Vegan "Dad Sandwich" Revisited

I'm sharing my Vegan "Dad Sandwich" Revisited today. You bring the EASY, I'll bring the peasy. And the flavor. And the fun. And the plant protein!

This is a flavor-packed vegan sandwich that takes the classic "lunchmeat and cheese" sandwich of my youth and turns it on it's side.

This "dad sandwich" is a recipe from my memories as a kid and also from my second cookbook Healthy Happy Vegan Kitchen - amazon listing. The recipe might seem totally self-explanatory, but maybe the origins for me are not. So today, I am sharing the specific brands and ingredients I am into right now, as well as the story behind this yummy, plant-based lunchtime sandwich recipe!

Meat and Cheese Sandwich Gone Vegan

So in short, this is a vegan version of a meat and cheese sandwich. But I have pulled the recipe specifically from my childhood. I think I saw this recipe prepared about a million times... But only until now, is it actually appealing to me. Weird, right?

"Dad Sandwich" Origin

My dad worked from home, in real estate. This was nearly thirty years before the pandemic, so working from home wasn't the norm. But still, there he was, locked away in his first floor office on most weekdays, working up a storm. Of course I was usually at school, but even still, from sick days or summer days or whatnot, I still knew the drill by heart.

Come lunchtime, he would click open his office and thump up the carpeted stairs to our kitchen. Pull out the jar of mayo, mustard, white bread and whatever lunchmeat and cheese he had on hand. I think cheese was actually optional. Then he would prepare it all on a paper towel. Scooping mayo and mustard with the same knife, always mixing the jars together - irritating probably everyone in our family. But that was dad's lunch stuff, so we didn't complain.

I only ever remember him eating this sandwich for lunch.

I mean, it's a winning sandwich if you are looking for flavor and protein and ease, yes? But of course, I needed to give it a very hefty makeover of the plant-based variety.

But my version does not skimp on flavor OR protein! In fact, I'm pretty sure my dad would have loved this one just as much as the original version...

More of my VEGAN SANDWICH RECIPES.

The Ingredients for a "Dad Sandwich"

The vegan meat

For the meat I am using Field Roast Smoked Tomato slices these days. It is by far my fave "vegan lunchmeat" -- mostly because it doesn't taste like lunch meat at all and just has a nice smoky flavor kinda like pepperoni or smoky tempeh bacon. The slices are thin and the protein content is robust.

The vegan cheese

For the cheese, you have a very wide variety of options, but I am loving the Violife Gouda cheese slices for sandwiches and cheese and crackers these days. My fave part if the texture. It isn't soft or "rubbery" at all. It is actually a bit more of a firmer chees, but the flavor is so good. Smoky and salty, just perfect.

For the mayo, you can use and plant-based mayo you'd like. My forever fave is Vegenaise.

For the mustard, you really want to go classic with yellow mustard. Don't use the dijon or fancy stuff. You just want a sharp accent of mustard flavor.

Additional ingredients could be the following:

• avocado mash or slices
• pickles or capers or olives
• salt and pepper - pepper is a must for me
• tomato slices
• 1-2 leaves of crisp lettuce leaves

The Bread for a "Dad Sandwich"

Though my dad used the most average white bread around, I love to turn the bread way up with some fluffy bakery-style seeded sourdough. Anything that tastes good on it's own will do great here. And if you like the white bread thing, go for it. Whatever you are craving works!

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how customizable it can be. Growing up, my dad kept things simple, but now there are endless ways to upgrade this classic sandwich. The key to a great “Dad Sandwich” is finding the right balance between nostalgia and modern, plant-based goodness.

Why I Love This Sandwich

It’s no secret that I love creating plant-based versions of my favorite childhood recipes, and this one has such a personal connection to me. Food has always been a big part of my family, and while my dad wasn’t exactly a master chef, this sandwich was his thing. It reminds me of those simple afternoons where the house would fill with the sound of his footsteps and the smell of mustard and mayo wafting through the air - lol. Reimagining it into something I can enjoy as a vegan is not only fun but also a way to keep those memories alive.

And you know what’s great? This sandwich is so easy to throw together, which makes it perfect for busy days when you don’t have time to think about lunch but still want something hearty and satisfying. The beauty of a sandwich like this is that it doesn’t take much effort but still feels special.

Other Add-Ins and Tips

One thing I love doing when I make this is playing around with different flavors and textures. The vegan meat and cheese are the stars of the show, but adding extras like pickles, avocado, or tomato can really take it to the next level. I sometimes like to sprinkle a bit of everything seasoning on top of my avocado for that extra crunch and flavor punch.

And for a fun twist, try toasting the bread. My dad used to make his sandwiches cold, straight from the fridge, but I’m all about that toasty warmth. A quick press in the panini maker or even on a stovetop skillet makes the cheese melty and the bread perfectly crispy. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.

Sandwich for Everyone

What’s great about this "dad sandwich" is how versatile it can be for everyone’s taste. Whether you’re packing it for a quick lunch, serving it up for a picnic, or making it for a family meal, there’s something comforting about a simple sandwich done right. Kids love it because it’s familiar, and adults appreciate the depth of flavors from the smoked vegan meats and rich cheese slices.

This sandwich can even be a fun little project if you want to get the whole family involved. My daughter loves “building” her sandwiches, and it’s such an easy, hands-on way to introduce little ones to plant-based eating. She gets to choose what goes inside, and of course, we always add a bit of avocado and pickles for her. It’s messy, but it’s fun!

Why This Dad Sandwich Sticks With Me

In the end, what makes this sandwich special isn’t just the taste—it’s the memories. Weird, because it's just bread, "meat" and cheese. Vegan style.

But every time I make this, I can’t help but smile thinking of my dad’s lunchtime ritual. As I continue to evolve the recipe, it’s like I’m creating new memories while honoring the old ones. That’s what food should be about, right? Telling stories, remembering the past, and making new traditions.

So if you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and protein-packed vegan sandwich, the “Dad Sandwich” is it. Whether you make it exactly as I have or switch things up to fit your taste buds, it’s a recipe that never disappoints. Plus, it’s the perfect reminder that even the simplest meals can carry the most heart.

Now, go ahead and grab those ingredients, and let’s make some lunchtime magic!