15 Vibrant Vegan Panini Recipes – Maximize Your Meatless Meals

Who says you can’t go vegan and when you go for a panini?

No one should!

But first…Is panini bread vegan?

Well, good news: Most breads out there are vegan (says PETA) but just in case, you should check the ingredients.

Some breads will include eggs, milk, butter, whey, cream, casein, honey, and other animal-derived ingredients. 

So, before you start putting your vegan panini ideas together, make sure you start with a bread that suits your needs.

Once you’ve gotten that ready, then you can begin making the best vegan panini recipes around using the gems below!

These recipes are so tasty that even your meat-eating friends will be amazed how delicious and filling they all are. 

15 Tasty Vegan Panini Sandwich Recipes 

Now that you’ve got your favorite vegan bread ready, check out these renditions your mouth is going to love!

1. Avocado Veggie Panini

 

Avocado has to be one of the best ingredients for this style of hot sandwich. 

It’s creamy and dreamy, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s so good for you.

Shallots, portobello mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and kale round out the rest.

You’ll use olive oil instead of butter and either omit the cheese or use your vegan one to finish off this extraordinary rendition.

This idea was inspired by the vegetarian version created by Lindsay at Pinch of Yum. 

2. Vegan Panini with Marinated Tofu and Avocado

 

Now here’s a unforgettable idea for you…

It starts with marinated tofu.

Then it is layered up with avocado and sauteed veggies like mushrooms, onions, and spinach.

Once it’s grilled together, it almost looks too pretty to eat. 

Almost.

But it’s truly a goner because once you have a bite, you won’t stop.

The full recipe is from Catherine at Plant Based RD. 

3. Vegan Mediterranean Panini

Time to bring those easy, breezy Mediterranean flavors home to your panini press!

Grab your bread layers and spread it with black olive tapenade.

Then roast your red peppers, eggplant, and zucchini.

Place them on your bread with a handful of rocket and basil.

Season with a little salt and pepper, and savor the coastal roasted tastes of these beautiful veggies!

4. Vegan Pizza Panini

 

Pizza needs a few tweaks to be vegan-friendly.

And when you make those tweaks and put them into your vegan bread and into a panini press, the magic begins.

You can use vegan Italian sausages if you like for a more robust pizza panini.

Or you can keep it simple with Chao’s creamy original cheese. 

And of course, some pizza sauce.

You won’t miss not having meat with this, but if you’ve missed pizza, you’ve got to make this now.

For full details, head to The Conscientious Eater. 

5. Tomato Basil Vegan Panini with Roasted Pepper

 

Some people say vegan, or vegetarian paninis like these, have no flavor.

To that, we counter with this gorgeous delight, made with fresh tomato slices, roasted red peppers, baby spinach, and fresh basil.

Don’t forget the Daiya pepper jack vegan cheese and vegan buttery spread on your vegan bread!

You can add in harissa, onions, a squeeze of lemon, and other stuff too.

You’ll adore the recipe from Healthy Happy Life, that’s for sure!

6. No Carb Vegan Portobello Panini

 

Now here’s a twist for you…instead of using bread, use portobello mushrooms as the bread!

With seedless cucumber, black olives, onion, and red and green bell peppers, this veggie filling tastes amazing with a bit of vinaigrette dressing. 

Press it together with the mushrooms as the bread instead and be prepared to fall in love with this no-carb vegan panini!

The original recipe can be found at Seduction in the Kitchen. 

7. Fully Vegan Spinach Artichoke Panini

Next up on our unique list, you’ve got to make a spinach artichoke panini.

Using vegan mayo, vegan butter, and vegan mozzarella, you can recreate the creamy and rich tastes that the original spinach artichoke dip offers.

Of course, you need spinach, minced garlic, and artichoke hearts too.

Put it all together and press for a memorable panini you’d swear was made with regular ingredients if you didn’t make it yourself!

This sandwich and dip combo is truly amazing, that’s all I can say.

8. Black Bean Hummus Panini

 

This protein-rich hot-pressed sandwich recipe gives you loads of flavor.

