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Nuts and Twigs » Recipes » Main Courses

Vegan Tuna Sandwich

Published: Feb 27, 2024 · Modified: Jan 6, 2025 by Regi Pearce · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

This vegan tuna sandwich combines a vegan tuna mixture made with jackfruit and chickpeas 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, easy to whip up, and a total crowd-pleaser.

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side view of tunacado sandwich; all the layers showing - pesto, avocado, tomato, vegan tuna, vegan chipotle aioli on whole wheat round bread

If you miss tuna sandwiches but not the fishy vibes, this one’s for you. While it shares some DNA with my Vegan Chickpea Salad and Vegan Tuna Pasta Salad, this vegan tuna sandwich 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.

Just like my Mini Hummus and Veggie Pinwheels, it's perfect for lunch boxes, road trips, picnics, or beach days. Need more inspo? Check out my roundup of 20+ Vegan Lunch Box Ideas that make sad lunches a thing of the past.

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:
  • Why You'll Love This Sandwich
  • Does Vegan Tuna Taste Like Traditional Tuna?
  • Ingredients
  • Variations
  • How To Make A Vegan Tuna Sandwich
  • Top Tips
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Vegan Tuna Sandwich FAQS
  • More Delicious Vegan Sandwiches and Wraps
  • Vegan Tuna Sandwich
  • Comments

Why You'll Love This Sandwich

  • The tuna filling is a very convincing, flavorful plant-based alternative to tuna.
  • 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 is likely to hit the spot. I’d bet my last avocado - and maybe even 3-to-1 odds - that if you serve this jackfruit tuna in a sandwich to unsuspecting people, it’ll pass without a hitch. They might even ask what brand of tuna you used. 

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.

tuna ingredients in bowl; top view

Here's what you'll need for the 'tuna'. It looks like a lot, but it comes together fast.

Ingredients for tunacado sandwich on a table

Here's what you'll need to assemble the sandwich.

  • Bread - Focaccia is delicious with this tuna filling. 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

  • 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 Tuna Sandwich

Here is the recipe in snapshots. For more details, see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

top view of food processor with some of the ingredients for vegan tuna

Step 1: In a food processor, blend jackfruit, Old Bay, lemon juice, chickpeas, vegan mayo, nori, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne until smooth.

top view of ingredients for vegan tuna in food processor including celery, red onions, and capers

Step 2: Scrape down the sides when necessary. Then, add red onion, capers, and celery, pulsing to keep some chunks.

spatula with Sunflower Seed Pesto in food processor

Step 3: If you are not using store-bought, prepare an easy vegan chipotle aioli and sunflower seed pesto for the sandwich.

top view making a tunacado sandwich - spoon with scoop of vegan tuna going on sandwich bread

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. 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.
tunacado sandwich on sourdough bread; side view of the layers with pesto, avocado, vegan chipotle aioli, vegan tuna, and banana peppers

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. For another crowd-pleasing option, don’t miss my Creamy Vegan Dill Potato Salad - equally easy and just as delicious.
  • A Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad, or a light and fresh garden salad with a vinaigrette dressing, such as Classic French Salad Dressing, pairs perfectly with a tuna sandwich.
close up side view of tunacado sandwich and it's layers of vegan pesto avocado, tomato, vegan tuna, jalapenos, and vegan chipotle aioli.

Vegan Tuna Sandwich FAQS

Is this vegan tuna sandwich gluten-free?

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.

How long does vegan tuna last in the fridge?

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.

Can you taste the jackfruit in vegan tuna?

No, not at all. Make sure to rinse the brine off really well for optimal flavor.

Well, if you can't taste it, why use jackfruit? Can I leave it out?

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.

side view of tunacado sandwich - see the layers of pesto, tomato, vegan tuna, and jalapeno on top

More Delicious Vegan Sandwiches and Wraps

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    Vegan Philly Cheesesteak
  • side view of vegan falafel pita sandwich on a plate with chips.
    Falafel Pita Sandwich
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    Vegan BLT Sandwich With Soy Curls
  • Open Faced Mushroom Sandwiches
    Open-Face Mushroom Sandwich

Got a minute? Dive into the comments and rate this Vegan Tuna Sandwich to let me know how it turned out for you. Was it a hit? Any twists you added? I want to know if my directions were any good. Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for inspiration.

vegan tuna sandwich; side view of the layers.

Vegan Tuna Sandwich

Regi Pearce
This vegan tuna sandwich is a flavor bomb—creamy avocado, zesty pesto, juicy tomatoes, and spicy chipotle aioli all in one 10-minute lunch that’s easy, delicious, and always a hit.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course dinner, lunch, main course
Cuisine American, Vegan
Servings 6 sandwiches
Calories 222 kcal

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
Get Recipe Ingredients

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 your bread, 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.

Video

Notes

When using nori, I cut about 4-inch square from a nori sheet to use in this dish. Adjust according to how much of an ocean flavor you want.
I'm a fan of a saltier tuna salad. For those sensitive to salt, remember Old Bay Seasoning includes salt, so you might skip adding extra. The salt adds an 'ocean' vibe, and it's balanced out by the other ingredients in the sandwich, making it less intense than on its own.
Trader Joe's sells a delicious vegan pesto if you don't want to make a homemade version.
Despite tossing the onions and celery into the food processor, you'll want to give them a fine chop first to ensure they don't dominate the dish. The idea is to pulse them just enough to integrate without turning them into the main act, so starting with smaller pieces is key.
While any bread will work in this recipe, toasted focaccia is wonderful. Use vegan focaccia and press in a panini press with oil spray for that crisp, thin texture. If you don't have a press, use a regular toaster.
Thicker breads like ciabatta or sourdough also work beautifully, but presliced Sandwich Thins from Oroweat are 100% whole wheat, very thin, and very delicious. (It is the bread used in the picture accompanying this recipe card)
Pressing the entire sandwich in a panini press is an option, but one charm of this sandwich lies in the contrast of warm bread with cool, chilled fillings. I prefer to use the press solely to press the bread, ensuring that delightful temperature contrast.
The nutritional information provided is approximate. The estimate is only based on the tuna mixture since bread size and condiment quantities vary. 

Nutrition

Calories: 222kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 357mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 1g | Calcium: 82mg | Iron: 1mg
Keywords healthy, meal prep, quick, tiktok
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About Regi Pearce

Hello! I am Regi, the creator of Nuts & Twigs. I debunk the myths that vegan food is all nuts and twigs and offer plant-based scrumptiousness that goes far beyond that "rabbit food" stereotype. So grab your fork and put on your stretchy pants, 'cause you're gonna want seconds.

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Sebastian says

    March 01, 2024 at 1:21 pm

    5 stars
    If you like the original, this doesn not disappoint and your non-vegan friends will not be able to tell the difference 🙂 🙂 🙂

    Reply
    • Regi Pearce says

      March 01, 2024 at 2:05 pm

      Thanks so much Seb! Glad you went on the site and tried these!

      Reply

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Regina Pearce

I'm Regi.

Head nut, chief twig, and creator of Nuts & Twigs. My husband, Rob, and I live in Colorado. Here, you can expect delicious vegan recipes that make you realize that a life without cheese is not only possible but also worth living.

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vegan tuna sandwich; side view of the layers.

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