This vegan tunacado sandwich copycat is a flavor bomb, combining a vegan tuna mixture with creamy avocado slices, zesty vegan pesto, fresh tomatoes, and a spicy vegan chipotle aioli for a deliciously nutritious sandwich. It's a 10-minute quick fix for lunch or a snack, easy to whip up, and a total crowd-pleaser.
For other great vegan copycat recipes, try Vegan DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe or Vegan Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie (BJ's Copycat), and visit 25 Vegan Copycat Recipes.
The Tunacado TikTok sensation inspired this sandwich. People fell hard for this tuna sandwich thrown into the spotlight by Joe & the Juice, a cafe and juice bar that turned the tunacado sandwich into a superstar on social media.
Somehow, this viral sandwich became the internet's main squeeze, all while I was living under a rock. When I caught wind of this social media sensation, I thought, why not veganize this celebrity of sandwiches? And just like that, I was on a mission to give the Tunacado a plant-based makeover with two of my favorite ingredients - jackfruit and chickpeas.
To learn more about jackfruit, visit A Simple Guide to Jackfruit or see more recipes with jackfruit by visiting Vegan Jackfruit Nachos, BBQ Jackfruit Sliders, or Vegan Jackfruit Quesadillas.
Jump to:
What Is In A Vegan Tunacado Sandwich?
Like a traditional tunacado, it's a crunchy bread hugging a 'tuna' blend. It is transformed into a fluffy, smooth mixture and made with just the right kick, decked out with delicious pesto, creamy avocado, juicy tomato slices, and topped with spicy vegan chipotle aioli and peppers.
While it shares some DNA with my Vegan Chickpea Salad and Vegan Tuna Pasta Salad, this vegan tunacado sets itself apart with its combination of chickpeas, jackfruit, vegan mayo, and spices in a smooth filling made possible with a spin in the food processor.
Why You'll Love This Sandwich
- This vegan copycat tunacado sandwich swaps tuna for a very convincing, flavorful plant-based alternative.
- Despite its gourmet appeal, this sandwich is surprisingly simple to whip up, especially if you have the vegan pesto and aioli ready or store-bought.
- With jackfruit and chickpeas as the base, you get a good dose of protein and fiber.
Does Vegan Tuna Taste Like Traditional Tuna?
Expectation management is key in the world of veganizing classic recipes or copycats. But it's not an overstatement to say this vegan tuna mixture is darn close to the texture and flavor of actual whipped tuna.
If a tuna fish sandwich is what you're after, this plant-based version of the tunacado sandwich is likely to hit the spot. I bet my last avocado that if you serve this tuna in a sandwich to unsuspecting people, it might pass without a hitch.
Drop your thoughts in the comments. I'm eager to hear your take! Your taste-testing tales and culinary confessions are what I live for!
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need. For quantities, see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Here's what you'll need for the 'tuna'. It looks like a lot, but it comes together fast.
Here's what you'll need to assemble the tunacado sandwich.
- Bread - Joe & The Juice's Tunacado sandwich is famously served on their signature, freshly baked focaccia bread. It is really thin and toasted. If you want to mimic the tunacado, opt for vegan focaccia and use a panini press to achieve that perfectly thin and warm texture, using a light oil spray for crispness. Fear not if a panini press isn't available - any bread can rise to the occasion. I love it on toasted ciabatta, sourdough, or sandwich thins because they allow the delicious flavor of the fillings to stand out.
- Use Sunflower Seed Pesto, Pistachio Pesto, or store-bought vegan pesto (Trader Joe's has a good one).
- Use jalapeños or pickled sliced banana peppers.
- Nori is optional but highly recommended for a more authentic 'tuna' flavor. It is often available in the international aisle of most major grocery stores. Substitute it with kelp powder or dulce flakes. And don’t worry—nori won’t go to waste! You can use them in dishes like Vegan Sushi Bake, Vegan Caesar Salad, and Vegan Tuna Pasta Salad.
Variations
- The tunacado isn't just for sandwiches. Serve the 'tuna' mixture and all the other ingredients on a bed of mixed greens with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice.
- Or serve the tuna mixture with some crackers as a delicious tuna dip.
- Spread the mix on a tortilla, add some lettuce, tomatoes, and whatever else you fancy, then roll it up for a quick and easy meal.
How To Make A Vegan Tunacado Sandwich
And now, for the visuals that always delight visual learners and Instagram-scrolling aficionados - it's the recipe in snapshots. For more details, see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Step 1: In a food processor, blend jackfruit, Old Bay, lemon juice, chickpeas, vegan mayo, nori, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne until smooth.
