There’s something about a tuna salad sandwich that just screams spring and summer. It’s light but filling, creamy but fresh, and perfect for everything from a quick lunch to a picnic at the park. I used to find myself stopping by Panera every time a craving hit — until I started making this copycat version at home.
Now, it’s become a staple in my kitchen. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and tastes just like the real deal. Honestly, it might even be better because you can tweak it to your taste and build your sandwich exactly how you like it.
Why You’ll Love This Sandwich
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Simple pantry ingredients – Nothing fancy or expensive.
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Quick to make – Mix, chill, and build your sandwich in under 20 minutes.
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Budget-friendly – One can of tuna feeds the whole family for a fraction of the cost.
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Customizable – Make it just like Panera or add your own twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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1 can of tuna, drained – I like solid white albacore for a firmer texture, but chunk light tuna works too.
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1 ½ teaspoons mayonnaise – For that creamy base.
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1 teaspoon sweet relish – Adds a little tangy sweetness that makes the filling pop.
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¾ teaspoon Dijon mustard – Balances the richness with a subtle bite.
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Salt and pepper – To bring all the flavors together.
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Honey wheat bread – Just like Panera uses, but you can swap in multigrain or sourdough.
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Leaf lettuce, sliced red onion, and sliced tomato – For freshness and crunch.
Step-by-Step: How I Make It
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Mix the filling – In a medium bowl, combine tuna, mayo, relish, mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
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Chill it – Let it rest in the fridge for at least 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
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Build your sandwich – Layer leaf lettuce, sliced tomato, and red onion on honey wheat bread. Add a generous scoop of tuna salad and top with the second slice of bread.
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Serve and enjoy – Pair with a pickle spear or chips for the full Panera vibe.
My Tips for the Perfect Sandwich
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Toast the bread – Lightly toasting adds texture and helps the sandwich hold together better.
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Add extra crunch – Thinly sliced cucumber or shredded carrots make a fun addition.
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Make it ahead – The tuna filling keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Pack it for lunch – Wrap it tightly in parchment to keep it fresh until you’re ready to eat.
Storage
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Refrigerate – Store the tuna salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Assemble the sandwiches fresh so the bread doesn’t get soggy.
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Meal prep tip – Make a double batch of the tuna salad to have ready for easy weekday lunches.
FAQs About CopyCat Panera Tuna Salad Sandwich
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?
Yes! It lightens up the filling and still keeps it creamy.
What’s the best bread for this sandwich?
Honey wheat is the classic choice, but multigrain or ciabatta works beautifully too.
Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
Yes, but for the best texture, store the tuna salad and bread separately and assemble just before eating.
How can I make it spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne, a dash of hot sauce, or swap in spicy Dijon mustard.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely — just skip the onions if your kids don’t like them.
CopyCat Panera Tuna Salad Sandwich
Bring the flavors of your favorite café home with this easy tuna salad sandwich.
Ingredients
- 1 can tuna, drained
- 1 1/2 teaspoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon sweet relish
- 3/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Honey wheat bread
- Leaf lettuce
- Sliced red onion
- Sliced tomato
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, relish, and Dijon mustard. Stir until well mixed and creamy.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- To assemble, layer the tuna salad on slices of honey wheat bread, then top with fresh lettuce, crisp red onion slices, and juicy tomatoes. Slice in half and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Yield
2Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 210Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 38mgSodium 644mgCarbohydrates 16gFiber 2gSugar 6gProtein 23g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This copycat Panera tuna salad sandwich is the kind of recipe that you’ll find yourself making on repeat. It’s quick, affordable, and every bit as satisfying as the restaurant version. Pair it with a cold lemonade or iced tea, and you’ve got yourself the perfect spring or summer meal without ever leaving home.
