There's something magical about combining creamy avocado with zesty, hearty tuna that just hits the spot every time. This Tunacado Sandwich with Tuna and Avocado Recipe is not only a breeze to whip up but packs a punch of flavors that keep me coming back for more. Let me walk you through why it's a total winner in my kitchen.

The image shows a stack of two sandwich halves placed on a white plate with a few small drops of green sauce and pieces of filling around them. Each sandwich is made with two thick slices of multigrain bread, showing a rough texture with visible seeds. The bottom layer is a mix of shredded light beige filling with visible pieces of pink tomato and green herbs, topped with a spread of vibrant green sauce. The top layer mirrors the bottom with the same fillings and green sauce, all pressed between the bread slices. The background features a white marbled surface and a white tiled wall with a soft kitchen cloth blurred to the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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

This Tunacado Sandwich isn’t your average lunch. It’s a delightful blend of creamy textures and fresh, tangy flavors that feel gourmet but come together in minutes. Plus, it’s packed with protein and healthy fats, making it as nourishing as it is delicious.

Super Simple and Fast: Whip this up in under 10 minutes, perfect for busy days when you want something tasty without the fuss.
Balanced Nutrition: With tuna and avocado, you get plenty of protein and healthy fats that'll keep you energized for hours.
Fresh Flavor Harmony: The mix of dill, capers, and lemon juice brings a bright, fresh zing that makes every bite exciting.
Highly Customizable: Easy to tweak based on your mood—swap ingredients or add in extras to make it truly your own.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here contributes to a perfect balance between creamy, tangy, and savory. When combined, they make this sandwich a flavorful powerhouse that feels fresh and satisfying every time. A quick tip: always look for good quality tuna in water and ripe avocados—you'll taste the difference.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of flaked tuna, a few finely diced pieces of red onion scattered next to it, a small white bowl with capers, a small bunch of fresh dill sprigs, a small white bowl filled with smooth Dijon mustard, a small white bowl of thick plain Greek yogurt, a small white bowl holding vibrant yellow lemon juice, a halved ripe avocado with bright green mashed flesh visible, two slices of toasted whole wheat bread stacked neatly, two fresh tomato slices with glossy red skin arranged side by side, sprinkled grains of salt and pepper nearby, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Tuna (canned, flaked or chunk): Provides lean protein and texture; draining well prevents sogginess.
Red onion (finely diced): Adds a mild sharpness that gives the tuna mixture a subtle kick.
Capers: Their briny tang uplifts and adds complexity to the flavor profile.
Fresh dill: Infuses a bright, herbaceous note that feels light and fresh.
Dijon mustard: Brings a gentle heat and depth that ties the flavors together.
Plain Greek yogurt: Creamy and tangy, a healthier twist to keep the filling moist without mayo overload.
Lemon juice: Adds acidity to brighten the tuna, balancing the richness.
Whole wheat bread: Toasted for crunch and nuttiness; whole wheat adds fiber and heartiness.
Avocado (mashed): The creamy contrast that mellows the tuna’s flavor and boosts healthy fats.
Pesto: Provides a herby, aromatic punch that elevates the sandwich beyond ordinary.
Tomato slices: Juicy sweetness that adds freshness and texture dimension.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all ingredients into harmony.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love adding little twists to the classic recipe depending on what I have in the fridge. Don’t hesitate to play with the flavors—this sandwich is totally forgiving and invites creativity.

Variation: I sometimes swap the Greek yogurt for avocado mayo to give it a richer, slightly sweeter creaminess, which also makes it dairy-free.
Extra crunch: Adding some crisp cucumber slices or baby spinach ups the freshness and gives a nice texture contrast.
Spicy kick: Toss in a dash of cayenne or hot sauce if you want to wake up your taste buds a bit more.
Gluten-free option: Use your favorite gluten-free bread or even hearty lettuce wraps for a lighter, grain-free take.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Tunacado Sandwich with Tuna and Avocado Recipe

A sandwich with two thick slices of multigrain bread covered with oats and seeds on the top and bottom. The bottom layer inside the sandwich is a layer of green spread, followed by two thick slices of bright red tomato. Above the tomatoes, there is a thick layer of creamy tuna salad mixed with small green capers. The sandwich sits on a white plate on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Toast your bread to golden perfection

I always toast my whole wheat bread before assembling the sandwich—it’s a game changer for texture. The slight crunch adds a lovely contrast to the creamy fillings. Just pop the bread in your toaster or on a skillet over medium heat until you see golden edges and a crisp surface.

