This light and healthy Fresh Veggie Sandwich is perfect for summer lunch! If you need something satisfying that will make you feel good too, this is just the thing!
I’ve been training for a half marathon the past few months and as part of that, I’ve committed myself to eating healthier. Nutrition is so important always, but especially when you’re running 20 plus miles each week. It can be very taxing on the body, so I’ve been trying to give it what it really needs for fuel. I’ve also been being more mindful about taking in protein. I find myself getting ravenous on my long run days and protein is a great way to help you feel satiated. I need all the energy I can get out there grinding out the running miles!
I made this a few weeks ago and shared a photo of it in a story on Instagram. I had quite a few friends who were interested in the low-down on this sandwich! It is so very tasty, so I can’t blame them! When the summer months roll around and the heat comes with it, I always feel like eating lighter and fresher. Those heavy carb-loaded foods don’t appeal to me quite like they do in the cold winter months. You know I still love my carbs, though, haha.
I found a delicious-looking recipe for a Fresh Veggie Sandwich on my friend Karen’s blog and I started to make it, but we had some Tzatziki sauce leftover from our Gyros, so I decided to use that instead and it was phenomenal!
So I typically reach for veggie-dense meals like today’s sandwich. I know you’re going to love it! I made a homemade Tzatziki sauce that is the perfect complement to all the delicious veggies. I opted to eat it open-faced because I think the top slice of bread competes with and overpowers the phenomenal flavors of the toppings. And I love that I’m saving on the extra carbs with just one slice and keeping it healthy. You of course are free to add however many slices of bread that suit your fancy. 🙂
Let’s talk about the wonderful lineup of vegetables on this sandwich. You’ll start with some thinly sliced cucumbers, then some spinach leaves. You’ll top that with some sliced cherry tomatoes and some thinly-sliced bell peppers (red, orange, or yellow are all great options). To finish it off, you’ll add a few red onion pieces and some sprigs of fresh parsley.
Prepare to be blown away! You’ll serve it all up on your favorite variety of toasted bread that’s slathered in a light and savory sauce! I can’t wait for you to try this! The flavors all come together so perfectly and I feel like it’s a perfect taste of summer in every bite!
I kept this sandwich meatless so the vegetables can really shine! I know you’ll agree this was a brilliant choice when you take that first bite and experience pure bliss! Just because there isn’t meat on this sandwich doesn’t mean it doesn’t include protein. The Tzatziki sauce is made with plain nonfat Greek yogurt, so it’s got the protein part covered for you. But, I’m sure a slice of turkey or ham wouldn’t destroy the sandwich if you want to throw it on there.
If you have another favorite veggie, feel free to add it. I bet sprouts, radishes and mushrooms would be phenomenal on this too! Feel free to play around with the toppings and add what you most enjoy. I’m telling you, you are going to want to eat this one on repeat for lunch! Just prepare the sauce a little ahead of time and keep it in the fridge so those flavors can really meld. You’ll taste a difference!
Christine of I Dig Pinterest
Save RecipeIngredients
- For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 c. plain non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber peeled and finely grated, squeeze the liquid out
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 tsp. sugar
- 1/8 tsp. salt, or to taste
- 1/8 tsp. pepper, or to taste
- For the toppings:
- Thinly sliced cucumbers
- Spinach leaves
- Sliced Avocado
- Thinly Sliced Bell Pepper (red, yellow or orange)
- Sliced Cherry Tomatoes
- Sliced Red Onion
- Fresh Parsley
- Salt and Black Pepper (sprinkle a little on top)
- Your favorite bread
Instructions
- To make the Tzatziki sauce, in a medium bowl add nonfat plain Greek yogurt, finely grated cucumber (drain the liquid), minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, sugar, salt and pepper. Stir together well. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 15 minutes to a half an hour so the flavors can come together.
- Toast your favorite bread. Spread a nice big dollop of sauce over. Then add sliced cucumbers, spinach, sliced avocado, sliced bell peppers, sliced cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion and fresh parsley. Add whatever other veggies sound good (sprouts, mushrooms, radishes). Sprinkle a little salt and black pepper over the top. Enjoy!
Notes
The sauce will make lots of sandwiches. Make sure to drain the cucumbers after you grate them, as they emit a lot of liquid and it will make the sauce too runny. The sugar offsets some of the tartness of the Greek yogurt, but if you are ok with it all the way tart, feel free to leave the sugar out.
*Tzatziki Sauce recipe adapted from The Pioneer Woman.
If you’re looking for other great lunch ideas, be sure to try this Pesto Naan Pizza, these Chicken Teriyaki Bowls, and these Chicken Fajita Pinwheels.
