When the summer heat is at its peak or you simply crave a vibrant, quick bite, few things are as satisfying as a classic cold veg sandwich Indian style. These sandwiches have long been a lunchbox staple and roadside favorite across India, known for their fresh crunch, zesty chutneys, and colorful medley of vegetables.
Whether you’re on-the-go, packing a picnic, or just need a healthy snack, these sandwiches are fuss-free, endlessly adaptable, and crowd-pleasing. In this post, I’ll share three delicious and easy Indian cold veg sandwich recipes.
Discover how humble ingredients and classic Indian flavors can turn a simple sandwich into a cooling treat for any season!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: No cooking required! Just chop, assemble, and enjoy.
- Customizable: Use your favorite vegetables and spreads to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Healthy: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals from fresh veggies.
- Perfect for Lunchboxes: Great for kids and adults, these sandwiches stay fresh and tasty for hours.
- Vegan-Friendly: Easily made vegan—just swap the butter/mayo for plant-based options.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses common pantry and fridge staples.
- Refreshing: Served cold, these sandwiches are ideal for hot weather and busy days.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
---|---|---|
Sandwich bread | 6 slices | Whole wheat or white, as preferred |
Butter or plant-based spread | 2 tbsp | Optional, for spreading |
Green chutney | 2-3 tbsp | Homemade or store-bought |
Cucumber | 1 small | Thinly sliced |
Tomato | 1 medium | Thinly sliced, seeds removed |
Boiled potato | 1 large | Thinly sliced |
Onion | 1 small | Thinly sliced (optional) |
Carrot | 1 small | Grated |
Beetroot | 1 small | Grated (optional) |
Salt & pepper | To taste | |
Chaat masala | 1/2 tsp | Optional, for extra zing |
Equipment
- Bread knife or serrated knife
- Vegetable peeler and grater
- Chopping board
- Butter knife or spatula
- Small bowls for spreads
- Serving plates
- Cling film/foil (for packing)
Instructions
- Prepare the veggies: Wash and peel the cucumber, carrot, and beetroot. Slice cucumber, tomato, onion, and boiled potato thinly. Grate carrot and beetroot.
- Prep the bread: Lay out the bread slices. If you like, lightly butter each slice to prevent sogginess. This step is optional but recommended for sandwiches that will be packed for later.
- Spread the chutney: On one side of each slice, spread a generous layer of green chutney. This adds a signature tang and spice.
- Layer the vegetables: Start with potato slices, then layer cucumber, tomato, onion, grated carrot, and beetroot. Sprinkle each layer lightly with salt, pepper, and chaat masala for flavor.
- Assemble the sandwich: Top with the other slice of bread, chutney side down. Gently press together.
- Trim and cut: Trim the crusts if you prefer a neater sandwich. Slice diagonally or into squares.
- Serve or pack: Serve immediately for best freshness, or wrap tightly in cling film or foil and refrigerate if making ahead.
For extra flavor, sprinkle some homemade chilli powder or a dash of black salt on your veggies!
Tips & Variations
- Make it vegan: Swap regular butter for vegan butter or skip it altogether. Use vegan mayo or hummus for a creamy twist.
- Spicy upgrade: Add sliced green chillies or a dash of hot sauce to the chutney.
- Cheese lovers: Add a slice of cheese (or vegan cheese) for a richer sandwich.
- Health boost: Add lettuce leaves, spinach, or sprouts for extra nutrients and crunch.
- Chutney choices: Try a mint-coriander chutney, tamarind-date chutney, or even a spicy garlic chutney for different flavors.
- Grilled version: If you want a warm sandwich, grill or toast it in a sandwich maker for a few minutes.
- Meal-prep tip: Prep your veggies and chutneys in advance to make sandwich assembly super fast!
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Sandwich (approximate) |
---|---|
Calories | 170 |
Protein | 5g |
Carbohydrates | 30g |
Fiber | 4g |
Fat | 3g |
Sugar | 3g |
Sodium | 340mg |
Vitamin C | 18% DV |
Iron | 8% DV |
Note: Nutrition will vary depending on bread type, spreads, and vegetables used.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these sandwiches with a cold glass of lemonade or chaas (spiced buttermilk) for a perfect summer meal.
- Serve with a side of crispy potato chips, roasted peanuts, or a fresh salad for a more filling lunch.
- Cut sandwiches into small triangles or squares and serve as party appetizers or tea-time snacks.
- They’re also perfect for picnics and road trips—wrap tightly and keep chilled until ready to eat.
- Looking for more veggie-packed ideas? Try these A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion!
Cold Veg Sandwich Recipes Indian: 3 Must-Try Variations
While the classic cold veg sandwich is loved by all, there are so many ways to get creative and make this snack truly your own. Here are three Indian-style cold veg sandwich recipes you must try:
Mumbai Street-Style Veg Sandwich
- Ingredients: White/whole wheat bread, butter, green chutney, boiled potato, cucumber, tomato, beetroot, onion, chaat masala, salt, pepper.
- Instructions:
- Butter the bread slices and spread green chutney.
