Get ready to experience the sandwich that took social media by storm! This incredible Tunacado recipe is my carefully crafted homage to the wildly popular sandwich from Joe & The Juice. Imagine a delightful symphony of herby, oil-packed tuna, vibrant basil pesto, creamy slices of avocado, and fresh, juicy tomatoes, all nestled between thin, perfectly toasted bread. It’s simple, incredibly fresh, and packed with so much flavor it’s guaranteed to become your new favorite obsession. Whether you’re seeking a quick, healthy lunch or a light, satisfying dinner, this viral sensation delivers on all fronts.
Author’s Notes
My Obsession with the Viral Tunacado: A Culinary Journey
It’s truly astonishing that it’s taken me this long to share this particular recipe, especially considering how deeply it burrowed itself into my heart (and my lunch rotation!) last summer. The moment the Tunacado started popping up on my social media feeds, I knew I had to try recreating it. The combination of fresh herbs—hello, beautiful dill!—luxurious quality olive-oil-packed tuna (a non-negotiable for a long-time tuna sandwich enthusiast like myself), and my eternally beloved spread, pesto, instantly captivated me.
From the very first bite of my homemade version, I understood the hype. The creamy avocado, with its rich, buttery texture, perfectly complements the bright, herby tuna, while slices of ripe, juicy tomato add a burst of freshness. This sandwich isn’t just good; it’s an experience. I made it for my dad recently, and his immediate declaration that it was the best tuna sandwich he had ever tasted solidified its legendary status in our household. This recipe isn’t just about recreating a viral trend; it’s about elevating a simple lunch into something extraordinary, a testament to the power of fresh, quality ingredients.
Prepare to fall in love with the ultimate blend of flavors and textures, proving that sometimes, the simplest combinations are the most satisfying.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Homemade Tunacado
There’s a reason the Tunacado captured the hearts (and taste buds) of so many, and this homemade version takes all those winning qualities and makes them accessible in your own kitchen. Here’s why you’ll be adding this recipe to your weekly rotation:
- Unbeatable Flavor Profile: It’s a harmonious blend of savory, creamy, fresh, and zesty. The herby tuna, rich pesto, smooth avocado, and bright tomato create a complex yet perfectly balanced taste sensation.
- Fresh and Vibrant: This isn’t your average tuna sandwich. The emphasis on fresh dill, green onions, and ripe produce elevates it, making it feel light and invigorating.
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: With minimal cooking involved and simple steps, you can whip up this gourmet sandwich in just 15 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weekdays or impromptu gatherings.
- A Healthier Indulgence: Packed with protein from the tuna, healthy fats from avocado and olive oil, and fresh vegetables, it’s a satisfying meal that leaves you feeling good.
- Customizable: While the original is perfect, this recipe offers a fantastic base for customization. Adjust the spice, switch up the herbs, or explore different bread types to make it uniquely yours.
- Impressive Yet Effortless: Serve this to guests, and they’ll think you spent hours in the kitchen. Its sophisticated flavors and elegant presentation belie its simple preparation.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Tunacado & Expert Tips
Crafting an exceptional Tunacado starts with selecting the right components. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that signature Joe & The Juice flavor and texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and how to get the most out of each:
Oil-Packed Tuna: The Flavor Foundation
Opting for oil-packed tuna over water-packed is not just a preference, it’s a game-changer for this sandwich. Tuna packed in olive oil (like Genova Albacore Tuna, for instance) is inherently more flavorful, moist, and has a richer texture. While you should drain most of the oil to prevent a soggy sandwich, leaving just a touch (about a teaspoon for two cans) will add an incredible depth and a luscious mouthfeel to your tuna mixture that water-packed varieties simply can’t replicate, even with added olive oil. It’s the secret to that gourmet taste.
