If you’re on the hunt for a fresh, hearty sandwich that feels indulgent yet packed with nutrition, you’re in for a treat with this Tunacado Sandwich with Tuna and Avocado Recipe. Trust me, it’s fan-freaking-tastic! I absolutely love how combining creamy avocado, zesty tuna salad, and a touch of pesto creates flavors that just sing together. Stick with me—I’ll walk you through exactly how to nail this easy recipe so you get the best, most satisfying sandwich every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy & Protein-Packed: With around 47 grams of protein, it’s a filling lunch that keeps you energized.
- Easy Prep: Takes just 5 minutes, perfect for busy days or quick meal preps.
- Delicious Flavor Combo: The creamy avocado pairs beautifully with the tangy tuna mixture and aromatic pesto.
- Versatile & Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients or add extras to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Tunacado Sandwich with Tuna and Avocado Recipe really comes down to fresh, well-balanced ingredients that complement each other perfectly. I always recommend using good-quality canned tuna and ripe avocados for that creamy, flavorful texture.

- Canned Tuna: I prefer chunk-style in water for a nice texture without excess oil.
- Red Onion: Finely diced adds a touch of sharpness and crunch.
- Capers: These little bursts of briny flavor really elevate the tuna salad.
- Fresh Dill: Brightens the mix with herbal notes; fresh really makes a difference here.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth to the tuna mousse.
- Plain Greek Yogurt: Creamy without heaviness; a healthier substitute for mayo.
- Lemon Juice: Just enough acidity to brighten everything.
- Whole Wheat Bread: Toasted to add crunch and hold up to the moist fillings.
- Avocado: Mashed; look for ripe but firm avocados for perfect creaminess.
- Pesto: Adds herbaceous richness and a bit of green color excitement.
- Tomato: Fresh slices, lightly seasoned, add juicy freshness and balance.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential to enhance all the flavors.
Variations
This sandwich is like a blank canvas, and honestly, I love making it my own depending on what’s in my fridge and what I’m craving. Feel free to tweak any part of this Tunacado Sandwich with Tuna and Avocado Recipe to suit your style.
- Swap the Greek Yogurt for Mayo: When I’m feeling indulgent, I go for a creamy mayo instead of yogurt, and it turns out just fantastic.
- Try Different Bread: Sometimes I use a crusty sourdough or rye, which adds a whole new flavor dimension.
- Add Crunch: I’ve tossed in thinly sliced celery or cucumber for a refreshing crisp bite.
- Make it Spicy: For a kick, a dash of cayenne or a few drops of hot sauce mixed into the tuna gives the sandwich a lively twist.
How to Make Tunacado Sandwich with Tuna and Avocado Recipe
Step 1: Toast Your Bread to Perfection
First things first—toast your whole wheat bread slices until they’re golden and crispy. This little step not only adds texture but prevents the bread from getting soggy once you add the juicy tomato and avocado. I usually use a medium setting on my toaster and watch closely so it doesn’t burn. Once toasted, set aside while you prep the tuna mousse.
Step 2: Whip Up the Tuna Mousse
In a bowl, combine your drained tuna with finely diced red onion, capers, fresh dill, dijon mustard, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. I like to mix everything with a fork to keep a bit of texture—that creamy-smooth but not totally pureed consistency is key to making this tuna salad pop with flavor. If you prefer, use a food processor for an ultra-smooth mousse, but honestly, a fork works wonders and makes for a better mouthfeel in my experience.
Step 3: Assemble Your Sandwich Like a Pro
Spread a generous layer of pesto on one slice of your toasted bread. On the other slice, spread the mashed avocado nicely, then layer your fresh tomato slices on top—season those tomatoes with a sprinkle of salt and pepper for extra oomph. Finally, pile on the luscious tuna mousse. Close your sandwich and slice it however you like. I love mine diagonally—it just feels right!
Pro Tips for Making Tunacado Sandwich with Tuna and Avocado Recipe
- Drain Tuna Thoroughly: I learned the hard way that extra water makes the tuna salad watery—drain and even pat with a paper towel if needed.
- Use Ripe But Firm Avocado: Too ripe and it’s mushy; too hard and it’s bland. The perfect avocado adds creaminess and flavor without making your sandwich messy.
- Toast Bread Just Before Assembling: This keeps your bread crisp—toast early and it’ll get soggy by the time you eat.
