggie sandwich options, so this looks perfect to me.

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Meldrum

        July 16, 2021 at 10:20 pm

        I think you'd really enjoy it Dannii.

        Reply

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    JACQUELINE MELDRUM

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