Not only is this the best recipe for tuna fish sandwich that you will find, but it also can be made in just 10-15 minutes leaving you with a delicious sandwich and a lot of time left in your day. This simple tuna sandwich recipe only requires 8 simple ingredients to help pack the sandwich with savory flavor. This recipe is made in one bowl leaving you with minimal dishes.
This classic tuna sandwich is perfect to make as a summer beach sandwich or as a quick and easy weekday lunch. The creamy tuna salad is also a great combination to use in finger sandwiches for a finger sandwich appetizer board. This tuna salad can also be used as a tasty addition to spread on crackers as an appetizer.
This was inspired by my tuna tarts recipe on this site, and pairs well with this homemade potato chip recipe.
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Ingredients
The base of this classic tuna salad sandwich are cans of tuna and mayonnaise. Tomato and lettuce leaves are added for added texture. For extra flavor and a little crunch, diced onion, sweet relish and diced celery are added into the tuna salad. A good quality slices of bread are best to use for this sandwich. The type of bread can be changed depending on preference but I prefer a fluffy, fresh white bread or sandwich bread. Rye bread is a another great option.
- can of water-packed tuna
- mayonnaise
- tomato
- iceberg lettuce
- sweet relish
- red onion
- celery
- white bread
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl add can of tuna. Mash with a fork to break up large chunks. Add in mayonnaise. Mix well.
- Step 2: Dice onion and celery. Add to tuna salad. Add in relish. Mix well.
- Step 3: Slice lettuce and tomato.
- Step 4: On the bottom slice of bread, add lettuce. Layer slice of tomato on top of lettuce. Spread tuna salad on top of tomato. Top with top slice of bread. Serve immediately or save for later.
Hint: If your tuna salad feels soggy, check that tuna is well-drained and reduce the mayo slightly. Adding a bit more celery or relish can help absorb moisture and restore texture.
Substitutions
- Lettuce - instead of ice berg lettuce, you can use romaine lettuce or spinach
- Bread - use gluten free bread instead of white bread to make this recipe gluten free
- Dairy Free - use a vegan mayonnaise to make this recipe dairy free
- Tuna - instead of water-packed tuna, use oil-packed tuna
Variations
- Spicy - add chili pepper flakes or buffalo sauce to the tuna salad mixture
- Tuna Melt - add cheese (cheddar cheese or monterey jack work best) and toast on a pan on the stove for a tuna melt version
- Low-carb option- use lettuce wraps to add the tuna mixture to instead of using bread
- Kid friendly - add crushed potato chips to the sandwich
See this tuna melt recipe on my website!
Equipment
To make this recipe, use a medium bowl. You will also need measuring cups and spoons as well as a sharp knife and cutting board.
How to Store the Best Recipe for Tuna Fish Sandwich
Store leftovers of tuna salad separate from the tomato and lettuce in an airtight container. Good for 3-5 days. Store the leftover bread in the fridge or on the counter. Good until bread starts to become stale, it is best when it is fresh.
The tuna salad doesn't stand up well to freezing. The bread can be frozen for up to 2 months.
How to Use Leftovers
Leftover tuna salad can be used to make tuna pasta salad. The leftovers of this classic tuna salad recipe can also be wrapped in flour tortillas with green onion and monterey jack cheese for a tuna melt wrap.
Top Tip
If you want to add more flavor to your tuna salad, add a pinch of salt, fresh cracked pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten and balance flavors. These small tweaks can transform a flat salad into something vibrant.
FAQ
Absolutely, chopped hard-boiled eggs add richness and extra protein, complementing the classic flavors beautifully.
Sweet pickle relish is traditional, but bread-and-butter or dill relish can be used depending on your preferred personal taste and tang balance.
You can substitute mashed chickpeas for tuna and use vegan mayo for a similar texture and flavor profile suitable for a vegan diet.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this tuna salad sandwich recipe:
📖 Recipe
Best Easy to Make Tuna Fish Salad Sandwich Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Small Mixing Bowl
- 1 sharp knife and cutting board
- 1 measuring spoons
- 1 can opener
Ingredients
- 2 cans tuna
- 4 tablespoon mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet relish
- 1 lemon juiced
- 1 tomato
- ½ cup lettuce
- 8 slices bread
- 1 onion
- 2 celery stalks
Instructions
- In a bowl add can of tuna. Mash with a fork to break up large chunks. Add in mayonnaise. Mix well.
- Dice onion and celery. Add to tuna salad. Add in relish. Mix well.
- Slice lettuce and tomato.
- On the bottom slice of bread, add lettuce. Layer slice of tomato on top of lettuce. Spread tuna salad on top of tomato. Top with top slice of bread. Serve immediately or save for later.
Notes
- save leftovers in a sandwich bag in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.
- best when ingredients are saved separately in the fridge.
- these ingredients do not stand up well to freezing.
Nutrition
If you have any questions about how to make these tuna salad sandwiches or need other sandwich recipe suggestions, leave a comment below!
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