There’s something irresistibly fresh and satisfying about this Tunacado Sandwich with Tuna and Avocado Recipe. The creamy avocado meets tangy tuna mousse, and the pesto adds that punch of flavor that keeps me coming back for more every single time.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Tunacado Sandwich with Tuna and Avocado Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Tunacado Sandwich with Tuna and Avocado Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Tunacado Sandwich with Tuna and Avocado Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made this Tunacado Sandwich with Tuna and Avocado Recipe more times than I can count, and it never gets old. It’s quick, packed with flavor, and hits that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and fresh. Plus, it feels like a little treat without any fuss.
- Simple yet gourmet: It’s like a little flavor bomb that comes together in just minutes.
- Protein power: With 47 grams of protein per sandwich, it keeps you full and energized.
- Fresh ingredients: The blend of dill, capers, and lemon juice really brightens things up.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak with your favorite add-ins or swaps for variety.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe is a perfect example of how simple, quality ingredients can shine together. The tuna brings hearty protein, while avocado offers creaminess and healthy fats. The addition of capers and dill ensures every bite is bursting with that fresh, savory zing you don’t always get in a sandwich.
- Tuna (canned, water-packed): Drained well, it’s the protein-packed base of your sandwich with mild flavor.
- Red onion (finely diced): Adds a subtle sharpness and crunch without overpowering.
- Capers: Tiny bursts of salty tang that elevate the tuna mixture beautifully.
- Fresh dill: Gives a bright, herbal note that cuts through richness.
- Dijon mustard: Offers just enough tang and depth to the tuna mousse.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Keeps the mix creamy and light without mayo’s heaviness.
- Lemon juice: Adds that fresh citrus zing you want in a sandwich like this.
- Whole wheat bread: Toasted so it holds up to the fillings and adds nuttiness.
- Avocado: Mashed creamy goodness that complements the tuna perfectly.
- Pesto: Layers in herby richness that makes every bite exciting.
- Tomato slices: Freshness and juiciness to round out the sandwich.
- Salt & pepper: To taste, obviously—seasoning is everything here.
Make It Your Way
I like to keep this Tunacado Sandwich with Tuna and Avocado Recipe pretty classic, but don’t hesitate to make it your own. Sometimes I swap pesto for a spicy mayo or add crunchy cucumber slices for extra texture.
- Variation: Adding a few leaves of fresh arugula gives it a peppery bite that I absolutely love. You’ll enjoy the little green pop it brings!
- Dietary swap: If you’re dairy-free, swap the Greek yogurt for a creamy avocado mayo blend—still tasty and smooth.
- Spicy twist: A dash of hot sauce or red chili flakes in the tuna mix wakes up your taste buds.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Tunacado Sandwich with Tuna and Avocado Recipe
Step 1: Toast Your Bread to Perfection
Start by lightly toasting two slices of whole wheat bread. I like mine golden but still soft enough to easily bite through without crumbling. This gives a lovely crunch that holds up beautifully when you add all those delicious layers.
Step 2: Whip Up the Tuna Mousse
In a bowl, combine drained tuna, finely diced red onion, capers, chopped fresh dill, Dijon mustard, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix with a fork until it’s smooth but still has a little texture—you don’t want it completely pureed. I sometimes pulse it in a food processor, but I usually prefer to keep it rustic.
Step 3: Assemble Your Sandwich
Spread pesto on one slice of the toasted bread. On the other slice, gently spread the mashed avocado, then top with fresh tomato slices seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper. Pile on the tuna mousse, close the sandwich, and slice it however you like. I love diagonal halves!
Top Tip
Having made this Tunacado Sandwich with Tuna and Avocado Recipe dozens of times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really elevate the result and help avoid common pitfalls.
- Drain Tuna Thoroughly: Any excess water in the can will make the mixture watery. I drain it carefully and even pat it dry with a paper towel for best results.
- Keep Texture: Resist the urge to over-process the tuna mousse. Leaving a bit of chunkiness adds a pleasant bite.
- Season Well: Taste as you mix and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon juice—you want that perfect balance of brightness and savory depth.
- Toast Bread Just Enough: Toast it so it’s crispy but not rock hard—this keeps your sandwich easy to bite and enjoy.
