From My Kitchen To Yours...
All Word Recipes

Vibrant Harissa Smash Sandwich

A great sandwich isn’t just about throwing ingredients between two slices of bread—it’s about textures, layers, and bold flavors that make every bite unforgettable. Enter the Vibrant Harissa Smash Sandwich, a fiery, tangy, and utterly satisfying sandwich that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.

The first time I made this, I was just experimenting with harissa, a North African chili paste known for its smoky heat and deep complexity. One bite in, and my husband declared it “the best sandwich ever”—crispy toasted bread, creamy smashed chickpeas, spicy harissa, and cool yogurt all coming together in one epic bite.

What makes this sandwich next-level is the contrast of textures—the creaminess of the chickpeas, the crunch of fresh veggies, and the warm heat of harissa. It’s veggie-packed, protein-rich, and ridiculously easy to make, making it perfect for lunch, meal prep, or a quick dinner.

So, if you love big flavors with minimal effort, this sandwich is about to become your new favorite bite. Let’s get smashing!

Remember It Later

This recipe! Pin it to your favorite board NOW!

Pin

Why You’ll Love This Harissa Smash Sandwich

  • Bold & Spicy: Harissa brings a smoky, flavorful heat.
  • Creamy & Crunchy: Smashed chickpeas + crisp veggies = the perfect bite.
  • Easy to Make: No cooking required—just mix, smash, and build!
  • Plant-Based Protein: Chickpeas make it hearty and satisfying.
  • Meal-Prep Friendly: Make the filling ahead and assemble fresh!

What You Need for the Harissa Smash Sandwich

For the Chickpea Smash

  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon harissa paste (adjust for spice level)
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Yogurt Harissa Sauce

  • ½ cup Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt)
  • 1 teaspoon harissa paste
  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (to balance the heat)
  • Pinch of salt

For the Sandwich Assembly

  • 4 slices of sourdough or ciabatta bread
  • ½ cup shredded carrots
  • ½ cucumber, thinly sliced
  • ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup arugula or spinach
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • Extra harissa or yogurt sauce for drizzling (optional)

How to Make the Vibrant Harissa Smash Sandwich

Step 1: Smash the Chickpeas

  1. In a bowl, mash the chickpeas with a fork or potato masher until slightly chunky.
  2. Mix in the olive oil, lemon juice, harissa, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until combined. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Harissa Yogurt Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, harissa, lemon zest, honey, and salt until smooth.

Step 3: Toast the Bread

  1. Lightly toast the sourdough or ciabatta slices for an extra crunchy texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich

  1. Spread a generous layer of harissa yogurt sauce on the bread.
  2. Add a layer of smashed chickpeas, then top with carrots, cucumber slices, red onion, arugula, and avocado.
  3. Drizzle with extra harissa or sauce if you like it extra spicy!
  4. Top with the second slice of bread, press down gently, and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Harissa Smash Sandwich

  • Adjust the spice level by using more or less harissa in the chickpeas and sauce.
  • For extra crunch, add toasted nuts or crispy chickpeas.
  • Use the right bread! Sourdough, ciabatta, or a crusty baguette work best.
  • Meal prep it! Make the chickpea smash and sauce ahead of time and store in the fridge.

Substitutions and Variations

  • Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free bread or lettuce wraps.
  • Swap the chickpeas for white beans for a creamier texture.
  • Add feta or goat cheese for an extra tangy kick.
  • Make it heartier by adding grilled chicken or roasted veggies.

Make a Healthier Version

This sandwich is already packed with nutrients, but here’s how to tweak it further:

  • Use whole grain or sprouted bread for extra fiber.
  • Swap Greek yogurt for a dairy-free version to make it vegan.
  • Reduce olive oil in the chickpea smash for a lower-fat option.

Closing Thoughts

And there you have it—the Vibrant Harissa Smash Sandwich that’s bold, creamy, crunchy, and packed with flavor! Whether you’re making it for lunch, a quick dinner, or meal prep, this sandwich is guaranteed to impress.

Try it out and let me know how it turns out! And if you love bold, plant-based meals, be sure to check out more of our delicious, flavor-packed recipes. 🌶️🥪🔥

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?

Yes! Just store the chickpea smash and yogurt sauce separately and assemble fresh.

2. How spicy is harissa?

It has a smoky, medium heat level—adjust the amount to your spice preference.

3. What’s the best bread for this sandwich?

Sourdough, ciabatta, or a baguette work best for a sturdy, crispy bite.

4. Can I make this sandwich vegan?

Yes! Use dairy-free yogurt and maple syrup instead of honey.

5. What’s a good side dish?

Serve with sweet potato fries, a simple salad, or roasted chickpeas.

6. Can I use store-bought harissa?

Absolutely! Just choose one that fits your spice preference.

7. How do I make it creamier?

Add a dollop of hummus or mashed avocado for extra richness.

8. Can I use canned beans instead of chickpeas?

Yes! White beans work as a great substitute.

9. How do I store leftovers?

Store the chickpea smash in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

10. Can I add cheese?

Yes! Feta, goat cheese, or sharp cheddar pair well with harissa.

11. Can I grill this sandwich?

Yes! A panini press makes it even crispier.

12. Is this sandwich meal-prep friendly?

Definitely! Just keep components separate and assemble fresh.

Vibrant Harissa Smash Sandwich

0 from 0 votes
Recipe by Alexandra Course: All Word Recipes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal
Total time

0

minutes
Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • For the Chickpea Smash
  • 1 can 1 (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

  • 1 tablespoon 1 olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon 1 lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon 1 harissa paste (adjust for spice level)

  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  • For the Yogurt Harissa Sauce
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt)

  • 1 teaspoon 1 harissa paste

  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest

  • 1 teaspoon 1 honey or maple syrup (to balance the heat)

  • Pinch salt

  • For the Sandwich Assembly
  • 4 slices 4 sourdough or ciabatta bread

  • ½ cup shredded carrots

  • ½ cucumber, thinly sliced

  • ¼ red onion, thinly sliced

  • ½ cup arugula or spinach

  • 1 1 avocado, sliced

  • Extra harissa or yogurt sauce for drizzling (optional)

Directions

  • Step 1: Smash the Chickpeas
  • In a bowl, mash the chickpeas with a fork or potato masher until slightly chunky.
  • Mix in the olive oil, lemon juice, harissa, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until combined. Set aside.
  • Step 2: Make the Harissa Yogurt Sauce
  • In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, harissa, lemon zest, honey, and salt until smooth.
  • Step 3: Toast the Bread
  • Lightly toast the sourdough or ciabatta slices for an extra crunchy texture.
  • Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich
  • Spread a generous layer of harissa yogurt sauce on the bread.
  • Add a layer of smashed chickpeas, then top with carrots, cucumber slices, red onion, arugula, and avocado.
  • Drizzle with extra harissa or sauce if you like it extra spicy!
  • Top with the second slice of bread, press down gently, and enjoy!

Follow US on Pinterest

Follow @middleeastsector on Pinterest

Share via
Send this to a friend