Name: Tunacado Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 can flaked or chunk tuna packed in water (drained); 2 Tbsp red onion (finely diced); 2 tsp drained capers; 1 Tbsp fresh dill (finely chopped); 1 Tbsp dijon mustard; 3-4 Tbsp plain greek yogurt; 1 Tbsp lemon juice; Salt and pepper (to taste); 2 slices whole wheat bread (toasted); 1/4 avocado (mashed); 1-2 Tbsp pesto; 1-2 slices tomato; Salt and pepper (to taste)

There’s something so satisfying about a sandwich that’s both fresh and filling, and this Tunacado Sandwich Recipe hits that sweet spot every time. Creamy avocado, herbed tuna, and a touch of pesto make it a standout lunch or light dinner that you’ll want to make again and again.

The image shows a close-up of a sandwich cut in half and stacked on a white plate with a white marbled surface underneath. The sandwich has three layers of seeded brown bread with visible seeds and a slightly toasted texture. There are two thick layers of creamy, chunky filling that looks like tuna salad mixed with small green herbs and chopped red onion. Inside the filling, there are slices of red tomato and some leafy green herbs or lettuce, adding a fresh contrast. The top layer of bread has a spread of green pesto visible, and some of the filling is spilling out neatly. The background is softly blurred, showing a stack of green and white striped fabric. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Tunacado Sandwich Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Tunacado Sandwich Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Tunacado Sandwich Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've made this Tunacado Sandwich more times than I can count, and it never fails to impress. It's that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors, plus it’s packed with protein – a real energy booster for your day.

Super Simple: You can whip up this sandwich in under 10 minutes, making it ideal for busy lunch hours.
Healthy and Filling: With Greek yogurt and avocado instead of mayo, it’s lighter but still satisfies your appetite.
Flavor-Packed: The combination of dill, capers, and Dijon mustard adds a fresh, bright punch that amps up basic tuna salad.
Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients or add extras to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Tunacado Sandwich Recipe plays a role in creating that crave-worthy texture and flavor combo. Here’s why I love them together and some tips on picking good ones.

Flat lay of a small mound of flaked tuna, finely diced red onion, a few green capers, a sprig of fresh dill, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth dijon mustard, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy plain Greek yogurt, a small white ceramic bowl with fresh lemon juice, a halved ripe avocado with one side mashed, two slices of whole wheat bread toasted to golden brown, two bright red tomato slices, salt and pepper sprinkled artistically on the surface, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Tuna: I use canned tuna packed in water—don’t skip draining it well to avoid sogginess.
Red Onion: Finely diced for a subtle crunch and bite without overwhelming the tuna.
Capers: These salty little gems bring a tangy zest that brightens the whole sandwich.
Fresh Dill: Adds a subtle herby freshness that pairs beautifully with tuna.
Dijon Mustard: Provides a smooth kick, balancing creamy and tangy notes perfectly.
Plain Greek Yogurt: Makes the tuna mousse creamy without the heaviness of mayonnaise, plus adds protein.
Lemon Juice: The acidity keeps everything lively and fresh.
Whole Wheat Bread: Toasted for a nice crunch and earthiness that holds up well to moist fillings.
Avocado: Mashed on the bread for creaminess and healthy fats; it’s my favorite way to add richness naturally.
Pesto: A flavorful spread that brings a touch of herbaceous oiliness that complements the rest of the ingredients.
Tomato: Adds juicy sweetness and freshness, balancing the savory elements.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer perfectly.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this Tunacado Sandwich Recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily tweak it to match your mood, pantry, or dietary preferences without losing that great flavor combo.

Variation: For a dairy-free option, swap Greek yogurt for mashed avocado or vegan mayo—you’ll still get that creamy texture without sacrificing taste.
Add Crunch: Sprinkle some crunchy celery or radishes into the tuna mixture if you want extra texture.
Spicy Kick: Stir in a dash of hot sauce or some sliced jalapeños for a little heat.
Different Bread: Try ciabatta or sourdough to change the sandwich profile—just toast it to keep it sturdy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Tunacado Sandwich Recipe

A close-up image of a sandwich on a white plate with a white marbled surface. The sandwich has two thick slices of brown multigrain bread with visible oats and seeds on the crust. The bottom slice is spread with a layer of green avocado mash. On top of that is a layer of two bright red, juicy tomato slices. Above the tomato, there is a thick layer of creamy tuna salad mixed with small pieces of red onion and capers, giving it a textured and chunky look. The top slice of bread completes the sandwich. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Toast Your Bread Just Right

I always toast my whole wheat bread slices to a light golden brown. It adds a pleasant crunch and keeps the bread from getting soggy once you add the tuna mousse and avocado. If you toast it too dark, it can overpower the delicate flavors, so keep an eye on the color.

