This Panera Bread Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich is a zesty and crisp recipe, which features tangy cilantro jalapeño hummus and sweet Peppadew peppers. It’s a healthy vegetarian lunch option, ready in about 10 minutes.
Jump to RecipePanera Bread Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich Ingredients
- 2 slices Tomato Basil Bread (or thick-sliced sourdough)
- 2-3 tbsp Cilantro Jalapeño Hummus (or plain hummus mixed with chopped cilantro and a pinch of chili)
- ½ cup Emerald Greens (spinach, arugula, or romaine lettuce)
- 2-3 slices vine-ripened tomato
- 4-5 thin slices cucumber
- 3-4 thin rings red onion
- 2 tbsp crumbled Feta cheese
- 3-4 Peppadew peppers, roughly chopped (sweet piquante peppers)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Balsamic glaze (optional, for extra tang)
How To Make Panera Bread Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich
- Prep the bread: Lay the two slices of Tomato Basil bread on a clean cutting board. If you prefer a warm sandwich, you can lightly toast the bread, though Panera typically serves this sandwich cold on soft bread.
- Spread the base: Spread a generous layer of the cilantro jalapeño hummus over one side of each slice of bread. This acts as the “glue” for the vegetables and provides the primary flavor kick.
- Layer the greens: On the bottom slice, arrange the emerald greens or lettuce first. Placing them on the hummus helps keep them in place.
- Add the crisp veggies: Layer the tomato slices, cucumber slices, and red onion rings on top of the greens. Season the tomato slices lightly with salt and black pepper to enhance their flavor.
- Add the signature toppings: Scatter the chopped Peppadew peppers and the crumbled Feta cheese over the vegetable layer. These two ingredients are crucial for that authentic sweet-and-salty Mediterranean profile.
- Close and slice: Place the second slice of bread (hummus side down) on top of the filling. Press down gently to compress the sandwich slightly. Slice in half with a serrated knife and serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
- The secret ingredient: The defining flavor of this sandwich is the Peppadew peppers. These are sweet piquante peppers found in the pickle aisle or olive bar of most grocery stores. Roasted red peppers can be used as a substitute, but the flavor won’t be exactly the same.
- Finding the bread: Panera uses a specific Tomato Basil bread. To replicate this at home, look for a savory tomato swirl bread in the bakery section, or use a high-quality sourdough or focaccia for a similar texture.
- Making the hummus: If you can’t find cilantro jalapeño hummus, simply buy plain hummus and blend it with a handful of fresh cilantro, a seeded jalapeño, and a squeeze of lime juice.
- How to keep it from getting soggy: If packing this for lunch, place the cucumber and tomato slices in the center of the sandwich between layers of lettuce or spinach. The greens act as a moisture barrier against the bread.
What To Serve With Panera Bread Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich
This fresh sandwich pairs well with warm soups or salty sides.
- Vegetarian Autumn Squash Soup: A classic Panera pairing.
- Kettle Cooked Potato Chips: Adds a salty crunch.
- Apple (or Fruit Cup): Keeps the meal light and healthy.
- Greek Salad: Doubles down on the Mediterranean flavors.
How To Store Panera Bread Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich
- Refrigerate: This sandwich is best eaten fresh. If you must store it, wrap it tightly in parchment paper or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. The bread may become soggy from the tomato and hummus over time.
- Freeze: Do not freeze this sandwich. Fresh vegetables like lettuce, cucumber, and tomato do not thaw well and will become mushy.
Panera Bread Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 440kcal
- Protein: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fat: 13g
- Saturates: 4g
- Sugar: 9g
- Salt: 1.8g
Nutrition information is estimated per sandwich and depends heavily on the type of bread used.
FAQs
It is vegetarian, but not vegan due to the Feta cheese. To make it vegan, simply omit the Feta cheese or use a plant-based crumbly cheese alternative. The bread and hummus are typically vegan.
Yes, you can. While the original is served on soft bread, toasting the Tomato Basil bread adds a lovely crunch and prevents the hummus from soaking in too quickly.
If you cannot find sweet piquante peppers, you can use mild pickled cherry peppers or roasted red peppers marinated in a little vinegar and sugar to mimic that sweet-tangy flavor.
Panera Bread Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy1
servings10
minutes440
kcalA vibrant vegetarian sandwich featuring zesty cilantro jalapeño hummus, sweet Peppadew peppers, and crumbly feta on tomato basil bread.
Ingredients
2 slices Tomato Basil Bread
3 tbsp Cilantro Jalapeño Hummus
½ cup mixed greens (spinach/arugula)
2 slices tomato
4 slices cucumber
3 rings red onion
2 tbsp crumbled Feta cheese
4 Peppadew peppers, chopped
Salt and pepper
Directions
- Lay bread slices on a cutting board and spread hummus on one side of each slice.
- Layer greens on the bottom slice to create a base.
- Add tomato, cucumber, and red onion slices.
- Season tomatoes lightly with salt and black pepper.
- Sprinkle crumbled Feta cheese and chopped Peppadew peppers over the veggies.
- Top with the second slice of bread, hummus side down.
- Press gently, slice in half, and serve.
Notes
- Peppadew peppers are the key ingredient that provides the signature sweet and tangy flavor profile distinct to this sandwich; substituting them changes the character of the dish significantly.
- Placing the lettuce or greens directly against the bread helps prevent the moisture from the tomatoes and cucumbers from making the bread soggy if you aren’t eating it immediately.
- If you cannot find tomato basil bread, a high-quality focaccia or sourdough makes an excellent substitute that holds up well to the heavy vegetable filling.