Fresh Dill & Chives: The Aromatic Heart
The fresh, vibrant aroma and taste of fresh dill and chives are non-negotiable for an authentic Tunacado. Dried herbs simply won’t deliver the same bright, herbaceous punch. Don’t worry about finely chopping them by hand; your food processor will handle the task beautifully, ensuring they are perfectly incorporated into the tuna mixture without becoming a chunky distraction. These herbs are what give the tuna salad its distinctive fresh character.
Pesto: The Zesty Spread
A good quality pesto is key to tying all the flavors together. Whether you choose to make your own fresh basil pesto (homemade pesto is always a treat if you have the time!) or opt for a high-quality store-bought option, its aromatic basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil provide a beautiful counterpoint to the tuna and avocado. I personally love Rana basil pesto for its consistent flavor and convenience. Spread generously, it forms a delicious foundation for your sandwich.
Seeded Thin-Sliced Bread: The Perfect Vessel
The bread is more than just a holder; it’s an integral part of the Tunacado experience. The original Joe & The Juice sandwich uses a Scandinavian flatbread, but any thin-sliced bread with a good chew and texture will work wonderfully. Think multi-grain, seeded bread (like this Great Grains Multigrain), focaccia, or even ciabatta. The trick is to lightly toast it in a skillet (not a toaster!) with a touch of butter. This method creates a subtly crisp exterior and warm interior without making the bread hard, adding extra flavor and a delightful texture contrast.
Avocado: The Creamy Indulgence
The success of your Tunacado heavily relies on a just-ripe avocado. This means it should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not be mushy. An avocado that’s too soft will squish out of your sandwich, creating a mess, while one that’s too firm will lack the essential creamy texture that balances the other ingredients. The buttery richness of perfectly ripe avocado is what truly elevates this sandwich.
Juicy Tomato & Mayonnaise: Finishing Touches
A ripe, thinly sliced medium tomato adds a much-needed burst of sweet acidity and freshness. Choose a firm, red tomato for the best results. For the tuna mixture, a good-quality mayonnaise provides the essential creamy binder. Don’t skimp here; a better mayo makes a noticeable difference in the overall flavor and consistency of your tuna salad. Finally, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens all the flavors, balancing the richness and making every bite sing.
Crafting Your Viral Tunacado: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making this viral sensation at home is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these simple steps to assemble your own delicious Tunacado sandwich, guaranteeing that perfect balance of flavors and textures.
1. Prepare the Herby Tuna Mixture
The heart of your Tunacado is its flavorful tuna mixture. In a small food processor, combine the well-drained oil-packed tuna (remember to leave just a tiny bit of oil for richness!), creamy mayonnaise, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness, thinly sliced green onions, and the star herb – fresh dill. Add a generous pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Pulse the mixture for about 5-10 seconds. The goal is a light, spreadable consistency that still retains some texture; avoid over-processing until it’s completely smooth. This quick pulsing ensures all the ingredients are well combined while maintaining a satisfying mouthfeel. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, then transfer to a small bowl and refrigerate while you prepare your bread and other components. This brief chill helps the flavors meld beautifully.
2. Toast the Bread to Perfection
The signature crisp-yet-soft bread is crucial. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. While it’s warming, lightly butter one side of each bread slice. This thin layer of butter isn’t just for flavor; it helps achieve that perfect golden-brown crispness without making the bread dry. Place the buttered side down in the hot skillet and toast each side until it’s lightly golden and subtly crisp at the edges, but not hard or overly browned. This quick toast adds a wonderful warmth and texture that elevates the entire sandwich. Once toasted, set the bread aside, ready for assembly.
3. Assemble Your Tunacado Masterpiece
Now for the fun part – assembly! Take your toasted bread slices. Spread approximately 1/2 tablespoon of fresh basil pesto evenly on the inside of each slice. This fragrant layer provides a delightful aromatic base. On one slice of bread, artfully arrange your perfectly ripe avocado slices. On the other slice, layer the thinly cut, juicy tomato. Next, evenly divide your chilled tuna mixture across the avocado and tomato layers, ensuring each sandwich gets a generous portion. Carefully bring the two halves together, gently pressing to secure the fillings. For easier handling and that classic Joe & The Juice presentation, slice each sandwich in half, either diagonally or straight down the middle. Serve your freshly made Tunacado immediately to enjoy it at its peak crispness and flavor.
