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A crispy tuna melt sandwich with melted cheese on toasted bread.

Classic Tuna Salad Sandwich

A creamy and flavorful tuna salad sandwich made with canned tuna, mayonnaise, celery, and a hint of lemon. A quick and easy deli-style favorite!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Lunch
Cuisine American, Deli
Servings 4 sandwiches
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Fork
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Ingredients
  

Tuna Salad Base

  • 2 cans tuna Drained (5 oz each).
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise Or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice Freshly squeezed.
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard Adds depth to the flavor.
  • 1 stalk celery Finely diced for crunch.
  • 2 tbsp red onion Finely chopped (optional).
  • 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish Optional, for a hint of sweetness.
  • ½ tsp salt To taste.
  • ¼ tsp black pepper To taste.

For the Sandwich

  • 8 slices bread White, whole wheat, or sourdough.
  • 4 leaves lettuce Crisp romaine or iceberg.
  • 4 slices tomato Optional, for freshness.
  • 1 tbsp butter Optional, for toasting the bread.

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, flake the drained tuna with a fork to break it up.
  • Add mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion (if using), pickle relish, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more mayonnaise or mustard if desired.
  • Optional: Lightly butter and toast the bread in a pan for extra crunch.
  • Place a leaf of lettuce on a slice of bread, then spread a generous amount of tuna salad over it.
  • Add a slice of tomato if using, then top with another slice of bread.
  • Slice in half and serve immediately, or wrap in foil and refrigerate for later.

Notes

For a protein boost, add a boiled egg to the tuna mixture. Serve on toasted bread, in a lettuce wrap, or as a dip with crackers.
Keyword Easy Lunch, Sandwich, Tuna Salad