You need to try this homemade and gourmet version of the Classic Joe & the juice Tunacado sandwich! Crispy ciabatta bread, deep filled with a delicious tuna filling, juicy beef tomatoes, avocado and a healthy spread of gorgeous pesto!

If you’re looking for a fresh, healthy, and delicious twist on the traditional tuna salad, look no further than the Tunacado! This simple yet satisfying recipe combines the classic elements of tuna salad with creamy avocado, giving it a rich texture and extra flavor. Whether you’re making a quick lunch or prepping a light dinner, this tunacado recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
What is Tunacado?
Tunacado is exactly what it sounds like—a blend of tuna and avocado. By mixing these two nutritious ingredients, you get a dish that’s not only flavorful but also packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber. The buttery avocado complements the mild, meaty tuna, creating a satisfying and wholesome meal. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be customized with your favorite add-ins.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients!
(The measurements & recipe card can be found at the bottom of this page):
Tunacado tuna mix
- Canned tuna
- Mayonnaise
- Garlic powder
- Onion salt
- Spring onions
- Black pepper
- Shallot
- Fresh lemon juice
- Dijon mustard
- Fresh Dill
Other Ingredients
- Ciabatta bread
- Beef tomatoes
- Avocado
- Fresh lemon juice
- Hot sauce
- Black pepper
- Seasalt
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh pesto
Instructions
- Preheat the grill/broiler in your oven.
- Mix together in a large bowl all of the tuna mix ingredients.
- Season the sliced tomatoes with maldon sea salt and pepper. Squeeze half of the lemon across the avocado.
- Slice the ciabatta bread in half and lightly brush with olive oil, grill for 1-2 minutes in the oven until the bread is warmed through and slightly golden.
- Assemble the Tunacado – libralley spread pesto on both sides of the ciabatta, add the tuna mix, then the sliced tomatoes and avocado. Enjoy straight away or wrap in parchment paper!

Why You’ll Love Tunacado
- Healthy Fats: Avocado provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, while tuna offers lean protein.
- Quick & Easy: This recipe takes just 10 minutes to throw together—perfect for busy weekdays.
- Versatile: The tunacado can be customized with your favorite add-ins like olives, tomatoes, or even a bit of grated cheese.
- Meal prep friendly: You can make the tuna mix ahead of time
- High protein: The tuna makes this sandwich a great option to up your protein intake! One serving contains over 24g of protein!
Variations to Try
- Spicy Tunacado: Add a dash of sriracha or a chopped jalapeño for a spicy twist.
- Tuna Salad Bowl: Serve the tunacado in a bowl and top with cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
- Tunacado on Toast: Spread the tunacado on toasted whole-grain bread for a simple yet satisfying breakfast or lunch.
Final Thoughts
Tunacado is the perfect dish when you want something quick, healthy, and packed with flavor. It’s a wonderful alternative to the classic tuna salad and adds a creamy, velvety richness thanks to the avocado. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a snack, or an easy dinner, this recipe will satisfy your cravings without compromising on taste or nutrition.
Give this tunacado recipe a try and let us know how you like to serve it!


Homemade Tunacado Sandwich – Joe and the juice
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1-2 servings
Description
Crispy ciabatta bread, deep filled with a delicious tuna filling, juicy beef tomatoes, avocado and a healthy spread of gorgeous pesto!
Ingredients
Tunacado tuna mix ingredients
- Tuna – 1 x can
- Mayonnaise – 2 x tablespoons
- Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
- Onion salt – ¼ teaspoon
- Spring onions – 2 x stalks sliced finely
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Shallot – ½ finely chopped
- Fresh lemon juice – ½ Lemon
- Dijon mustard – 1 teaspoon
- Fresh Dill – 2 x tablespoons (chopped)
Other ingredients
- Ciabatta half – x 1
- Beef tomato – 1 x sliced
- Avocado – ½ sliced
- Fresh lemon juice – ½ Lemon (for avocado)
- Hot sauce (optional)
- Black pepper
- Seasalt
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh pesto
Instructions
- Preheat the grill/broiler in your oven
- Mix together, in a large bowl, all of the tuna mix ingredients listed above.
- Season the sliced tomatoes with maldon sea salt and pepper. Squeeze half of the lemon across the avocado.
- Slice the ciabatta bread in half and lightly brush with olive oil, grill for 1-2 minutes in the oven until the bread is warmed through and slightly golden.
- Assemble the Tunacado – libralley spread pesto on both sides of the ciabatta, add the tuna mix, then the sliced tomatoes and avocado. Enjoy straight away or wrap in parchment paper!
Notes
- The tunamix can be used for 1 x loaded Tuna sandwich or 2 smaller servings.
- You can also use the leftover beef tomatoes and over half of the avocado to build another Tunacado 🙂
- Optional: Add hot sauce or Jalepenos for a spicy tunacado
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Homemade
- Cuisine: Italian