Subway Tuna Sandwich Recipe (Copycat) – Quick, Easy & Delicious

If you’re a fan of Subway’s classic tuna sandwich, you’re going to love this homemade version. It’s creamy, fresh, and packed with flavor, just like the one from the restaurant—but even better! Plus, it’s easy to make with a few simple ingredients, so you probably have everything on hand already to make it.

Why I Love This Copycat Subway Tuna Recipe

A few years ago, my friend Sarah shared her secret for making the perfect Subway-style tuna sandwich at home. She’s always been my go-to for simple, delicious recipes, and this one didn’t disappoint.

I remember trying it for the first time and being blown away by how spot-on it tasted—creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor, just like the one from Subway.

Now, every time I make it, I think of her and all of the time we used to spend chatting in her kitchen, swapping recipes, and enjoying this sandwich together. It’s a nostalgic favorite that I love sharing with my family - yes, they love it now too. In fact, my kids go crazy for this one when I make it - they scarf it down in no time.

Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Subway’s Tuna At Home

Here’s everything you need to whip up this Subway tuna salad sandwich recipe:

• 2 (5-oz) cans tuna in oil
• 2 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 6-inch sandwich buns
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 6 tomato slices
• ¼ cup sliced cucumber
• ¼ cup sliced red onions
• ⅛ cup pickled jalapeños
• 2 tablespoon ranch dressing

How to Make a Subway Tuna Sandwich at Home

Just a handful of simple steps are all you have to follow to make this delicious recipe.

Step 1: Make the Tuna Salad

Drain the tuna packed in oil and transfer it to a mixing bowl. Flake the tuna with a fork, then stir in the mayonnaise and lime juice until smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Prep the Bread

Slice the sandwich buns in half lengthwise. If you like, lightly toast the buns for a warm, crispy base.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich

Spread the creamy tuna salad evenly onto the top half of each bun. On the bottom half, layer shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, cucumber, red onions, and pickled jalapeños.

Step 4: Add Ranch Dressing

Drizzle a little ranch dressing over the veggies for a tangy, creamy boost that ties all the flavors together.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Place the top bun with the tuna salad over the veggies, press gently, and slice the sandwich in half. Serve immediately and enjoy!

My Expert Tips for the Perfect Tuna Sandwich

Drain That Tuna Like You Mean It: I learned this the hard way—more than once, honestly. If you don’t drain the tuna well, your sandwich can end up tasting watery or even a little oily, and it totally throws off the texture. Now I always press the tuna against a fine-mesh strainer or squeeze it out gently using the lid of the can. It takes an extra minute, but it makes your tuna salad so much creamier and more balanced.

Add a Little Something Extra: Subway keeps their tuna mix super simple, and while I love that classic taste, I can’t help but dress it up a bit. My go-to move? A spoonful of finely diced celery for crunch and a small squeeze of Dijon mustard for a subtle kick. Sometimes I’ll throw in a pinch of garlic powder or a tiny splash of pickle juice if I’m feeling bold. Little additions like these give the tuna salad more dimension without making it feel “fancy”—it still tastes like the sandwich you crave, just better.

The Veggies Matter - Trust Me: A great tuna sandwich isn’t just about the filling—it’s about the contrast. Fresh veggies take it from good to great. I always reach for crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and thinly sliced cucumber. If you like a little heat, banana peppers or jalapeños are amazing, too. Just make sure your veggies are dry (especially the lettuce) so they don’t make your bread soggy. It’s that crunchy-fresh bite that makes each bite feel satisfying and complete.

To Toast or Not to Toast? Toast: Okay, this one comes down to personal preference, but for me? Toasted is the way to go. It gives the sandwich that little bit of crispness on the outside while staying soft inside. Plus, if you’re melting cheese on top, a quick broil makes everything golden and bubbly—basically, a grown-up version of the tuna melt I used to beg for as a kid.

FAQs About This Copycat Subway Tuna Recipe

Can I freeze tuna salad or a fully made sandwich?

Freezing tuna salad that’s made with mayo isn’t ideal. Once it thaws, the mayo tends to separate and the texture becomes watery or grainy—not exactly what you want in a creamy sandwich filling. If you're thinking about freezing it anyway, your best bet is to freeze just the plain tuna (drained and mixed with any dry seasonings), then stir in the mayo once it’s thawed. That way, the texture stays nice and smooth.

If you're doing meal prep, consider keeping your sandwich components separate—store the tuna salad in a sealed container in the fridge and assemble sandwiches fresh. And definitely avoid freezing sandwiches that already have lettuce, tomato, or other veggies inside. They’ll turn soggy when thawed.

You can also try using Greek yogurt in place of mayo for a version that holds up slightly better in the freezer, but even then, the fresh-made version is going to have the best flavor and texture every time.

How can I make this tuna sandwich healthier or skip the mayo?

There are a few ways to lighten things up without losing the creamy texture we all love. A great swap is using plain Greek yogurt instead of mayo—it’s thick, tangy, and much lower in fat and calories. You can start by replacing half the mayo with yogurt to test the flavor, or go all in with 100% Greek yogurt for a no-mayo version.