Step 2: Scrape down the sides when necessary. Then, add red onion, capers, and celery, pulsing to keep some chunks.
Step 3: If you are not using store-bought, prepare an easy vegan chipotle aioli and sunflower seed pesto for the sandwich.
Step 4: Assemble sandwiches with the pesto, avocado, tomato, tuna mixture, spicy chipotle aioli, and jalapenos or banana peppers. Cut and serve with hot sauce.
Top Tips
- Optional: Toast bread in a greased panini press to get it thin and crispy, like the Joe & the Juice sandwich. Otherwise, use a regular toaster.
- Part of this sandwich's charm is the play between the toasty, warm bread and the creamy, cool filling, so I recommend serving immediately.
- Aim for a super smooth tuna blend - adjust the mayo to get it right regarding spreadability. If it's not looking whipped, a bit more mayo and a few more pulses should do the trick.
- Whip up the vegan pesto, chipotle aioli, and tuna mix in advance for a faster sandwich and meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
- Crisp pickles are a classic side that adds a crunchy texture and tangy flavor, cutting through the richness of the tuna. Go for dill pickles for a traditional taste or sweet pickles for a bit of contrast.
- Offering a creamy and crunchy texture, this Classic Vegan Coleslaw Recipe is a fantastic side that adds a refreshing touch.
- Try these Delicious Air-Fryer Fries air fryer fries or Baked Vegan Panko-Crusted Zucchini Fries.
- A Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad or a light and fresh garden salad with a vinaigrette dressing like Classic French Salad Dressing perfectly accompanies a tuna sandwich.
Tunacado FAQS
The ingredients for the 'tuna', sunflower pesto, and vegan chipotle aioli are all gluten-free. Just make sure the bread you buy is labeled gluten-free.
When stored properly in an airtight container, the tuna mixture can last 4-5 days in the fridge. The sandwich is best enjoyed fresh to maintain the best texture and flavor of the bread and avocado.
No, not at all. Make sure to rinse the brine off really well for optimal flavor.
Since we aim to replicate the airy texture of Joe and The Juice's Tunacado, using jackfruit is a strategic choice. Jackfruit, along with the chickpeas, can be whipped into a perfect soft texture. Though its flavor is subtle, it's all about texture here. No worries if jackfruit doesn't tickle your fancy or isn't available! I think chickpeas can still get you close to that fluffy goal with enough mayo.
More Delicious Vegan Sandwiches and Wraps
Vegan Tunacado Sandwich
Ingredients
For the 'Tuna'
- 1 20 oz can young green jackfruit in water or brine, drained and rinsed
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ½ lemon
- 1 15 oz can chickpeas drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup vegan mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon crumbled nori optional, for a seafood flavor (alternatively, use kelp powder or dulce granules)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup red onion finely chopped; ~50 grams
- ½ cup celery finely chopped (~50 grams)
- 1 tablespoon capers drained
For the Sandwich
- sourdough slices or any bread
- 1 batch sunflower seed pesto or store-bought vegan pesto (Trader Joe's has a good one)
- 1 batch vegan chipotle aioli or store-bought
- tomatoes sliced
- avocado sliced
- hot sauce
- sliced jalapeños or pickled sliced banana peppers
Instructions
- Prepare the Jackfruit: Rinse and drain the jackfruit to remove the briny flavor. Dry in a towel and remove as much excess moisture as possible by ringing the towel over the sink.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a food process, add the jackfruit, Old Bay Seasoning, lemon juice, chickpeas, vegan mayonnaise, crumbled nori sheet, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Process until smooth, stopping when necessary to scrape down the sides. Remove the lid and add chopped red onion, capers, and celery. Pulse to only barely combine ingredients. We want some chunky parts in there.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want a bit more lemon for brightness or an extra dollop of vegan mayonnaise for creaminess.
- Chill Before Using: This is optional but the 'tuna' tastes even better when chilled. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Make Pesto: After preparing the tuna filling, make the easy 5-minute chipotle sauce and sunflower pesto. This is an optional step because you can use store-bought options.
- Prepare Bread: For bread as thin as Joe & The Juice's, flatten and toast it in a greased panini press. If you prefer, toast your bread in a toaster.
- Assemble Sandwich: Add a layer of pesto, then avocado, tomato, and tuna on one side of the bread. Add chipotle mayo on the other slice of bread, top with jalapenos or banana peppers, and close the sandwich shut.
- Serve: Cut in half and enjoy with your favorite hot sauce.
Sebastian says
If you like the original, this doesn not disappoint and your non-vegan friends will not be able to tell the difference 🙂 🙂 🙂
Regi Pearce says
Thanks so much Seb! Glad you went on the site and tried these!