This Panera Bread Veggie Sandwich is a fresh and crunchy recipe, which includes creamy avocado and crisp vine-ripened tomatoes. It’s a healthy lunch option, ready in about 10 minutes.
Jump to RecipePanera Bread Veggie Sandwich Ingredients
- 2 slices Whole Grain Bread (or Farmstyle Sourdough)
- 2 slices Swiss cheese (or White Cheddar)
- ½ ripe avocado, sliced
- 4 slices cucumber
- 2 thick slices vine-ripened tomato
- ¼ cup fresh spinach or arugula
- 2-3 rings red onion
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
How To Make Panera Bread Veggie Sandwich
- Prep the bread: Lay the two slices of Whole Grain bread on a clean surface. If you prefer a toasted sandwich, toast the bread slices lightly until golden brown.
- Add the spreads: Spread the mayonnaise (and Dijon mustard if using) evenly on one side of each slice of bread. This adds moisture and flavor to the hearty grain bread.
- Layer the cheese and greens: Place a slice of Swiss cheese on the bottom slice of bread. Top the cheese with the fresh spinach or arugula. Placing the greens on the bottom prevents the bread from getting soggy from the juicy tomatoes.
- Stack the vegetables: Layer the tomato slices on top of the greens and season them generously with salt and black pepper. Add the cucumber slices and red onion rings on top of the tomatoes.
- Add the avocado: Arrange the avocado slices carefully on top of the crunchy vegetables.
- Finish the sandwich: Place the second slice of Swiss cheese on top of the avocado (this helps hold it in place), then close the sandwich with the top slice of bread. Press down gently, slice in half diagonally, and serve.
Recipe Tips
- Seasoning the tomatoes: Always salt your tomato slices directly. Salt draws out the natural sweetness and acidity of the tomato, making the sandwich taste significantly more flavorful than if you just seasoned the avocado.
- Choosing the avocado: Use an avocado that yields slightly to gentle pressure but isn’t mushy. If it’s too soft, it will squish out of the sandwich when you bite into it.
- Bread selection: Panera’s “Garden Veggie” is traditionally served on hearty Whole Grain bread, which adds nuttiness and fiber, but it works equally well on their Farmstyle Sourdough for a tangier taste.
- Add a kick: For a bit of heat, add a few pickled jalapeño slices or a dash of hot sauce to the mayonnaise.
What To Serve With Panera Bread Veggie Sandwich
This light sandwich pairs perfectly with classic cafe sides.
- Broccoli Cheddar Soup: The richness complements the fresh veggies.
- Fuji Apple Salad: Keeps the meal fresh and healthy.
- Kettle Chips: Adds a satisfying crunch.
- Pickle Spear: A classic deli accompaniment.
How To Store Panera Bread Veggie Sandwich
- Refrigerate: This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh due to the avocado. If necessary, wrap tightly in parchment paper and refrigerate for up to 4 hours.
- Prevent browning: If storing, squeeze a little lemon juice on the avocado slices to prevent them from turning brown.
Panera Bread Veggie Sandwich Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 410kcal
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturates: 7g
- Sugar: 6g
- Salt: 1.2g
Nutrition information is estimated per sandwich.
FAQs
No, because it contains cheese and mayonnaise. To make it vegan, swap the Swiss cheese for a plant-based cheese alternative (or omit it) and use vegan mayonnaise or hummus as the spread.
Yes! You can butter the outside of the bread and grill it in a pan like a grilled cheese. The warm avocado and melted Swiss cheese make for a delicious “Veggie Melt.”
If you aren’t a fan of Swiss, milder cheeses like Gouda, Havarti, or Provolone are excellent melting cheeses that pair well with the mild vegetables.
Panera Bread Veggie Sandwich Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy1
servings10
minutes410
kcalA classic garden-style sandwich packed with creamy avocado, crunchy cucumbers, vine-ripened tomatoes, and Swiss cheese on hearty whole grain bread.
Ingredients
2 slices Whole Grain Bread
2 slices Swiss cheese
½ avocado, sliced
4 slices cucumber
2 slices tomato
¼ cup spinach
1 tbsp mayonnaise
Salt and pepper
Directions
- Spread mayonnaise on bread slices.
- Layer spinach and Swiss cheese on the bottom slice.
- Add seasoned tomato slices, cucumber, and red onion.
- Top with sliced avocado.
- Close sandwich with the second bread slice.
- Slice in half and serve immediately.
Notes
- Seasoning the layers individually, especially the tomatoes and avocado, ensures every bite is flavorful rather than bland.
- Using whole grain bread not only mimics the original menu item but also provides the structural integrity needed to hold the heavy vegetable filling.
- If making this ahead of time, place the cucumber and tomato in the center between layers of cheese or lettuce to keep the bread from becoming soggy.