You can also bulk up the tuna salad with extra veggies like diced celery, red bell pepper, carrots, or cucumbers. Not only does it add crunch, but it also makes each portion a little lower in calories while adding fiber and nutrients. If mayo and yogurt aren't your thing, mashed avocado works as a creamy binder too—different taste, but super fresh and satisfying.

Another tip: Serve your tuna salad in lettuce wraps, on whole grain bread, or in a low-carb tortilla if you want to cut back on carbs or calories. There are tons of ways to make this recipe work for your diet without sacrificing flavor.

Can I use tuna packed in water instead of oil?

Totally. Tuna packed in water is a great option, especially if you’re looking for something lower in fat. It won’t have quite the same rich flavor or silky texture as the oil-packed kind, but it still works just fine in this recipe. You can add a splash of olive oil or a little extra mayo if you want to bring back some of that richness without going full oil-packed. Just make sure you drain it well before mixing it in with the rest of your ingredients.

What’s the best kind of bread to use for this sandwich?

Soft sub rolls or hoagie buns are the closest match to what you’d get at Subway—they hold up well to the creamy tuna and all the toppings. That said, don’t feel limited! Italian bread, ciabatta rolls, baguettes, or even sliced sourdough all make delicious vessels for your tuna salad. Just aim for something sturdy enough to handle the filling without getting soggy. And if you’re toasting it, make sure the bread has a nice crust to get that perfect golden crunch.

Can I make the tuna salad ahead of time?

Yes, and it’s a total time-saver. You can make the tuna salad up to 2 days in advance and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors actually get even better as they sit. Just give it a good stir before serving, especially if any separation has occurred.

If you’re planning to make sandwiches later, wait to assemble them until right before eating so the bread stays fresh and doesn’t get soggy. Prepping ahead makes this a perfect grab-and-go lunch or easy weeknight dinner.

Serving Suggestions

If you’re wondering what to serve with your copycat Subway tuna sandwich, here are some delicious ideas to round out the meal:

• Chips or Fries: You can’t go wrong with a side of crunchy potato chips or French fries. It gives that classic deli or fast-food experience alongside your sandwich. For a healthier crunch, try sweet potato chips or veggie chips.

• Pickles or Coleslaw: A dill pickle on the side (or even layered in the sandwich) adds a zesty tang that complements the rich tuna salad. Creamy coleslaw or a pickle spear on the side can also offer a refreshing contrast.

• Soup: Pair your tuna sub with a warm cup of soup. Tomato soup, corn chowder, or chicken noodle soup can make this a comforting lunch combo – perfect for a cold day.

• Salad or Veggies: For a lighter side, serve the sandwich with a simple green salad or some sliced veggies and dip. Carrot sticks, celery, or cucumber slices with a bit of ranch on the side go well and add extra crunch.

• Beverage: To drink, a cold iced tea or lemonade goes great with this sandwich. Or channel the Subway vibe and have it with a fountain soda or your favorite chilled drink.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best parts about making this Subway tuna sandwich at home is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you're switching up the bread, toppings, or even the tuna mix itself, there are tons of ways to customize it just how you like.

Bread Options: You don’t have to stick to the classic sub roll here. Feel free to use whatever bread you’re into—Italian, wheat, multigrain, ciabatta, or even sourdough all work great. Want something lighter? Try it open-faced on toasted sandwich bread. You could even make mini versions on slider buns or an English muffin for a fun twist.

Cheese & Toppings: Subway usually uses American cheese, but you can totally mix that up. Sharp cheddar, provolone, Swiss, or pepper jack are all great options. Not into cheese? Skip it entirely! And don’t hold back on the toppings—load up your sandwich with sliced pickles, jalapeños, banana peppers, spinach, cucumbers, red onions, or anything else you love. Feeling extra? Toss on a couple strips of crispy bacon and turn it into a tuna club.

Tuna Salad Add-Ins: The classic mix is just tuna and mayo (plus a little lime juice in our version), but you can definitely dress it up. Add chopped celery or red onion for crunch, a spoonful of sweet relish or pickles for tang, or season it up with garlic powder, onion powder, or a touch of Dijon mustard. Want some heat? A dash of hot sauce or sriracha takes it up a notch.

Lighter Options: If you're looking to lighten things up a bit, try swapping some (or all) of the mayo for plain Greek yogurt. It’s still creamy and tangy, but with less fat and more protein. You can also opt for tuna packed in water instead of oil to cut down on calories, though it might be a little less rich.

Tuna Melt Upgrade: Turn your sandwich into a melty, toasty masterpiece by making it a tuna melt. Just layer the tuna and cheese onto your bread, then broil it or pop it in the toaster oven until the cheese is gooey and the bread is golden. It’s cozy, comforting, and always a hit.

Final Thoughts

This copycat Subway tuna sandwich recipe is the ultimate quick and easy meal.

It’s creamy, satisfying, and packed with fresh veggies for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Whether you’re recreating childhood memories or just looking for a tasty lunch idea, this recipe hits the spot every time!

As always if you try it, let me know what you thought in the comments below!

More Copycat Recipes To Try Next

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• Bojangles fried chicken
• Cava's chicken
• Raising Cane's chicken and sauce
• Costco chicken bake
• Little Caesars Crazy Puffs