- Layer boiled potato, cucumber, tomato, beetroot, and onion slices.
- Sprinkle salt, pepper, and chaat masala on each layer.
- Top with another bread slice, press gently, trim edges, and cut.
- Tip: For extra Mumbai flair, serve with a sprinkle of sev (crispy chickpea noodles) inside the sandwich or on the side!
Creamy Veg Mayo Sandwich
- Ingredients: Bread, vegan mayo (or regular), grated carrot, chopped capsicum, corn, chopped cucumber, salt, black pepper, mixed herbs.
- Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix grated carrot, chopped capsicum, corn, cucumber, salt, pepper, and mixed herbs.
- Add vegan mayo and mix well till veggies are well-coated.
- Spread the creamy veggie mix between two bread slices.
- Trim crusts, cut, and serve chilled.
- Variation: Add chopped pineapple or apple for a sweet, tangy twist!
Spicy Green Chutney Paneer Sandwich
- Ingredients: Bread, green chutney, grated paneer (or tofu), chopped coriander, black pepper, sliced cucumber, salt, lemon juice.
- Instructions:
- Mix grated paneer with coriander, black pepper, salt, and lemon juice.
- Spread green chutney on bread slices.
- Add a layer of the paneer mixture, then top with cucumber slices.
- Cover with another chutney-slathered bread slice, press, and cut.
- Tip: Make it vegan by using crumbled tofu instead of paneer!
“The magic of Indian cold veg sandwiches lies in their simplicity and the burst of flavors from chutneys and spices. Mix and match to find your perfect bite!”
Conclusion
- Butter the bread slices and spread green chutney.
- Layer boiled potato, cucumber, tomato, beetroot, and onion slices.
- Sprinkle salt, pepper, and chaat masala on each layer.
- Top with another bread slice, press gently, trim edges, and cut.
- Ingredients: Bread, vegan mayo (or regular), grated carrot, chopped capsicum, corn, chopped cucumber, salt, black pepper, mixed herbs.
- Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix grated carrot, chopped capsicum, corn, cucumber, salt, pepper, and mixed herbs.
- Add vegan mayo and mix well till veggies are well-coated.
- Spread the creamy veggie mix between two bread slices.
- Trim crusts, cut, and serve chilled.
- Variation: Add chopped pineapple or apple for a sweet, tangy twist!
Spicy Green Chutney Paneer Sandwich
- Ingredients: Bread, green chutney, grated paneer (or tofu), chopped coriander, black pepper, sliced cucumber, salt, lemon juice.
- Instructions:
- Mix grated paneer with coriander, black pepper, salt, and lemon juice.
- Spread green chutney on bread slices.
- Add a layer of the paneer mixture, then top with cucumber slices.
- Cover with another chutney-slathered bread slice, press, and cut.
- Tip: Make it vegan by using crumbled tofu instead of paneer!
“The magic of Indian cold veg sandwiches lies in their simplicity and the burst of flavors from chutneys and spices. Mix and match to find your perfect bite!”
Conclusion
- Mix grated paneer with coriander, black pepper, salt, and lemon juice.
- Spread green chutney on bread slices.
- Add a layer of the paneer mixture, then top with cucumber slices.
- Cover with another chutney-slathered bread slice, press, and cut.
“The magic of Indian cold veg sandwiches lies in their simplicity and the burst of flavors from chutneys and spices. Mix and match to find your perfect bite!”
Cold veg sandwich recipes, Indian style, are a refreshing testament to how simple ingredients can create magical flavors. Whether you enjoy the classic Mumbai street version, creamy mayo-packed bites, or a protein-rich paneer sandwich, there’s something here for everyone.
These sandwiches are perfect for busy mornings, travel, or healthy snacking and can be adapted for any diet or palate. Don’t forget to experiment with spreads, veggies, and spices to make these sandwiches uniquely yours.
There’s no better way to enjoy a quick, nourishing meal that brings together the best of Indian freshness and flavor—one bite at a time.
For more delicious vegetarian inspiration, check out our Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals or our list of Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love. Happy sandwich making!
📖 Recipe Card: Cold Veg Sandwich (Indian Style)
Description: A quick and refreshing Indian-style cold veg sandwich packed with crunchy vegetables and flavorful green chutney. Perfect for a light lunch or picnic snack.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT15M
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Ingredients
- 8 slices whole wheat bread
- 1/2 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup tomato, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup boiled potato, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup beetroot, grated (optional)
- 1/4 cup carrot, grated
- 4 tablespoons green chutney
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chaat masala to taste
Instructions
- Spread butter on one side of each bread slice.
- Spread green chutney over the buttered side of 4 bread slices.
- Arrange cucumber, tomato, potato, carrot, and beetroot over the chutney.
- Sprinkle salt, pepper, and chaat masala on the vegetables.
- Cover each with another bread slice, buttered side down.
- Press gently, trim edges if desired, and cut each sandwich in half.
- Serve chilled or pack for later.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal per sandwich | Protein: 5g | Fat: 6g | Carbs: 28g
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