Healthy Sandwiches, Minus the Bread

Swap in vegetables and other clever holders to make breadless renditions of BLTs, burgers, subs and other favorites.

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Who Says a Sandwich Needs Bread?

Many people are scaling back on bread these days, and in some cases it's with good reason. For those on gluten-free diets or with wheat allergies, most conventional breads are off-limits. People who are watching their sodium levels may also want to limit bread and rolls, which can add up as a source of sodium. For others, it's simply a matter of stepping away from refined carbs. But there's great news for sandwich fanciers everywhere! These recipes eliminate the customary loaves and buns, swapping in vegetables and other nonbread items as holders for fillings of all kinds. So you can have your sandwich and eat it, too.

Breadless Cucumber Tuna Salad Sandwiches

These high-protein "sandwiches" are best assembled and served right away. It's best to use English cucumbers, because the skin is thinner than the hothouse variety and doesn't need to be peeled. Be sure to serve each sandwich wrapped in wax paper to keep all the juices contained — then bite with confidence!

Get the Recipe: Breadless Cucumber Tuna Salad Sandwiches

Breadless Italian Sub Sandwich

No need to pile on the deli-counter favorites on these low-calorie 'shroom sandwiches — a little goes a long way. Portobello mushroom caps stand in for bread, perfect for those looking for a gluten-free option.

Get the Recipe: Breadless Italian Sub Sandwich

Breadless Ham and Cheese Sandwiches

At first glance these look like conventional ham and cheese, but that's crunchy jicama, not bread, holding together the fiber-packed sandwiches. And you won't miss the carbs: Each bite is a winning combination of salty-creaminess, sharp horseradish and peppery arugula.

Get the Recipe: Breadless Ham and Cheese Sandwiches

Collard-Wrapped Bean Burritos

Khaki collards, begone! These greens, packed with vitamin K, don't always have to be slow-cooked. Quick-steamed to a pleasing bright green, the leaves stand in perfectly for a flour tortilla. Steam a whole head and keep the leaves stacked between moist paper towels in your fridge until you're ready to fill them with your favorite leftovers for instant veggie wraps.

Get the Recipe: Collard-Wrapped Bean Burritos

Iceberg BLTs

This bread-free BLT is made for bacon lovers. Creamy, cool, refreshing, and packed with crispy bacon and still healthy, it's like a summer salad you can enjoy on the go.

Get the Recipe: Iceberg BLTs

Healthy Sausage in a Pepper

Sausage and peppers are frequent partners, but they haven't met quite like this before. Cooked bell peppers are filled and folded like a taco, for a gluten-free, super-satisfying (and low-calorie) meal. Be sure to wrap in wax paper to help catch all the juices.

Get the Recipe: Healthy Sausage in a Pepper

Jerk Turkey Burgers on Sweet Potato Rounds

Thick-cut sweet potatoes work nicely as stand-ins for hamburger buns in these island-inspired turkey burgers. The yogurt helps keep the ground turkey moist and delicious.

Get the Recipe: Garlic-Scallion Turkey Burgers on Sweet Potato Rounds

Curried Chicken Salad on Apple Rounds

These clever little low-calorie and gluten-free sandwiches use apple rounds to stand in for the bread. We prefer crisp, red varieties, but Granny Smiths work just as well.

Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad on Apple Rounds

Polenta Sliders

Roasting the polenta, tomato and onion together saves time and concentrates the flavors in these colorful, fast and easy gluten-free sliders. The spicy herb-garlic oil plays up their Italian side.

Get the Recipe: Polenta Sliders

Breadless Peanut Butter and Chia-Jam Sandwiches

Satisfy a PB&J craving with these high-fiber sandwiches (bread not necessary). The chia jam is quick to make and can be stored for up to 3 days. Spread it on anything you would regularly eat with jam, to add extra fiber.