10+ Tuna Sandwich Recipes to Brighten Your Lunchbox

Tuna sandwiches—honestly, they’re the kind of meal you can throw together in minutes. They’re easy, satisfying, and work for lunch, dinner, or just a snack.

You can play around with the flavors and ingredients, which keeps things interesting.

Maybe you like the classic style, or maybe you’re itching to try something a little different. Either way, these recipes make tuna sandwiches taste great without a ton of effort.

1) Classic Tuna Salad with mayo, celery, and onion

You really can’t go wrong with a simple tuna salad. Grab a can of tuna, drain it, then flake it up in a bowl.

Add a couple of spoonfuls of mayo for that creamy texture. Chopped celery brings crunch, and a bit of red onion adds some bite.

A squeeze of lemon juice brightens things up. Salt and pepper—just add as much as you like.

Mix everything gently so it doesn’t get mushy. This combo is perfect for sandwiches or just scooping up with crackers.

Ingredients

• 1 (5-ounce) can tuna, drained
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 rib celery, diced
• 1 teaspoon red onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Drain and flake the tuna in a bowl.
2. Add mayonnaise, celery, and onion.
3. Pour in lemon juice.
4. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve on bread or with crackers.

2) Tuna Melt with cheddar cheese and toasted bread

A tuna melt is just a classic for a reason. Start with your favorite tuna salad, then spoon it onto a slice of bread.

Top it with cheddar cheese—sharp cheddar is best for flavor. Toast it in a skillet or panini press until the cheese is gooey and the bread turns golden.

This usually takes about three or four minutes per side over medium heat. The combo of melted cheese and tuna is pretty tough to beat.

Try adding pickled onions or some greens if you’re feeling fancy. Butter the outside of the bread for extra crunch.

Ingredients

• 1 can of tuna, drained
• 2 slices of bread (sourdough or rye work well)
• 2 slices sharp cheddar cheese
• 1-2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Butter for toasting

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix the tuna with mayonnaise, salt, and pepper.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place bread butter-side down on a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
4. Add cheese on bread, then spoon tuna salad on top.
5. Top with second bread slice, butter-side up.
6. Cook 3-4 minutes until bread is golden, then flip and cook another 3-4 minutes.
7. Remove and enjoy warm.

You can find more tips for a tuna melt with cheddar cheese and toasted bread at this best-ever tuna melt recipe.

3) Tuna Sandwich with pickles and Dijon mustard

If you like a little zing, try adding crunchy pickles and Dijon mustard. The pickles give a sharp bite, and the mustard brings a mild heat.

Mix the tuna with chopped pickles and a spoonful of Dijon. Add mayo if you want it creamy.

Spread it on your favorite bread—crusty or soft, up to you. Toss in some chopped green onion or celery for extra crunch.

A quick toast makes everything taste better. Salt and pepper to taste, as always.

Ingredients

• 2 cans tuna, drained
• 3-4 small pickles, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)
• 2 green onions, chopped (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Bread of your choice

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine tuna, chopped pickles, and Dijon mustard.
2. Add mayonnaise if you want a creamier texture. Mix well.
3. Stir in green onions if using, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Spread the mixture on bread slices.
5. Toast if desired.
6. Assemble and enjoy your sandwich.

For more ideas, check out this classic tuna sandwich recipe.

4) Albacore Tuna with grated carrots and fresh dill

Albacore tuna has a mild, tender flavor that works great in sandwiches. Grated carrots add a little sweetness and crunch.

Chop up some fresh dill for a bright, herbal kick. Mix everything together with a bit of mayo or yogurt if you want it creamy.

Spread it on bread or a crusty roll. You can toss in extra veggies like celery or bell pepper if you feel like it.

Ingredients

• 1 can albacore tuna
• 1/4 cup grated carrots
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise (optional)
• Bread or rolls for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Drain the tuna and put it in a bowl.
2. Add grated carrots and fresh dill.
3. Mix in mayonnaise if you want it creamy.
4. Spread the mixture on bread or rolls.
5. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge before eating.

You can find a similar recipe with fresh dill and veggies at Kath Eats.

5) Tuna Salad including cottage cheese and red onion

If you want a lighter, creamy tuna salad, try cottage cheese instead of all mayo. Red onion and celery add crunch and a little bite.

A splash of lemon juice and a bit of Dijon mustard give it some zip. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley make it taste even fresher.

This mix works for sandwiches or just eating with a fork.