How to Serve Tunacado Sandwich with Tuna and Avocado Recipe
Garnishes
I usually skip fancy garnishes here because the sandwich itself shines bright. But if you want, a few fresh dill sprigs or a light drizzle of olive oil over the top adds a nice touch. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper always finishes it perfectly.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs so well with simple sides like crisp cucumber salad, baby carrots with hummus, or even a refreshing fruit salad. For a cozy lunch, a bowl of tomato basil soup is an unbeatable companion.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch or a casual gathering, I like making mini versions with small rye or multigrain buns. Stack the sandwich layers neatly, then secure with a toothpick and serve on a wooden board with olives and pickles around—the perfect lunch platter that looks as good as it tastes.
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. I recommend assembling the sandwich fresh each time to keep the bread from getting soggy, but the mousse itself holds up well.
Freezing
Because of the fresh avocado and bread, I don’t recommend freezing assembled sandwiches. The tuna mixture itself can be frozen, but thaw it overnight in the fridge and stir well before using.
Reheating
This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh and cold, but if you do want to warm the bread a little, toast it separately and then assemble right before eating to preserve texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions:
You certainly can! Just be aware that tuna packed in oil contains more fat and can change the texture of the tuna mousse, making it richer. If you use oil-packed tuna, you might want to reduce or omit the added fats like pesto to keep the sandwich balanced. Drain the oil thoroughly to avoid greasiness.
Aim for an avocado that is ripe but still firm. It should yield to gentle pressure but not be mushy. This texture makes it easy to mash but also keeps the sandwich from becoming overly soggy. Overripe avocados tend to be very soft and can make the sandwich messy.
Yes, you can prepare the tuna mousse a few hours ahead or even the night before and keep it refrigerated. Just give it a good stir before assembling your sandwich. This is great if you want to save time for lunch or a quick snack.
Whole wheat bread is my personal pick for its nutty flavor and sturdiness. But you can use multigrain, sourdough, or even rye—just make sure to toast it lightly so it holds up well against the moist fillings without getting soggy.
Final Thoughts
This Tunacado Sandwich with Tuna and Avocado Recipe has become a go-to lunch for me when I want something that feels special but takes hardly any time to prepare. It’s fresh, satisfying, and offers a wonderful balance of textures and flavors. Trust me, once you make it your own, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation too. Grab your ingredients and give it a try—you won’t regret it!
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Tunacado Sandwich with Tuna and Avocado Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Lunch
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Tunacado Sandwich is a healthy and protein-packed lunch inspired by Joe & the Juice. It combines a creamy tuna mousse with mashed avocado, fresh tomato slices, and a spread of pesto on toasted whole wheat bread, delivering a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Tuna Mousse
- 1 can flaked or chunk tuna packed in water (drained)
- 2 tablespoon red onion (finely diced)
- 2 teaspoon drained capers
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 3-4 tablespoon plain greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- salt and pepper (to taste)
Sandwich Assembly
- 2 slices whole wheat bread (toasted)
- ¼ avocado (mashed)
- 1-2 tablespoon pesto
- 1-2 slices tomato
- salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Toast bread: Toast the slices of whole wheat bread to your preferred level of crispiness and 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 but still retains some texture. Alternatively, you may pulse the mixture briefly in a food processor if you prefer a smoother consistency.
- Assemble sandwich: Spread pesto evenly on one slice of the toasted bread. On the other slice, spread the mashed avocado and then layer tomato slices on top. Season the tomato with salt and pepper to taste. Add the prepared tuna mousse on top of the avocado and tomato slice. Close the sandwich by placing the pesto-covered bread slice on top, then slice as desired and serve.
Notes
- This sandwich offers a high-protein healthy lunch option with approximately 47 grams of protein per serving.
- Using plain Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise keeps the tuna mousse lighter and adds creaminess with less fat.
- For extra flavor, fresh herbs like dill can be adjusted according to your taste preferences.
- Make sure to drain the tuna well to avoid excess moisture in the sandwich.
- You can substitute whole wheat bread with gluten-free bread if needed though this will alter the nutrition profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 490 kcal
- 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
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