How to Make the New Orleans Classic Muffaletta Sandwich Vegan

Sicily and New Orleans share a deep and flavorful history. In the late 1800s, waves of Sicilian immigrants settled in the Louisiana city, bringing with them the flavors of their homeland—not just pizza and pasta, but also citrus fruits like lemons, hearty breads, and vegetables such as olives and eggplant. Over time, these ingredients blended with local traditions, giving rise to new culinary classics, including the iconic muffaletta sandwich.

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Now a beloved Italian-American staple, the muffaletta was first created at Central Grocery & Deli, a New Orleans grocery store in Little Palermo, by Sicilian immigrant Lupo Salvadore. More than a century later, the shop is still open and still serving its legendary sandwiches. But you don’t have to travel to New Orleans to enjoy a great muffaletta. With the right ingredients, you can make one from scratch at home. Below, we’ve gathered some of our favorite recipes—all of which are 100% plant-based.

What is in a muffaletta?

Traditionally, muffaletta sandwiches are layered with meats (usually salami, ham, or mortadella), either Swiss or provolone cheese, and a generous helping of olive salad. The latter is the key ingredient, and it’s usually made with olives (of course), as well as ingredients like pickled vegetables, capers, garlic, and olive oil. After that, all of the ingredients are pressed together to allow the flavors to blend and meld, before it’s served in traditional round Sicilian sesame-seeded bread, either warm or at room temperature. 

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That’s the traditional format — but there are many different ways to make a tasty modern muffaletta. You can swap in dairy-free cheese, vegan deli meat, or slices of tofu or tempeh, for example. 

5 vegan muffaletta sandwiches

For more on how to make a delicious, flavor-packed, plant-based muffaletta sandwich, check out the recipes below. 

1Stuffed Muffaletta Sandwich

This hearty take on a traditional muffaletta combines whole food ingredients—like chickpeas, red peppers, olives, banana peppers, and avocado—with olive oil, crusty Italian bread, and fresh herbs to create a super satisfying sandwich you’ll want to make every lunchtime. If you’re missing the cheese, add in your favorite dairy-free slices of cheddar or mozzarella. There’s also room for sliced tofu or vegan deli meat — as long as it all fits, there are no rules.
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Connoisseurus Veg

2 Eggplant Muffaletta

Instead of plant-based meat slices, this tasty muffaletta sandwich recipe from Connoisseurus Veg opts for spicy marinated eggplant and roasted red pepper. There’s also olive salad and vegan provolone cheese in the mix, and the resulting flavors are next-level. “[It’s] a delicious make-ahead vegan sandwich that gets better with time,” writes recipe creator Alissa Saenz. “This one is perfect for picnics.”
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Hot for Food

3Muffaletta With Plant-Based Deli Meat

If you want your muffaletta to be as close as possible to the original, but just without the animal products, check out this tasty recipe from Hot for Food. The olive tapenade is combined with vegan provolone cheese, plant-based deli meat, and plenty of vegetables, before it’s all stuffed together in a round Italian loaf. “You might lose track of how many layers there are, but that just adds to how flavorful it is,” says recipe developer Lauren Toyota.
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The Be Hive

4Muffaletta With Meatless Pepperoni and Deli Slices

Those who want juicy, plant-based meaty goodness can’t skip this stacked muffaletta from vegan meat brand The Be Hive. It’s incredibly satisfying and packed with protein, thanks to the plant-based deli slices. According to the brand, this sandwich is “vibrant” and “tangy.”
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Kathy’s Vegan Kitchen

5 Muffuletta Sandwich With Yellow Squash

This muffaletta sandwich from Kathy’s Vegan Kitchen is loaded with nutrient-dense vegetables, including mushrooms, red bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and yellow squash. It skips the olive salad, but instead opts for a mix of maple syrup and Dijon mustard. “Crunchy on the outside and warm and comforting inside, this sandwich is a low-carb vegan delight,” writes recipe creator Kathy Carmichael.
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