Tuna Salad Sandwich
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Learn how to make the best Tuna Salad Sandwich. This classic sandwich is filled with creamy tuna salad that’s homemade and so much flavor. It’s an easy lunch for weekdays and perfect for the summer.

Do remember those days when you were a kid and you had a full afternoon of playing in pool during the summer? Then you ran inside, starving for something to eat. Did you grab a tuna salad sandwich? There’s something extra refreshing about a sandwich after swimming in the pool for hours!
Now you can recreate those memories with this easy tuna salad sandwich recipe. I’ve mastered the perfect balance of mayo, tuna, and relish…and my secret weapon is dijon mustard instead of regular mustard. To die for!
This tuna sandwich recipe will have you coming back for more, no doubt. I love easy recipes like this tuna salad and my 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies. It makes life way more simple on the busy days, and helps me get back to the fun stuff on summer days!
Why You’ll Love this Tuna Sandwich Recipe
- This easy sandwich recipe makes 6 hearty servings, so there’s more than enough to go around!
- These sandwiches are great to pack in lunches or eat on-the-go on a busy day.
- We love that these are really high in protein, ensuring that everyone will stay full after eating their yummy sandwich.
Ingredients for Tuna Salad Sandwich
- White flake tuna – The packets of tuna and cans of tuna will both work great. White flake tuna will be easier to mix.
- Celery – Celery provides a lovely crunchy texture to the tuna salad mixture.
- Pickle relish – Sweet or dill, you choose! Both will work in this recipe, so it’s just a matter of which you prefer more.
- Mayonnaise – Mayonnaise makes these sandwiches perfectly creamy with a slight tang.
- Red onion – The strong flavor of red onion pairs really well with tuna. You can use yellow or white onion if you prefer.
- Dijon mustard – Trust me, dijon mustard makes all the difference in this recipe! Don’t just use regular mustard, the dijon is delicious.
- Garlic powder – A touch of garlic powder helps to season this tuna salad to perfection.
- Lemon juice – Lemon and fish are a common pairing, so why not use lemon juice in tuna salad. The tart flavor goes so well with all of the other ingredients.
- Salt and pepper – A little salt and pepper helps to round out the flavors and combine all of the ingredients together well.
Helpful Tools
How to Make a Tuna Salad Sandwich
- Drain the packets or cans of white flake tuna until all the water is gone. Then, place it in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the diced celery, pickle relish, dijon mustard, mayonnaise, lemon juice, diced red onion, garlic powder, salt and pepper to the bowl of tuna fish.
- Mix all of the ingredients until thoroughly combined.
- Next, place a generous amount of tuna salad onto a slice of bread and serve open faced or between two slices. Add sliced tomatoes and lettuce for extra crunch and flavor!
- Serve and enjoy.
What to serve with a tuna sandwich
Classic salted potato chips are a great side to have with tuna salad sandwiches. But you can also get creative and make something different. Whip up some fruit dip and serve your favorite fruit alongside this delicious sandwich. Or, make a fruit salad with all your fresh summer fruit.
Instant pot potato salad or deviled eggs would also be great served with a tuna sandwich. If you want a warm side with your cold tuna salad, make some air fryer potato wedges or air fryer french fries.
And don’t forget a fun dessert like berry popsicles or frozen yogurt bark.
How to Store Leftover Tuna Salad
Leftovers are best when stored separately from the bread, tomatoes, and lettuce. Place tuna salad into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
I do not recommend freezing this tuna sandwich recipe since mayonnaise based salads don’t tend to thaw well after being frozen.
What kind of bread is best for tuna sandwiches?
You can really use any type of bread, but my personal favorite is whole wheat. Something about the flavor of whole wheat bread and tuna salad is nostalgic! If whole wheat is not your thing, try thick sliced white bread, sourdough, rye or even a croissant.
Can I add cheese to my tuna salad sandwich?
Cheese is always a good idea! Swiss and provolone would go great with this recipe. However, you can also use cheddar, Colby jack, pepper jack, or any other cheese that you want.
Pro Tips!
- Lightly toast your bread before adding tuna salad so that it stays crisp till the very last bite.
- Feel free to add things like chopped nuts, raisins, and small diced fruit to give this tuna salad even more texture and flavor.
- Don’t make a sandwich until you’re ready to serve it! That way, the bread doesn’t get soggy and stays light and fluffy.
A tuna salad sandwich is a classic meal that everyone should know how to make…and now you do! Want some more quick lunch ideas? Then make this chicken bacon ranch wrap!
More Sandwiches You’ll Love
- Try out the viral Grinder Sandwich on a toasted roll and you’ll cover all of the bases for a great lunch or supper. Deli meats, cheese, crisp lettuce and a creamy, tangy dressing make up this mouthwatering handheld.
- The Rachel Sandwich is a wonderful twist on the classic Reuben Sandwich.
- French Dip Sandwiches are great slow cooker meal that you can let cook all day and then eat for dinner.
- This delicious Patty Melt will quickly become a favorite sandwich recipe for sure.
- Want to learn how to make a Monte Cristo Sandwich? Now’s your chance!
- These Cucumber Sandwiches are so easy to make and the perfect idea for bridal and baby showers, Mother’s Day, Easter or tea!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
Tuna Sandwich
Ingredients
- 4 cans white flaked tuna in water 5 ounces each, drained
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoons pickle relish
- 1 stalk celery finely diced
- 2 Tablespoons minced red onion
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 12 slices bread lightly toasted if desired
- lettuce optional
- sliced tomatoes optional
Instructions
- Drain the water off the tuna.
- Combine all ingredients except bread, lettuce and tomatoes in a small bowl and mix well.
- Serve tuna salad on bread either open faced or between two slices. Add lettuce and tomatoes if you wish.
Eve Joyce says
Love 💕 love 💕 love this recipe 🥰thank you💕
Sarah Hill says
So happy you loved it! Thank you so much for commenting and rating this recipe!
Marta says
Delish
Courtney says
Thank you!
Leatha says
Great recipe
Courtney says
Thank you!