Step 2: Whip Up the Tuna Mousse

In a small bowl, combine the drained tuna, finely diced red onion, capers, chopped fresh dill, Dijon mustard, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it up with a fork until it’s almost smooth but still has a little texture. I prefer this hand-mixed texture over a food processor because it feels homemade and more satisfying. If you do fancy smoother, feel free to pulse lightly in the processor—but don’t overdo it!

Step 3: Assemble Your Sandwich Layers

Start by spreading pesto on one toasted slice — this adds a beautiful herbal richness that lifts the entire sandwich. On the other slice, spread your mashed avocado evenly. Layer tomato slices on top and season them lightly with salt and pepper to bring out their flavor. Finally, pile on the tuna mousse and bring the pieces together. Slice it up, and you’re ready to dive in!

Top Tip

Based on my experience making this sandwich countless times, these tips have made all the difference in perfecting it for both flavor and texture.

Drain Tuna Thoroughly: Excess liquid can turn your sandwich soggy fast, so be sure to press out all the water before mixing.
Don’t Overmix: Aim for a slightly chunky texture in the tuna mousse—it makes every bite more enjoyable.
Toast Bread Just Right: Lightly toasted bread holds up better against moist ingredients and adds necessary crunch.
Season In Layers: Lightly salt your avocado and tomatoes separately so the seasoning is balanced throughout.

How to Serve Tunacado Sandwich Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep garnishes simple and fresh. A few fresh dill sprigs on the side or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper on top amps up the flavor right before serving. Sometimes, I add a light drizzle of olive oil for a glossy finish that feels extra special.

Side Dishes

Pair it with a crisp green salad or some baked sweet potato fries for a balanced meal. I also love crunchy pickles or a bowl of fresh fruit on the side — they bring refreshing contrasts to the creamy sandwich.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch party or picnic, I sometimes cut the sandwich into smaller finger-sized pieces and arrange them on a platter with colorful veggies and herb sprigs. It becomes a beautiful centerpiece that's easy to share and enjoy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover tuna mousse keeps really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. I usually store the bread separately and assemble the sandwich just before eating to keep that toasty texture intact.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this sandwich because the avocado and bread textures change unfavorably. Instead, prepare fresh for the best taste and texture every time.

Reheating

If you want to warm up the tuna mousse a bit, I suggest removing it from the fridge and letting it come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Reheating won't improve it much and can dry it out, so I prefer it chilled or at room temp. Toast fresh bread right before assembling for the best experience.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use mayonnaise instead of Greek yogurt in this Tunacado Sandwich Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute mayonnaise for Greek yogurt if you prefer a richer, creamier texture; however, Greek yogurt keeps the sandwich lighter and adds a pleasant tang that complements the other ingredients well.

What kind of tuna is best for this recipe?

I recommend using canned tuna packed in water for this recipe as it’s lighter and lets the fresh flavors shine through. Be sure to drain it thoroughly before mixing to avoid a soggy sandwich.

Can I prepare the tuna mixture ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the tuna mousse up to two days in advance and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. Assemble your sandwich fresh to maintain the best texture.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, the tuna mixture can be prepped in bulk and stored in the fridge for a couple of days, making it perfect for quick lunches throughout the week. Just toast bread and add fresh avocado and tomato when ready to eat.

Final Thoughts

This Tunacado Sandwich Recipe is one of my kitchen go-tos when I want a meal that feels special but doesn’t take forever to make. The vibrant flavors, creamy textures, and satisfying protein all come together so beautifully. I truly recommend giving it a try—you might just find your new favorite lunch that’s easy, healthy, and delicious all at once.