Tuna Salad & Tomato Sandwich

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This classic deli-style tuna sandwich is packed with protein and topped with a juicy slice of fresh tomato. This recipe makes one sandwich, but you can easily double or quadruple the recipe to make more. Sweet pickle relish adds a contrast of flavors to the mix, but if you prefer something less sweet, dill pickle relish can be used in its place.

a recipe photo of the Tuna Salad & Tomato Sandwich
Credit:

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser

Active Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
10 mins
Servings:
1
the ingredients to make the Tuna Salad & Tomato Sandwich

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 1 servings

  • 1 (5-ounce) can no-salt-added white tuna in water, drained and flaked

  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise

  • 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh dill

  • 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh chives

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons sweet pickle relish

  • 3/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

  • 2 (1-ounce) slices multigrain bread, lightly toasted

  • 2 large slices tomato (1/4- to 1/2-inch) 

  • 2 thin slices red onion

  • 2 leaves butter lettuce

Directions

  1. Combine tuna, mayonnaise, dill, chives, relish, mustard and pepper in a medium bowl; use a fork to mix well.

    a step in making the Tuna Salad & Tomato Sandwich

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser

  2. Spread the tuna salad on 1 bread slice. Top with tomato, onion, lettuce and the remaining bread slice. Slice in half and serve.

    a step in making the Tuna Salad & Tomato Sandwich

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is canned tuna good for you?

    Whether it’s light or white, or packed in oil or water, canned tuna is a nutritious choice. It’s an excellent source of protein and omega-3s. Children and pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to consume fish lower in mercury, per the FDA. For this reason, brands like Safe Catch, touted as being the lowest in mercury, and chunk light tuna are recommended for this population, though they should still be mindful of their total weekly intake.

  • Are tomatoes healthy?

    Filled with antioxidants and vitamins C and K, tomatoes are loaded with nutrition. They’ve been associated with a healthier heart and blood pressure, as well as healthy skin and eyes.

  • Is multigrain bread the same as whole-grain bread?

    Whole-grain bread may be multigrain, but multigrain does not necessarily mean that it’s whole grain. Whole-grain bread contains flour that is made with the entire kernel, which harbors most of the grain’s nutrients, including fiber. Unless the label says it’s 100% whole-grain, multigrain simply means it has several different types of flour, some of which may be whole and some refined.

  • Can you make tuna salad ahead?

    Absolutely. Making tuna salad ahead allows the ingredients to blend better. Furthermore, chilled tuna salad sandwiches can be refreshing, especially on a hot day. We suggest storing tuna salad or any remaining canned tuna in an airtight glass container in the fridge, which should keep the tuna good for about four days. Be aware that you should never store tuna in an opened tuna can, as it has the potential to be a health hazard due to contamination issues.

  • What is a good substitute for butter lettuce?

    We chose butter lettuce, also known as Bibb lettuce or butterhead, for our tuna salad recipe because of its tender leaves and mild flavor. Good substitutes include romaine, iceberg, green leaf and red leaf lettuce.

  • What goes with tuna salad sandwiches?

    Something salty like classic potato chips or hot french fries with a side of ketchup might be the first thing that comes to mind, but tuna fish sandwiches pair especially well with a healthy green salad, tangy coleslaw, rich tomato soup and potato or pasta salad. And to be deli perfect, you must always include a pickle!

Additional reporting by Carrie Myers, M.S. and Linda Frahm

EatingWell.com, April 2024

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

651 Calories
35g Fat
46g Carbs
40g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 1
Serving Size 1 sandwich
Calories 651
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 46g 17%
Dietary Fiber 10g 35%
Total Sugars 18g
Added Sugars 0g 0%
Protein 40g 79%
Total Fat 35g 45%
Saturated Fat 6g 28%
Cholesterol 62mg 21%
Vitamin A 221µg
Vitamin C 54mg 60%
Vitamin D 2µg
Vitamin E 4mg 26%
Folate 123µg
Vitamin K 127µg
Sodium 713mg 31%
Calcium 124mg 10%
Iron 4mg 22%
Magnesium 135mg 32%
Potassium 1623mg 35%
Zinc 2mg 20%
Vitamin B12 2µg
Omega 3 2g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.