Step 2: Mix the tuna mousse with care

In a small bowl, combine the drained tuna, finely diced red onion, capers, fresh dill, Dijon mustard, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. I like to mix it gently with a fork until the texture is almost smooth but still has a little chunkiness for that satisfying mouthfeel. If you prefer, using a food processor works too, but I find a bit of texture adds personality to the sandwich.

Step 3: Assemble your Tunacado masterpiece

Spread pesto on one slice of your toasted bread for that herbaceous pop. On the other slice, spread the mashed avocado evenly. Layer on fresh tomato slices, seasoning them lightly with salt and pepper to bring out their sweetness. Top that with a generous scoop of your tuna mousse, then close the sandwich and slice it however you like. I find diagonal cuts make it easier to eat and display the layers beautifully.

Top Tip

From my experience making this sandwich dozens of times, a few small tweaks really make a big difference in the final taste and texture that I want to share with you.

Drain Tuna Thoroughly: Excess water will make the filling watery—tap and press the tuna with your fingers or a spoon to remove as much liquid as possible before mixing.
Use Ripe Avocados: Choose ones that yield slightly when gently squeezed—you want creamy, easy-to-spread avocado for the best mouthfeel.
Don’t Overmix: Keep a bit of chunkiness in your tuna salad for a pleasant texture; overprocessing makes it mushy and less satisfying.
Season Thoughtfully: Salt and pepper bring everything together, but tasting as you go ensures your sandwich won’t be bland or too sharp.

How to Serve Tunacado Sandwich with Tuna and Avocado Recipe

tuna avocado sandwich - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually garnish my sandwich plate with a few sprigs of fresh dill or parsley to echo the herb notes in the tuna. A wedge of lemon on the side is also lovely for anyone who likes an extra zing just before biting in.

Side Dishes

Pair this sandwich with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some crunchy carrot sticks to keep things fresh and light. On busy days, I sometimes add a handful of kettle-cooked chips for a salty contrast that’s hard to resist.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this sandwich cut into neat finger-sized triangles alongside a colorful crudité platter. It’s always a hit because the bite-sized combo feels fun but still sophisticated, perfect for casual brunches or light lunches with friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover tuna mixture keeps well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two days. I usually keep the sandwich components separate—bread toasted fresh before serving and avocado mashed just before assembling to avoid browning.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing the assembled sandwich because the bread texture changes, and avocado becomes mushy. However, you can freeze the tuna mixture alone in a sealed container for up to a month and thaw it overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

If you want to warm up the tuna mixture, heat it gently on the stove over low heat and stir occasionally just until warm. Toast fresh bread separately and assemble when ready, preserving the sandwich’s fresh texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use canned salmon instead of tuna in the Tunacado Sandwich with Tuna and Avocado Recipe?

Absolutely! Canned salmon works wonderfully and adds a slightly richer flavor. Just drain it well and prepare the mixture the same way.

Is Greek yogurt necessary in the tuna mousse?

Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a tang that balances the flavors nicely, but if you prefer, you can substitute it with mayo, avocado mayo, or even sour cream depending on your taste and dietary needs.

How ripe should the avocado be for this sandwich?

You want the avocado to be ripe but still firm—not overly mushy. It should yield slightly to gentle pressure, making it easy to mash and spread without turning brown and watery quickly.

Can I make this sandwich vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute the tuna with mashed chickpeas or smashed white beans, the Greek yogurt with vegan yogurt or vegan mayo, and keep the avocado and pesto (check pesto ingredients for dairy). This creates a similarly creamy and satisfying sandwich.

Final Thoughts

This Tunacado Sandwich with Tuna and Avocado Recipe holds a soft spot in my recipe rotation because it’s a quick, fulfilling meal that never gets boring. It’s perfect for a solo lunch, packed up for work, or brought along for a picnic. Give it a try—you’ll appreciate how easy it is to elevate everyday ingredients into something special, just like I did the first time I made it!