There are days when you just need a meal that’s quick, comforting, and requires zero reheating. That’s exactly why this tuna salad sandwich has been in my kitchen for years. It’s creamy, crunchy, and packed with flavor thanks to simple pantry ingredients and a few fresh veggies.
The best part? You can prepare the tuna filling in about 15 minutes and enjoy easy meals for several days. It’s perfect for busy workdays, road trips, picnics, or any time you need reliable no heat meal preparation option again. Keep the filling in the fridge and assemble the sandwiches the day you plan to eat them so everything stays fresh and delicious.
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How to change this tuna salad sandwich recipe
- Instead of using bread and making this a sandwich, you can put this in a wrap, pita pocket, or lavash. You can also eat it as an open faced sandwich.
- Sub cucumber for celery if you don’t have it on hand or don’t like it
- You can also use chopped pickle spears instead of pickle relish
- Any leafy green will work if you don’t want to use spinach! Use what you have/what you enjoy!
Not a mayo fan? Tahini or mashed avocado mixed with lemon or lime juice can also work. It will change the flavor profile, but it will still be delicious!
Related: Cold Meal Ideas: Meal Prep Recipes When You Don’t Have a Microwave
Dietary Exchange (Dairy Free / Gluten Free)
This recipe is naturally flexible and easy to adapt.
Gluten Free
- Use your favorite gluten-free bread or wrap.
Dairy Free
- The base recipe is dairy free as written.
Mayo alternatives
If you’re not a fan of mayo, try one of these instead:
- Mashed avocado + lemon juice
- Tahini + lemon juice
- Plain Greek yogurt for a creamy texture
- Olive oil + squeeze of lemon
Each choice changes the flavor slightly but still creates a creamy and delicious tuna salad.
Selection of the best tuna
Canned or bagged tuna both work in this recipe, but cans tend to be larger so you need to buy less.
I like to buy solid tuna packed in olive oil, but chunk tuna and tuna packed in water work perfectly too. This is definitely my favorite canned tuna! Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods both have good quality tuna packed in olive oil.
Here are a few tips:
- Solid tuna in olive oil it has the richest taste
- A piece of tuna works very well for softer texture
- Tuna packed in water it’s lighter but still delicious
- Flavored tuna packets can add extra variety
If tuna isn’t your thing, canned chicken works perfectly with the same ingredients.
Related: Picnic Food: No-Heat Meals for a Perfect Picnic
How many sandwiches does this recipe make?
This recipe makes three sandwiches because it is designed to be used as meal prep for the week! Of course, if you want to double this recipe, just double the ingredients!. The tuna filling will last 3-4 days in the fridge.
Related: 70+ Best Camping Meals (Easy and Affordable!)
Can you make tuna salad without mayo?
Yes! You can easily swap the mayo for plain Greek yogurt to get a similar result. You can also try using an olive oil based dressing like in this recipe.
How to store this tuna salad sandwich:
As mentioned above, this meal will taste even better when the tuna filling is stored in the fridge and the sandwiches are assembled the day you plan to eat them!
Storage tips:
- store the Tuna salad filling separately in an airtight container.
- Keep the bread and greens separate until ready to eat.
- Assemble sandwiches the day you plan to eat them for the best texture.
As long as it lasts
- Tuna salad filling lasts 3-4 days in the fridge.
- Not recommended for freezing.
If you prefer extra crunch, go easy toast the bread before assembling.
FAQ
How long does tuna salad last in the fridge?
The tuna salad lasts 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge. For best texture, store fillings separately and assemble sandwiches just before eating.
Can I make tuna salad sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes, but it is better to prepare the miles in advance and assemble the sandwiches the day you eat them. This keeps the bread from getting soggy.
Can I make tuna salad without mayo?
Absolutely. You can use Greek yogurt, mashed avocado with lemon juice, or tahini as a creamy alternative. Each option changes the flavor a bit but works well.
What bread works best for tuna salad sandwiches?
Any healthy bread will work well. Try it whole wheat, sourdough, sandwich bread, or wrap according to your preference.
Can I freeze tuna salad?
tuna salad is not freezer friendly because the mayo-based dressing separates when dissolved. It is best enjoyed fresh within a few days.
Toast your bread before assembling if you prefer. Happy preparing!
Related: 25 Easy Meal Prep Meals For Beginning Home Cooks
Other delicious recipes to check out:
Meal Prep Tuna Salad Sandwiches
Instructions
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Combine the tuna in a large mixing bowl. Add the mayo and mix until combined.
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Add the pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and celery seed and mix well with a fork to combine until all the spices are well incorporated. Add the chopped celery, bell pepper, and relish and stir again to combine. Taste the mixture and add salt and pepper if needed, and any extra spices according to your liking.
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To assemble the sandwiches before eating: spread about 1/3 of the tuna mixture on one slice of bread. On the other portion, spread with more mayo if desired, I like to keep mine dry. Top with greens of your choice and enjoy!