Who said a tuna sandwich had to be boring!? This tuna fish sandwich recipe is anything but boring, with delicious additions like onions, capers, and fresh dill. With just 7 ingredients, you can have this flavorful, fresh, and healthy recipe ready to serve for lunch or dinner. If you know anything about what’s in my family’s fridge every single week, this tuna salad is definitely one of those items.
My husband and I love to eat this tuna salad on toast, crackers, in lettuce cups, or over salad. It’s so versatile and honestly the flavors get better as it sits in the fridge. While I love adding my standard ingredients of capers, shallots, and fresh dill, it’s very easy to customize with things I already have at home too. If you love a fresh lunch recipe, try my Strawberry Walnut Salad or Chicken Salad recipe.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Quick and easy salad – Just because you’re short on time doesn’t mean you have to settle for a basic PB&J. This creative tuna salad sandwich recipe mixes up in just 10 minutes!
- Full of fresh flavors and texture– Fresh dill and lemon juice lighten the strong, sharp taste of onions, and capers add a briny, savory element, plus some added crunch!
- Serve tuna salad many different ways– Serve it sandwich-style between two slices of sourdough bread, in a wrap, over leafy greens, or with crackers.
Tips for Busy Cooks
I always keep a few cans of tuna on hand in my pantry, because it’s relatively inexpensive and a great protein-rich lunch option. Plus, tuna sandwiches are easy to pack for busy days on the go!
Key Ingredient Notes
- Wild albacore tuna – Either water-packed or oil-packed is fine. Just make sure it doesn’t contain added salt. Albacore is considered a premium variety of tuna, with a firmer, meatier texture and mild flavor.
- Mayo – Gives the tuna salad a creamy texture and marries all the ingredients together. If needed, use a dairy-free mayo to keep this recipe dairy-free-friendly!
- Celery – Adds crunch and freshness.
- Shallot or red onion – Either option is okay! If you don’t love a strong, oniony flavor, you’ll want to use shallots, which tend to be milder and sweeter.
- Capers – Adds tangy, salty flavor to the tuna sandwich.
- Lemon juice – An acid component to brighten up the salad ingredients. Freshly squeezed is always best!
- Fresh dill – For fresh, herby, summery flavor.
How to make this tuna fish sandwich recipe
Drain and flake the tuna with a fork in a large bowl.1 (5 oz) can Wild Albacore Tuna in oil or water
Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well to combine.
Serve over a slice of bread with lettuce. (Or spread it between 2 sliced of bread, you get the idea, you do you!)
Expert Tips:
- Chop celery, onions (or shallots), and fresh dill ahead of time, so they’re ready to grab throughout the week for quick tuna sandwich lunches.
- Fresh lemon juice is best, but the bottled stuff works, too, and saves a minute or so of prep time.
- If you plan to serve the tuna salad in lettuce cups or over a salad, wash and dry your greens in advance so meal time is simple.
- Swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. If you want an easy healthy alternative, Greek yogurt is creamy, so delicious and packed with extra protein!
- Customize the tuna salad to your liking. You can add mustard, dried fruit like cranberries, pickle relish, red onion…the options are truly endless!
- Use whatever type of canned tuna you like best! This recipe works well with any type.
What to serve with tuna sandwiches
I love serving these tuna salad sandwiches with so many different side dishes. Sandwiches go well with everything from chips and raw veggies to soups and side salads. Here are some of my favorite pairing options:
Storage
Leftover tuna salad sandwiches will keep for about a day in the fridge. However, the bread will eventually become soggy. So, it’s best to prepare and enjoy them fresh!
You can store the tuna salad in an airtight container separately in the fridge for 3-4 days, and add it to bread when you’re ready to make a tuna salad sandwich.
Making tuna fish salad ahead of time is always great too (a weekly staple in our house). Store it in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days. This way, it’s already prepped and ready to go on bread when the craving for a tuna sandwich hits!
FAQs:
Every well-stocked kitchen should include at least a few cans of tuna. It’s high in protein, ready to eat, and can be enjoyed in various ways. From tuna noodle casserole to tuna sandwiches, and tuna pasta salad to tuna fish cakes, the options are practically endless!
A small can of tuna packs a powerful punch when it comes to health benefits. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, low in calories, and high in protein. Tuna is also a natural source of iron, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. When paired with high-fiber, whole-grain bread, a tuna sandwich will keep you full and satisfied for hours!
Even though albacore is considered the crème de la crème of canned tuna, you can certainly choose a different type of tuna if you’d like. If you’re looking for a softer, less meaty bite with a stronger fish taste, yellowfin or skipjack are the way to go.
Tuna Fish Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (5 oz) can Wild Albacore Tuna in oil or water Note 1
- 3-4 tablespoons mayo Note 2
- 1 celery rib finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped shallot or red onion
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
For serving:
- Lettuce
- Bread I love it with sourdough bread
Instructions
- Drain and flake the tuna with a fork in a large bowl.1 (5 oz) can Wild Albacore Tuna in oil or water
- Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well to combine.3-4 tablespoons mayo, 1 celery rib, 1 tablespoon finely chopped shallot , 1 tablespoon capers, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- Serve over a slice of bread with lettuce. (Or spread it between 2 sliced of bread, you get the idea, you do you!)Bread I love it with sourdough bread, Lettuce
Share your thoughts! If you make this please leave a review letting me know how it was!
Notes
– Store leftover tuna salad sandwiches in the fridge for up to 1 day.
– Store the tuna salad mixture in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Nutrition
* Disclaimer: All nutrition information are estimates only. Read full nutrition disclosure.
Tried this recipe?
Make sure to leave a recipe review below!
Sharing of this recipe is encouraged and appreciated. Copying of full recipe to any social media is prohibited.
Reader's Reviews
Gar says
Good taste