You’ll combine your favorite hummus with cooked black beans.

You’ll add grilled eggplant and sun-dried tomatoes.

And you’ll need that wonderful vegan butter to bring it all home. 

Such a simple idea, yet you’ll be a huge fan of this delicious, one-of-kind recipe!

The full recipe can be found at One Green Planet. 

9. Vegan Balsamic Veggie & Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus Panini

 

Red pepper, zucchini, and onions come together to fill up this sandwich, with a tangy balsamic taste.

But the secret is in the sun-dried tomato hummus.

Which you should make yourself. 

If you don’t you can always buy some that way. 

But it will taste best if you make it from scratch.

Plus, if you’re not a huge fan of vegan cheeses, you won’t need any.

The hummus does a stellar job of making things creamy and delightful without any type of non-dairy or dairy items.

Way to go, Hummus!

See how it’s done at Oh My Veggies.

10. Loaded Holiday Panini

 

Hold the phone! 

This special panini recipe might just be our new favorite.

Inspired by the dishes we love during the holidays, it takes roasted sweet potatoes, seared brussels sprouts, and cranberry relish and lovingly tucks them in between garlic-herb slathered bread.

Even vegan skeptics are going to absolutely love this fully meatless, fully loaded panini!

Vegan Yack Attack has the full recipe. 

11. Vegan Mexican Panini

 

Take your tastebuds south of the border for a bold and zesty lunch.

You’ll need to make refried beans, grab some cashew sour cream, and make guacamole. 

Add some sambal sauce along with spinach leaves and put this miracle together.

Full of vibrant flavors, you’re going to love this vegan Mexican panini, perhaps even more than tacos.

Maybe those are fighting words, but hey, give it a try!

12. Vegan Steak Panini with Horseradish Aioli

 

Sliced marinated tofu takes on the taste of steak.

And with a homemade horseradish aioli using vegan ingredients, you may forget you’re eating vegan food.

This recipe is so savory and delish, it’s going to be a regular in your rotation, guaranteed.

That horseradish sauce will have you craving it at regular intervals.

See how it’s done at Rabbit and Wolves. 

13. Vegan Caramelized Onion and Mushroom Panini

 

Who needs meat with a creation like this?

Seriously, no one.

With savory mushrooms melded together with sweet caramelized onions, it hits all the right notes. 

Of course, using vegan mayo with sun-dried tomatoes thrown in just rounds out that flavor spectrum.

It’s one of the most satisfying vegan paninis you’ll ever try!

Serious Eats has a recipe you can follow if you need it. 

14. Vegan Balsamic Sweet Potato Grilled Cheese

 

An Italian panini creation like this was too beautiful not to share.

Just look at it!

All those gorgeous colors mean all kinds of healthy, nourishing things for your body.

And for your mouth, it means more flavors.

With sweet potatoes, vegan cheddar, vegan mayo, red onions, and greens, this rainbow-colored panini for vegans is a true delight.

Ilene at The Colorful Kitchen has the whole recipe on how to make this incredible masterpiece. 

15. Vegan Green Goddess Panini Sandwiches

 

And finally, we’ve got a hot sandwich recipe for the gods.

Or goddesses rather.

Ok, it’s for everyone to feel superb to everyone else.

Just make it and you’ll find yourself feeling like you’re on top of the world. 

Chopped cucumber, mashed avocado, spinach, garlic, minty pea dip, and a few other veggies plus vegan ingredients combine to make this creamy green delight.

It looks perfect for parties too so if you need a vegan option, this will please even the meat-eaters out there.

The creamy filling is full of flavor and nutrition, making it a win for any occasion. 

The original recipe comes from Hetal Kamdar. 

As far as vegan panini recipes go, these are the best out there in my humble opinion.

Whether you’ve been vegan for years or are just starting to go meatless, or even if you’re only going meatless on occasion, you’ll find these tasty recipes will help you be more creative with vegan ingredients in your kitchen.

And who knows…you might not even miss meat once you start preparing healthy paninis like any of the above!