Smart Storage Solutions & Tips for Optimal Freshness
While the Tunacado is undeniably best enjoyed moments after it’s assembled, a little planning can ensure you savor its deliciousness without waste. Here’s how to manage leftovers and keep your ingredients fresh:
- Assembled Tunacado: For the ultimate experience, consume your sandwich right after making it. The avocado and toasted bread are at their prime when fresh. Waiting too long can lead to soggy bread and browned avocado.
- Tuna Mixture: If you prepare extra tuna mix, it can be stored wonderfully. Transfer any leftover tuna mixture to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. This makes it perfect for meal prep, allowing you to quickly assemble a fresh sandwich whenever a craving strikes.
- Avocado Slices: Avocado is notorious for browning quickly once cut. To combat this, brush any leftover avocado slices generously with lemon juice, which acts as a natural antioxidant. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container to minimize air exposure. Consume these treated avocado slices within 24 hours for the best color and texture.
By following these simple storage tips, you can enjoy the components of your Tunacado at their freshest and minimize food waste.
More Delicious Tuna Recipes to Explore:
If you’re a true tuna aficionado, you’ll love exploring these other versatile and satisfying tuna-based dishes from my kitchen!
Dinner
Creamy Tuna Pasta
Lunch
Avocado Tuna Salad
Salads With Meat
Mediterranean Tuna Salad
Seafood
Tuna Casserole Recipe (In ONE Pan!)
Print Recipe
The Best Homemade Tunacado
Chelsea Lords
15
minutes
15
minutes
4
sandwiches
Video Tutorial
Equipment
- Small food processor
- Skillet
Ingredients
-
2
(5-ounce) cans
tuna in olive oil
drained (leave a little oil for texture) -
1/2
cup
good-quality mayonnaise -
1
lemon
(for 2 teaspoons juice) -
1
tablespoon
thinly sliced green onions -
2
teaspoons
fresh dill - Salt and freshly ground pepper
-
4
thin slices
bread
(multi-grain, seeded, focaccia, or ciabatta work well, like Great Grains Multigrain) -
4
teaspoons
softened butter
(optional, for toasting bread) -
4
tablespoons
fresh basil pesto
(store-bought or homemade) -
1
ripe
avocado
sliced -
1
medium
tomato
thinly sliced
Instructions
- In a small food processor, add the drained tuna, mayonnaise, lemon juice, green onions, fresh dill, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pulse for 5–10 seconds until the mixture is light and spreadable but still has some texture. Be careful not to over-pulse; you want it slightly chunky, not pureed. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then refrigerate while you prepare the other sandwich components.
- Optional (but highly recommended for best results): Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly butter the outer sides of your bread slices. Place the bread in the hot skillet and toast each side until it’s lightly golden and has crisp edges, but avoid browning it too much. This takes just a minute or two per side. Once toasted, remove from the skillet and set aside.
- To assemble, spread about 1/2 tablespoon of fresh basil pesto on the inside of each slice of toasted bread. On one slice of bread, layer the sliced avocado. On the other slice, layer the thinly sliced tomato. Evenly divide the chilled tuna mixture across the avocado and tomato layers. Carefully close the sandwiches. Slice each sandwich in half, either diagonally or straight down the middle, and serve immediately to enjoy its optimal texture and freshness.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Information (per serving)
|
Calories: 587 kcal
|
Carbohydrates: 27g
|
Protein: 19g
|
Fat: 45g
|
Saturated Fat: 8g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat: 16g
|
Monounsaturated Fat: 17g
|
Trans Fat: 0.2g
|
Cholesterol: 51mg
|
Sodium: 669mg
|
Potassium: 424mg
|
Fiber: 4g
|
Sugar: 2g
|
Vitamin A: 656IU
|
Vitamin C: 9mg
|
Calcium: 51mg
|
Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.
