This Vegan BLT Sandwich balances smoky, savory “bacon” with crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, creamy avocado, and crunchy toasted bread. It’s simple to assemble, adaptable to different tastes, and satisfying for the whole family.
I grew up on classic BLTs, and switching to a plant-based diet didn’t mean giving up those familiar textures and flavors. This version uses smoky tempeh bacon and ripe avocado to recreate the experience in a vegan-friendly way.
The sandwich comes together quickly, especially if you make the tempeh bacon ahead of time. Crisp, salty tempeh, fresh tomato, crunchy lettuce, and creamy avocado on toasted bread is comfort food with a bright, modern twist.
Ingredients you need
Ingredients notes and substitutions
Bacon ~ Smoky Tempeh Bacon gives a great crispy, savory bite and plenty of umami. It’s quick to prepare and keeps up to 5 days in the fridge, so preparing it ahead speeds up assembly. You can also use tofu bacon, mushroom bacon, coconut bacon, eggplant or carrot bacon, or a store-bought vegan bacon.
Veggies ~ Lettuce and tomato are essential. Romaine or iceberg are classic choices; fresh spinach, arugula, or kale work too. Use the best slicing tomatoes available—homegrown or farmer’s market tomatoes make the sandwich shine.
Avocado ~ Smashed avocado is a creamy, mayo-free spread that pairs perfectly with tempeh bacon. Mash a ripe avocado and spread it on the toast, or use a simple homemade guacamole. If you prefer traditional mayo, a vegan mayonnaise made with silken tofu is an excellent option, used alone or alongside avocado. A squeeze of yellow or Dijon mustard is another good alternative.
Bread ~ White bread is classic, but wheat, rye, sourdough, or sprouted-grain bread (like Ezekiel) add extra flavor and nutrition. Gluten-free bread works too. Always toast the bread for a pleasant crunch that contrasts the fillings.
Extras ~ Freshly cracked black pepper over the tomato enhances flavor. Pickles are unconventional for a BLT but can add a bright, tangy contrast if you like.
How to make the recipe
See the recipe card below for exact measurements and step-by-step instructions.
Make the Smoky Tempeh Bacon. Prepare this ahead if you like and refrigerate for up to 5 days. To revive crispness, pan-fry for a few minutes until warm and crunchy, or enjoy it cold.
Toast the bread to your preference.
Spread mashed avocado on one or both slices, or spread vegan mayo if you prefer.
Assemble by layering lettuce, tomato slices, and several slices of tempeh bacon on the toast.
Close the sandwich with the other slice of toast and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
This Vegan BLT is a complete meal on its own. For a heartier plate, serve it with tomato soup or a crisp slaw. Potato chips, a side salad, or baked fries such as butternut squash fries make great accompaniments.
Storage
Best enjoyed fresh. Make the tempeh bacon ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep leftover tomato slices and lettuce separately in the fridge for 1–2 days to preserve texture.
Pro tips and tricks
~ Make the vegan bacon ahead so assembly is quick; re-crisp by pan-frying briefly if desired.
~ Toast the bread for a satisfying crunch that complements the fillings.
~ Customize flavors with vegan mayo, pesto, ranch, BBQ sauce, or mustard.
FAQs
Vegan bacon alternatives include tempeh, tofu, coconut, mushrooms, eggplant, or carrots. Pan-fried seasoned tofu also makes a tasty, protein-rich substitute.
If you skip mayo, try smashed avocado, vegan ranch, pesto, BBQ sauce, or mustard for different flavor profiles.
More vegan sandwiches
- Vegan Chickpea Salad Sandwich
- Vegan Tuna Salad Sandwich
- Curried Tofu Salad Sandwich
- Hummus Sandwich
- BBQ Chickpeas Sandwich
- BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich
- Easy Vegan Sloppy Joes
I hope you love this recipe! If you try it, please leave a rating and a comment to share your experience. For more family-friendly plant-based recipes, check out the author’s cookbook and recipe collection.
Vegan BLT Sandwich
Ingredients
- 6-8 slices Smoky Tempeh Bacon (can be made ahead)
- 2 slices sprouted grain bread, toasted (or your favorite bread)
- 2 tablespoons smashed avocado
- 1-2 slices fresh beefsteak or heirloom tomato
- 2 leaves romaine lettuce (washed and patted dry)
- 1-2 tablespoons easy vegan mayonnaise (optional)
- fresh cracked black pepper (optional)
Instructions
-
Make the Smoky Tempeh Bacon if you haven’t already.
-
Toast the bread.
-
Spread the mashed avocado on one or both pieces of toast.
-
Layer on the lettuce, tomato slices, and about 6–8 slices of tempeh bacon.
-
Close the sandwich with the other slice of toast and enjoy.
Notes
~ Make the vegan bacon ahead so assembly is fast; pan-fry briefly to re-crisp or enjoy cold.
~ Toast the bread for a crunchy contrast to the fillings.
~ Change the flavor profile with vegan mayo, pesto, ranch, or BBQ sauce.
Nutritional facts were calculated using sprouted whole grain bread and without optional ingredients.
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used. Verify with your own calculations if needed.