Name: Spicy Tuna Salad Sandwich with Avocado and Pesto Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 can flaked or chunk tuna packed in water, drained (about 5 oz); 2 Tbsp red onion, finely diced; 2 tsp drained capers; 1 Tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped; 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard; 3–4 Tbsp plain Greek yogurt; 1 Tbsp lemon juice; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 slices whole wheat bread, toasted; 1/4 avocado, mashed; 1–2 Tbsp pesto (approximately 1 Tbsp used for nutrition); 1–2 slices tomato; Salt and pepper, to taste

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If you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, but with just the right amount of kick, this Spicy Tuna Salad Sandwich with Avocado and Pesto Recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to. I’ve made it countless times for quick lunches and even casual gatherings, and every time it impresses! What makes this sandwich truly stand out is the creamy avocado paired with zesty pesto, perfectly complementing the spicy tuna mousse inside.

Whether you’re packing lunch for work, whipping up a weekend snack, or just want a light dinner, this recipe comes together quickly and effortlessly. Plus, the combination of protein-packed tuna and healthy fats from the avocado means it’s as nourishing as it is delicious. You’re going to love how simple ingredients turn into something so satisfying with this Spicy Tuna Salad Sandwich with Avocado and Pesto Recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this recipe balance each other perfectly — creamy, tangy, and with the right spice level. Don’t worry about hard-to-find items; I’ll share tips so you can easily shop smart and make this sandwich amazing every time.

Tuna (canned, packed in water): Look for chunk or flaked tuna for better texture—avoid oil-packed if you want something lighter.
Red onion: Finely diced to add a subtle sharpness and crunch without overpowering the flavors.
Capers: These add a salty, briny punch that’s essential for that perfect spicy tuna taste.
Fresh dill: Fresh really shines here, lending a fragrant, herbaceous lift to the tuna mousse.
Dijon mustard: I use this for a bit of tang and mild heat that balances the creaminess.
Plain Greek yogurt: This replaces mayo for creaminess with fewer calories and a nice protein boost.
Lemon juice: A squeeze brightens the flavors and stops the avocado from browning too fast.
Whole wheat bread: Toasted, it gives a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that holds up well to the filling.
Avocado: Choose ripe but firm so it mashes smoothly without getting mushy.
Pesto: Just a tablespoon adds depth and herbaceous richness—store-bought works great, or homemade if you’re feeling ambitious.
Tomato slices: A fresh, juicy element that balances the sandwich perfectly.
Salt and pepper: To taste—season as you go for best results!

Variations

One of the reasons I love the Spicy Tuna Salad Sandwich with Avocado and Pesto Recipe is how flexible it is. You can tailor it to what you have on hand or your particular tastes without losing the magic.

Variation: I sometimes swap Greek yogurt for mashed avocado in the tuna mousse to make it extra creamy and dairy-free—totally delicious and smooth.
Make it vegan: Try chickpeas instead of tuna with the same seasoning for a plant-based twist.
Extra heat: Add a dash of cayenne or a drizzle of sriracha if you want more punch—I usually keep it mild but have friends who swear by the extra spice.
Crunch factor: Toss in some finely chopped celery or cucumber for a refreshing crunch.

How to Make Spicy Tuna Salad Sandwich with Avocado and Pesto Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Tuna “Mousse”

Start by draining your tuna well—this step is key to avoid a soggy sandwich. In a bowl, gently mix the tuna with finely diced red onion, capers, and freshly chopped dill. Then add the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Greek yogurt, folding everything together until creamy but still chunky. Taste and season with salt and pepper; it’s all about that balance of flavors here. I recommend chilling this mixture for 10-15 minutes if you have the time, as it helps the flavors marry beautifully.

Step 2: Prep the Bread and Avocado

While the tuna chills, toast your whole wheat bread slices until golden and crispy—this prevents sogginess and adds a lovely texture contrast. Mash the avocado with a fork, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper. Spreading the avocado evenly gives a creamy base that also prevents moisture from seeping into the bread.

Step 3: Assemble Your Sandwich

Start by spreading the mashed avocado over one slice of toasted bread, then dollop on about a tablespoon or two of pesto. Scoop a generous amount of the tuna mousse on top, and add fresh tomato slices. Close the sandwich with the second slice of bread. Give it a light press—just enough to hold everything together without squashing those fresh ingredients.

How to Serve Spicy Tuna Salad Sandwich with Avocado and Pesto Recipe

The image shows various ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. At the top left, there is a white bowl filled with shredded light pink fish. Next to it on the right, fresh green dill sprigs are placed. Below the fish bowl, two brown whole eggs rest side by side. Surrounding the eggs are a few lemon wedges with bright yellow flesh. Small white bowls hold finely chopped red onions, yellow mustard sauce, small green capers, and white creamy sauce, all positioned in the middle area. To the left bottom corner, a white bowl contains mashed avocado with a chunky texture. Near the center bottom, three slices of red tomato are stacked. At the bottom right, there are three pieces of toasted brown bread stacked slightly overlapping. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra fresh dill or some cracked black pepper on top when serving, it adds a fresh aroma and looks inviting. Sometimes, a pinch of red pepper flakes on the tuna adds a subtle heat that I adore.

Side Dishes

Simple sides work best here—think crisp pickle spears, a handful of crunchy veggie chips, or a light green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. These keep the meal balanced and fresh without overwhelming the sandwich’s delicate flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual entertaining, I like to cut the sandwich into smaller triangles and serve on a rustic wooden board with colorful toothpicks holding them together. It turns an everyday lunch into a fun little get-together. You could also serve open-faced on toasted crostini for a fancy appetizer vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover tuna mousse, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. I usually consume it within 2 days for the best freshness. Keep the bread, avocado, and pesto separate to avoid sogginess if you plan to enjoy the sandwich later.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal for this Spicy Tuna Salad Sandwich with Avocado and Pesto Recipe because both avocado and pesto can change in texture and lose freshness. I recommend enjoying it fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen.

Reheating

This is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If your bread isn’t as toasty when you’re ready to eat, a quick toast before assembling is all you need for that fresh crunch.

FAQs

Can I use canned salmon instead of tuna for this sandwich?

Absolutely! Canned salmon makes a delicious alternative and pairs beautifully with the avocado and pesto. Just make sure to drain it well and flake it finely to get the right texture in your tuna mousse.
How spicy is this Spicy Tuna Salad Sandwich with Avocado and Pesto Recipe?

The spice level is mild by default thanks to the Dijon mustard and capers, but you can easily adjust to your liking by adding extra pepper, cayenne, or a splash of hot sauce. It’s a super flexible recipe!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! Prepare the tuna mousse ahead and store it in the fridge. Just keep bread, avocado, and pesto separate until you’re ready to assemble for the freshest sandwich possible.
Can I use other types of bread?

Of course! Whole wheat adds a nice nutty backdrop, but I’ve also enjoyed this sandwich on sourdough, rye, or even a hearty multigrain. Toast it lightly so it holds up to the filling.
What if I don’t have capers on hand?

You can skip them, but they really add a little burst of saltiness that lifts the whole recipe. If you want, try a small spoonful of chopped olives or a dash of anchovy paste as a creative substitute.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, the Spicy Tuna Salad Sandwich with Avocado and Pesto Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for how quick it is to throw together and how satisfying each bite feels. If you’re looking for a sandwich that’s both comforting and bright with fresh ingredients, give this one a try—you’ll thank yourself! Plus, it’s easy to tweak so it fits what you love most. I can’t wait for you to make it and see how it fits perfectly into your lunch rotation.