Loved this recipe? Leave a comment below!
Customize Your Tunacado: Exciting Variations
Switch Things Up!
While the classic Tunacado is a masterpiece in itself, don’t hesitate to get creative and tailor it to your taste. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next sandwich adventure:
- Spicy Tunacado: For those who love a kick, introduce a touch of heat to your tuna mixture. Finely diced jalapeño or serrano peppers can add a fresh spice, or simply mix in a dash of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for an easy fiery twist.
- Red Pepper Twist: Swap out the traditional basil pesto for a rich and smoky roasted red pepper spread. This gives the sandwich a whole new flavor dimension. For an extra layer of Mediterranean flavor, sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese on top of the tomato and avocado layers.
- Mediterranean Tunacado: Elevate the classic with Mediterranean flair. Add finely chopped black olives, sun-dried tomatoes (rehydrated), and capers to the tuna mixture. A squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of fresh oregano would complete this savory variation.
- Low-Carb Tunacado Bowl: If you’re avoiding bread, transform your Tunacado into a vibrant salad bowl. Pile the delicious tuna mix, creamy avocado slices, and juicy tomato wedges over a bed of crisp baby greens. Drizzle with a light pesto vinaigrette or extra lemon juice for a satisfying and healthy meal.
- Smoked Paprika & Corn: Add a smoky depth to your tuna with a teaspoon of smoked paprika, and for a touch of sweetness and crunch, fold in some fresh or defrosted corn kernels into the tuna mixture.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning Boost: For an extra savory and textural element, sprinkle a generous amount of everything bagel seasoning onto the bread (before or after toasting) or even directly onto the avocado layer.
These variations prove the Tunacado’s versatility, offering endless possibilities to keep your taste buds excited!
Tunacado Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Got questions about recreating the perfect Tunacado at home? Here are answers to some common queries to help you master this viral sandwich!
The iconic Joe & The Juice Tunacado typically features their signature Scandinavian flatbread. However, for a fantastic homemade alternative, any thin-sliced bread with good structure works well. Excellent choices include thin focaccia, a quality whole-wheat sourdough, ciabatta, or a hearty multi-grain bread with seeds. The key is thinness and a bread that toasts well to achieve that perfect crisp-soft balance.
Yes, you can absolutely make a Tunacado with water-packed tuna, though the flavor and texture might be slightly less rich than with oil-packed. To bridge the gap, drain your water-packed tuna thoroughly, then incorporate about 1 to 2 teaspoons of high-quality olive oil into the tuna mixture along with the mayonnaise. This will significantly enhance the flavor and moisture content, bringing it closer to the desired oil-packed tuna experience.
For the most authentic and vibrant Tunacado flavor, fresh herbs are highly recommended and truly make a difference. The bright, pungent notes of fresh dill and green onions are key to the sandwich’s signature taste. If fresh herbs are absolutely unavailable, your next best option would be freeze-dried varieties (such as freeze-dried dill and freeze-dried chives), which retain more flavor than traditional dried herbs. Use about half the amount of freeze-dried herbs as you would fresh.
Yes, the Tunacado can be a very healthy and well-balanced meal! It features lean protein from tuna, healthy monounsaturated fats from avocado and olive oil, and vitamins and fiber from fresh herbs and vegetables. When made with whole-grain bread, it offers complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. While it contains some fat from mayo and pesto, these are generally in moderation and contribute to satiety. It’s a much healthier alternative to many fast-food options.
The Tunacado is quite filling on its own, but it pairs beautifully with light sides. Consider a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette, a cup of tomato soup, a handful of crunchy vegetable chips, or a side of crisp cucumber slices. A refreshing glass of iced tea or sparkling water would also complement its fresh flavors perfectly.