There’s just something comforting about a tuna salad sandwich, especially when it’s made the way Panera does it—simple, fresh, and loaded with flavor. This homemade version is the perfect solution for those cravings, and honestly, once you start making it yourself, you might not feel the need to splurge at the café again.
Why You’ll Love This Sandwich
This sandwich is a total lifesaver on busy days. Whether I’m working from home, shuffling kids between activities, or just too tired to cook a big meal, this tuna sandwich hits the spot. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and honestly tastes like you picked it up from a café—without the price tag. I also love that I can customize each sandwich depending on who’s eating it. One of my kids skips the onions, my husband adds pickles, and I like an extra smear of mustard.
Ingredient Notes and Insights
- Canned Tuna – I prefer solid white albacore in water for a milder flavor and firm texture. Just make sure to drain it well to avoid soggy sandwiches.
- Mayonnaise – Use a good quality mayo for creaminess. I sometimes swap in Greek yogurt for a lighter version, and it still tastes great.
- Sweet Relish – This little ingredient adds a punch of tangy sweetness that makes the filling pop. If you’re not a fan, try finely chopped dill pickles for more bite.
- Dijon Mustard – Adds just the right amount of sharpness without overpowering the tuna.
- Honey Wheat Bread – It’s soft, slightly sweet, and holds up beautifully to the filling. If you want a little crunch, lightly toast it!
- Fresh Veggies – Crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and sliced red onions bring freshness and texture. I like to layer the tomatoes under the tuna so the bread doesn’t get soggy.
Helpful Tips and Tricks
- Chill Your Filling – Don’t skip the refrigeration step. Giving the tuna mixture time to chill not only makes it taste better but also firms it up a bit so it doesn’t squish out of the sandwich.
- Make It a Meal – Serve with kettle chips, a pickle spear, or even a cup of soup for that full “Panera lunch” experience at home.
- Bulk Prep – This tuna salad keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days. I often double the batch and use it throughout the week for quick lunches or wraps.
Make-Ahead Tips
This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can mix the tuna salad and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just wait to assemble the sandwich until you’re ready to eat so the bread stays nice and soft. I sometimes pack the filling in a small container and bring the bread separately for an easy desk lunch.
Serving Suggestions
This sandwich pairs really well with a light side salad or even some fruit on the side for a refreshing lunch. During the warmer months, I like to wrap them up and take them on a picnic or road trip. They’re easy to hold, no mess, and everyone loves them—even the picky eaters.
Storage Advice
If you’ve got leftover tuna salad, store it in the fridge in a sealed container. It’s best eaten within 2–3 days. Once it’s in the sandwich, though, eat it fresh—bread doesn’t hold up well once it soaks in that dressing. If you know you won’t eat the whole sandwich right away, consider packing the filling and bread separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely. While honey wheat gives that sweet café-style taste, sourdough, multigrain, or even a croissant would be delicious too.
What’s a good substitute for sweet relish?
Chopped bread and butter pickles or dill pickles can be swapped in easily. You can also add a pinch of sugar and a splash of vinegar if you want to mimic the tang.
Can I make it dairy-free or lighter?
Yes, just swap the mayo for a dairy-free or reduced-fat version. I’ve used avocado mayo and even mashed avocado before—it’s a different vibe but still tasty.
Final Thoughts
This Copycat Panera Tuna Salad Sandwich is one of those recipes I find myself turning to again and again. It’s cozy, easy, and endlessly customizable. Plus, there’s something satisfying about recreating a café favorite at home, especially when it tastes just as good—and saves you a few bucks along the way. If you’ve never made your own tuna salad sandwich from scratch, this is the one to start with. It might just become your new favorite.
Panera Tuna Salad Sandwich
There’s just something comforting about a tuna salad sandwich, especially when it’s made the way Panera does it—simple, fresh, and loaded with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 can drained Tuna
- 1 1/2 tsp Mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Sweet Relish
- 3/4 tsp Dijon Mustard
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Honey Wheat Bread
- Sliced Red Onions
- Sliced Tomatoes
Instructions
- Mix tuna, mayonnaise, relish and mustard in a bowl.
- Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
- Serve on honey wheat bread with leaf lettuce, slice red onion and sliced tomato.
Nutrition Information
Yield
2Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 154Total Fat 4gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 21mgSodium 342mgCarbohydrates 15gFiber 2gSugar 5gProtein 15g
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.
