Easy Tomato Toast is a simple vegan lunch made with thick slices of ripe summer tomatoes, toasted bread, creamy vegan mayo, and fresh basil. It’s perfect for garden tomatoes, farmers market hauls, or quick summer meals when tomatoes are at their peak.
Fresh, juicy tomatoes on good bread are about as simple and satisfying as it gets. But this Easy Tomato Toast with Cheesy Mayo takes things up a flavor notch. The plant-based mayo is blended with your favorite vegan cheese to create a creamy, savory spread that adds richness and depth to every bite. It’s still easy, still nostalgic, but with a little extra love.
More Vegan Recipes for Summer
Dill Potato Salad: Cool, Creamy, and Perfect for Potlucks and Picnics
Mashed White Beans and Chili Fried Tofu: Simple, Satisfying, and High Protein
Tuscan Chickpea and Kale Soup with Orzo: A Mediterranean Dish
Simple Vegan “Chicken” Noodle Soup: Delicious, Comforting, Classic
Panzanella Bread Salad: Easy Vegan Blue Zone Recipe
Edamame Salad Smash: Vegan, Gluten-Free and Protein Rich
Why I Love Tomato Toast
I grew up eating tomato sandwiches in late summer, usually just a quick stack of tomatoes, toasted bread, and a little mayo. That’s seriously the best, and I never get tired of it. I went camping once, and I brought two sacks of tomatoes and a loaf of bread, and that’s what I ate for three days. This recipe brings back all those memories, but upgrades the experience just a little. It’s still incredibly simple to make, but the creamy mayo-cheese blend adds a layer of umami that makes the tomato flavor pop even more. It’s become a go-to lunch or light dinner in my house during tomato season, especially when the garden is overflowing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This toast is more than just a tomato sandwich, and here’s why you’ll love it:
Quick & Easy: Just a few minutes to toast and assemble.
Plant-Based & Dairy-Free: Uses vegan mayo and your favorite plant-based cheese.
Perfect for Tomato Season: A great way to enjoy those garden-fresh heirlooms.
Customizable: Add herbs, cracked pepper, or hot sauce to make it your own.
Great Anytime: Works as a snack, lunch, or even a lazy summer dinner.
Ingredients for Tomato Toast with Cheesy Mayo
Hearty Bread: I used my favorite rustic sourdough from a local bakery, but any whole grain or artisan loaf that holds up to juicy toppings would work here. And use a gluten-free bread if you’d like!
Ripe Tomatoes: Look for heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes at their peak of freshness.
Vegan Mayonnaise: Creamy and tangy, this is the base of your spread.
Plant-Based Cheese: I used Violife’s Shredded Colby, but any will do.
Sea Salt & Black Pepper: To bring out the best in those tomatoes.
Optional Extras: Basil, fresh dill, hot sauce, lemon zest, or garlic for a flavor boost.
How to Prep for This Recipe
You’ll need a toaster, toaster oven, or skillet to toast your bread. A small bowl and spoon are all you need to mix the cheesy mayo. Have a sharp knife ready for slicing your tomatoes.
Best Tomatoes for Tomato Toast
- Heirloom tomatoes → best flavor
- Beefsteak tomatoes → thick slices
- Roma tomatoes → less watery
- Cherry tomatoes → chopped bruschetta-style variation
- Garden tomatoes → ideal when fully ripe
How to Make
Toast the Bread: Toast your slices until golden and crisp but still a little soft inside.
Mix the Spread: In a small bowl, combine the plant-based mayo with your vegan cheese of choice. Mash or stir until smooth and spreadable. I used Violife’s Colby.
Slice the Tomatoes: Cut tomatoes into medium-thick slices.
Assemble: Spread the cheesy mayo onto the toasted bread. Top with tomato slices.
Season & Serve: Sprinkle with salt or flake salt, black pepper, and any fresh herbs or extras you like. Serve immediately.
Variations
- avocado tomato toast
- garlic tomato toast
- balsamic tomato toast
- tomato ricotta toast (vegan ricotta)
- spicy tomato toast
- gluten-free version
Tips and Tricks
For Extra Creaminess: Let your spread come to room temperature before mixing.
Prevent Soggy Toast: Lightly pat tomato slices with a paper towel before adding to the toast.
Make it a Meal: Serve with a side salad or fresh fruit for a light summer lunch.
Can I make tomato toast gluten-free?
Yes—use your favorite gluten-free bread.
What bread works best?
Sourdough, artisan bread, ciabatta, or whole grain.
How do I keep tomato toast from getting soggy?
Salt tomatoes lightly and pat dry.
Can I make it ahead?
Pair with:
- chilled soup
- fruit salad
- pasta salad
- lemonade
- iced tea
- chips/pickles
Prep components ahead, assemble fresh.
Tomato Toast with Cheesy Mayo
This easy tomato toast is an upgraded version of a beloved classic, featuring a creamy blend of plant-based mayo and cheese under fresh summer tomato slices.
Ingredients
- 4 slices hearty bread
- 2–3 medium ripe tomatoes
- 1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plant-based cheese, shredded
- sea salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, dill, lemon zest, hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Toast bread until golden.
- Mix vegan mayo and plant-based cheese in a bowl.
- Slice tomatoes.
- Spread cheesy mayo on toast.
- Top with tomato slices.
- Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and any extras. Serve.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
2Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 388Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 671mgCarbohydrates: 91gFiber: 19gSugar: 43gProtein: 20g
How to Store
This toast is best enjoyed fresh. If needed, store the spread and tomatoes separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble just before serving for the best texture.
Parting Flavors
This simple toast is summer on a plate. It’s bright, juicy, and rich with flavor. A creamy, cheesy base brings out the best in the ripe tomatoes. I love it. It’s perfect for tomato season or anytime you crave something easy and satisfying.
Hello! I’m Lisa, a vegan artist, photographer, author, Vegan Life Coach Educator, and RYT 200 yoga teacher. I love showing others how simple and delicious a plant-based diet can be. I draw and paint, cook, write, take lots of pics, eat lots of chocolate, and practice gratitude daily.