Ingredients

• 3 cans (5 oz each) albacore tuna, drained
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh dill or parsley (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix tuna and cottage cheese until creamy.
2. Stir in chopped red onion and celery.
3. Add lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
4. Mix until well combined.
5. Chill for 10 minutes before serving for best flavor.

6) Tuna Sandwich with banana peppers and green pepper

Banana peppers bring a tangy, mild heat to tuna salad. Green pepper adds a crisp, fresh bite.

Mix the tuna with mayo, toss in the diced peppers, and maybe a bit of red onion or celery salt if you want.

Spoon it onto your favorite bread or a sandwich roll. Every bite has a little crunch and a lot of flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 can tuna, drained
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons diced banana peppers
• 2 tablespoons chopped green pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: red onion or celery salt

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix tuna and mayonnaise.
2. Add banana peppers and green pepper. Stir well.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Spread mixture on bread or sandwich roll.
5. Serve immediately or chill for 10 minutes before eating.

7) Tuna with boiled egg and a hint of mustard

This one’s so simple—just mix chopped boiled eggs with tuna. Add a little mustard for tang.

If you want it creamy, a spoonful of mayo does the trick. Stir gently so the eggs don’t fall apart.

Pile it on bread or crackers. It’s an easy, filling lunch.

Ingredients

• 1 can (5 ounces) tuna, drained
• 3 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and chop the hard-boiled eggs.
2. Drain the tuna and place it in a bowl.
3. Add the chopped eggs, mayonnaise, and mustard.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve on your favorite bread or crackers.

8) Mediterranean Tuna with olives and capers

For a Mediterranean vibe, mix tuna with chopped kalamata olives and capers. These bring a salty, briny punch.

Add a splash of lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil to keep it fresh. A little red onion or celery works for crunch.

Try mashing the tuna with Dijon mustard for extra tang. Layer it on bread with greens like spinach or arugula.

Ingredients

• 1 can tuna, drained
• 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, chopped
• 2 tbsp capers, drained
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp red onion, finely chopped (optional)
• Fresh greens (spinach or arugula)
• Bread or sandwich rolls

Cooking Instructions

1. Drain the tuna and place it in a bowl.
2. Add olives, capers, lemon juice, olive oil, and Dijon mustard.
3. Mix gently until combined but still chunky.
4. Stir in red onion if using.
5. Toast your bread if desired.
6. Layer the tuna mixture on bread.
7. Add fresh greens on top and close the sandwich.
8. Serve immediately or wrap for later.

9) Spicy Tuna Sandwich with sriracha and celery

If you like a little heat and crunch, this spicy tuna sandwich might just hit the spot. Sriracha brings a spicy kick, while celery adds that crisp, fresh bite.

I usually mix drained tuna with mayonnaise and as much sriracha as I’m feeling that day. Then, I toss in some finely chopped celery for texture.

Spread the mixture on your favorite bread. Toasting is optional, but honestly, it makes the whole thing way better.

This sandwich comes together fast—perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. Sometimes I squeeze in lemon juice or crack some black pepper on top for a little extra zing.

Ingredients:

• Canned tuna (drained)
• Mayonnaise
• Sriracha sauce
• Celery (finely chopped)
• Salt and pepper
• Bread (your choice)

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine tuna, mayo, and sriracha.
2. Stir in the chopped celery.
3. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Spread the mixture evenly on bread slices.
5. Toast in a pan or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes if you want.
6. Serve warm or cold.

10) Tuna Salad with relish, lemon juice, and garlic

This tuna salad pops with bright, tangy flavors. I love how the sweet relish, lemon juice, and a little garlic come together.

The relish gives it crunch and sweetness. Lemon juice lifts everything and keeps the flavors balanced.

A bit of garlic adds a gentle kick. It doesn’t take over, just hangs out in the background.

You can whip this up in minutes. I like it for lunch or even packed up for a picnic.

If you want, adjust the garlic or lemon juice to your liking. Don’t be afraid to tweak it.

Ingredients

• 2 cans tuna, drained
• 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 small clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Toss the tuna, relish, lemon juice, and minced garlic together in a medium bowl.

2. Scoop in the mayonnaise and stir it up until everything looks creamy.

3. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper. Taste it, and add more if you think it needs it.

4. Pop the bowl in the fridge for about 10 minutes.

5. Pile the tuna salad on bread or scoop it up with crackers—whatever you’re feeling.

If you’re curious about another take, check out Culinary Hill’s tuna salad recipe.