- Add Lemon Juice to Tuna Mix: This brightens the flavors and helps keep everything fresh tasting.
How to Serve Tunacado Sandwich with Tuna and Avocado Recipe

Garnishes
I like to add a little extra fresh dill or a few extra capers on top of the sandwich for a pretty presentation and a small flavor boost. Sometimes a light drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the tomato slices takes it to another level. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper over everything is my signature finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs perfectly with simple sides like a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or some kettle-cooked chips for crunch. I’ve also served it with a side of pickled vegetables or fresh fruit for a colorful lunch plate that balances indulgence with freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, I like to cut the sandwich into small sliders or finger sandwich sizes and arrange them on a platter with colorful toothpicks. Another fun way is to serve the tuna mousse as a dip with sliced toasted bread and avocado slices on the side for a “build-your-own” style experience—always a crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover tuna mousse, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep your avocado mashed separately or only spread on bread right before eating to prevent browning. I usually store the tuna salad chilled, and toast fresh bread as needed—it keeps everything tasting fresh.
Freezing
This sandwich doesn’t freeze well because of the avocado and tomato, which get mushy or watery when thawed. I’d recommend making your tuna mixture in advance and freezing that separately if needed, then assembling fresh later.
Reheating
Since the sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, if you do have to reheat, I suggest warming just the toasted bread lightly and assembling again with fresh avocado and tomato. This keeps textures intact and flavors bright.
FAQs
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Can I use mayo instead of Greek yogurt in this Tunacado Sandwich with Tuna and Avocado Recipe?
Absolutely! Mayo is a classic choice for tuna salad and gives a richer creaminess. I switch between mayo and Greek yogurt depending on how light or indulgent I feel, and both work great.
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Is it better to use chunk or flaked tuna for the sandwich?
I prefer chunk tuna in this recipe because it provides a nice bite and texture. Flaked tuna works too if you like a smoother salad, so choose based on your texture preference.
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Can I make this sandwich vegetarian or vegan?
This recipe is designed around tuna, so for a vegetarian or vegan version, try replacing tuna with mashed chickpeas or seasoned roasted mushrooms and use vegan yogurt or mayo alternatives. The avocado and pesto combo remains delicious!
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How do I keep the avocado from browning in the sandwich?
To slow browning, mash avocado right before assembling and add a squeeze of lemon juice. Also, assembling and eating the sandwich promptly really helps keep it fresh and green.
Final Thoughts
This Tunacado Sandwich with Tuna and Avocado Recipe has found a permanent spot in my lunch rotation because it’s simple, satisfying, and hits that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and fresh. Whenever I make it, my family goes crazy for it, and I love how quick it comes together on hectic days. I hope you’ll give this recipe a go and make it your own—you deserve a sandwich that’s this tasty and nourishing. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again!
Print
Tunacado Sandwich with Tuna and Avocado Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Tunacado Sandwich is a delicious and healthy lunch option inspired by Joe & the Juice. It combines protein-rich tuna with creamy avocado, tangy pesto, and fresh tomato slices, all nestled between toasted whole wheat bread for a satisfying, nutrient-packed meal perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
Tuna Mixture
- 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)
Sandwich Components
- 2 slices whole wheat bread (toasted)
- 1/4 avocado (mashed)
- 1-2 Tbsp pesto
- 1-2 slices tomato
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Toast bread: Toast your whole wheat bread slices until golden and crispy, then set them aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare tuna mousse: In a small bowl, combine the drained tuna, finely diced red onion, drained capers, chopped fresh dill, dijon mustard, plain greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly with a fork until the mixture becomes almost smooth with a bit of texture remaining. Optionally, you can use a food processor for a finer consistency.
- Assemble sandwich: Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of pesto evenly on one slice of toasted bread. On the other slice, spread the mashed avocado, then layer with sliced tomatoes. Season the tomato layer with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, add the prepared tuna mixture on top of the tomato and avocado slice, then close the sandwich with the pesto-spread slice. Slice as desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- This sandwich is highly nutritious, offering approximately 47 grams of protein per serving, making it a perfect filling lunch.
- For a smoother tuna mousse, use a food processor, but leaving some texture adds a pleasant bite.
- Using whole wheat bread increases the fiber content and adds heart-healthy benefits compared to white bread.
- Adjust the amount of pesto and avocado to your taste preference and dietary needs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 954 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 47 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg


