The Tunacado is a viral sandwich inspired by Joe and the Juice’s recipe. With creamy avocado slices, flavorful tuna salad, and crisp romaine lettuce between toasted bread, it's bound to become a lunch favorite.
For similar recipes, try the Best Tuna Salad Recipe and my Creamy Turkey or Chicken Salad next.
Joe and the Juice Tunacado
I first came across the Tunacado on TikTok, and instantly knew I had to try this at home. It’s a copycat of the sandwich from Joe and the Juice, a chain restaurant with locations around Europe and select parts of the United States—though, unfortunately, not Texas.
This isn't your average tuna salad sandwich either; it’s got a smooth, almost mousse-like texture that pairs so well with the creamy avocado. I love how the combination of flavors is both delicious and filling, making it perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
What is the Tunacado?
The tunacado is a tuna and avocado sandwich. It's a popular menu item at Joe & The Juice, a European sandwich franchise. Their sandwich features Joe's classic bread (toasted whole wheat bread), avocado, tuna mousse, vegan pesto, and tomato.
Ingredients
- Canned tuna: I use albacore tuna (in water) for its mild flavor and firm texture. Be sure to drain it well so we're just left with the meat. It’s packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making this sandwich both nutritious and satisfying.
- Mayonnaise: This adds the perfect amount of creaminess, binding the tuna salad together. You can adjust the amount based on how creamy you like your tuna salad.
- Dijon mustard: A little goes a long way in adding a slight tang and depth to the flavor. It complements the tuna and balances out the richness of the mayo.
- Sweet relish: This brings a touch of sweetness and a bit of crunch to the mix, giving the tuna salad a nice contrast in texture and flavor.
- Red onion: Finely chopped red onion adds a sharp bite and a pop of color, but it's not too overpowering. It helps brighten the overall taste of the sandwich.
- Seasoning: I love using Cajun seasoning for a bit of a kick, along with black pepper for a subtle heat that ties everything together.
- Avocados: Sliced avocados are a must for this sandwich. They provide healthy fats and add a smooth, creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the tuna salad.
- Romaine lettuce: Crisp romaine lettuce leaves give the sandwich a refreshing crunch. It adds extra texture and freshness to each bite.
- Bread of choice: You can use any bread you like, but I’m partial to toasted sourdough. It’s sturdy enough to hold everything together and has a nice, tangy flavor. Whole grain is another great option for added fiber and nutrients.
How to Make a Tunacado
See recipe card for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
First, I drain the albacore tuna and add it to a medium-sized bowl. Then, I mix in the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, sweet relish, red onion, Cajun seasoning, and black pepper until everything is fully combined.
After setting the tuna salad aside, I toast the bread by adding some butter or olive oil to a cast iron skillet and brown the bread on both sides until golden. You can also use a toaster if you prefer.
Once the bread is perfectly toasted, I add equal portions of sliced avocado to each slice. Then, I spread about ¼ cup of the prepared tuna salad evenly over the avocado.
I finish by topping the sandwich with romaine lettuce, cutting the tunacado in half. Finally, enjoy!
Pro Tips
- Drain the tuna well. Make sure to fully drain the tuna to avoid a watery salad. Press the tuna gently with a fork to get rid of any excess liquid before mixing it with the other ingredients.
- Customize the seasoning. If you’re not a fan of Cajun seasoning, swap it out for other spices like smoked paprika or even a squeeze of lemon for a more citrusy flavor.
- Toast the bread right. For the perfect crunch, toast the bread in a skillet with butter or olive oil. This adds flavor and ensures the bread stays sturdy and doesn’t get soggy from the tuna salad and avocado.
- Layer strategically. Add the avocado slices directly onto the toasted bread first. This creates a barrier between the bread and the tuna salad, helping prevent the bread from getting soggy.
Variations
Pesto: My version skips the pesto, but Joe & The Juice adds a vegan pesto to their sandwich. If you want to try it, spread a layer of pesto on the bread before adding the avocado slices for an extra burst of flavor.
Optional toppings: Feel free to customize your sandwich with any toppings you like! Some great additions include tomatoes, sprouts, pickles, jalapeños, or banana peppers for added crunch and flavor.
Cheese: For an extra layer of creaminess, add a slice of your favorite cheese, like Swiss or provolone. It melts well if you toast the sandwich in the skillet once the sandwich is assembled.
Storage
To store your tunacado sandwich, wrap it tightly in parchment paper to keep everything in place and prevent the bread from getting soggy. For best results, store it in the fridge then enjoy it within 24 hours. If you want to prep ahead, keep the tuna salad and toppings separate and assemble just before serving.
Tools for This Recipe
- Mixing bowl - To combine the tuna salad ingredients.
- Fork or spatula - For mixing the tuna salad.
- Cast iron skillet or toaster - To toast the bread.Knife - To slice the avocado and bread.
- Cutting board - For prepping ingredients like avocado and onion.
- Parchment paper - For wrapping and storing the sandwich.
FAQ
What is the difference between spicy Tunacado and Tunacado?
The spicy Tunacado sandwich includes jalapeños and tabasco for an extra kick.
What kind of bread does Joe and the Juice use?
The franchise uses thinly sliced, toasted whole wheat bread for their sandwiches.
Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
You can prepare the tuna salad ahead and store it in the fridge, but it's best to assemble the sandwich just before eating. This way, the bread stays fresh and crispy, and the avocado doesn’t brown.
Related
Looking for other sandwich recipes like this? Try these:
Once you try this Tunacado recipe, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Comment below and follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for more delicious recipes!
📖 Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 5 ounce cans Albacore tuna in water, drained
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 ½ tablespoons Sweet relish
- ¼ cup Red onion finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1-2 whole Avocados sliced
- Romaine lettuce leaves
- Bread of choice
Instructions
- Add the drained albacore tuna into a medium size bowl then add in the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, sweet relish, red onion, Cajun seasoning, and black pepper.
- Mix all of the ingredients together until they are fully combined. Set the tuna salad aside and toast the bread.
- Add some butter or olive oil to a cast iron skillet and toast the bread on both sides until it is golden brown. Alternatively, you can use a toaster.
- Once the bread is toasted, add equal portions of sliced avocado to each slice of bread. Then top the avocado with about ¼ cup of the prepared tuna salad and spread it out evenly.
- Top the tuna with the lettuce. Cut the tunacado sandwich in half, and enjoy!
Video
Auntee Tracy says
This is a must try