Panera Bread Tuna Sandwich (Copycat)

Are you obsessed with Panera Bread’s tuna salad sandwich? It’s one of those dishes that just hits the spot. Now you can make this copycat recipe in the comfort of your own home. The best part? You can whip it up faster that a takeout! 

Are Tuna Salad Sandwiches Healthy for You? 

Despite being made with a bit of mayonnaise, tuna sandwiches are pretty healthy for you overall. They contain a good amount of nutrition from the canned tuna, which contains omega-3 fatty acids that lower cholesterol. More so, they’re packed with protein. A great addition to any low-calorie diet! 

How to Make a Copycat Panera Bread Tuna Sandwich

To make the perfect Panera tuna sandwich, first drain your favorite can of albacore tuna of all the excess liquid.

• Make the Tuna Salad: In a medium bowl, combine the tuna, mayonnaise, and dijon mustard. Season to taste with sea salt and ground black pepper and break apart the larger chunks with a fork. 
• Assemble the Sandwiches: Next, place the sliced red onion and tomato on one side of the bread. Top the veggies with a heaping scoop of tuna salad, followed by a couple of pieces of leaf lettuce. 
• Slice and Serve: Pop the second piece of bread on top and slice the sandwich in half. Enjoy!

3 Tips for the Best Panera Bread Tuna Sandwich

1. Drain the canned tuna of excess liquid. Prevent your tuna salad sandwich from turning out watery by draining the canned tuna of as much liquid as possible. 
2. Thinly slice the veggies. For an easy-to-bite sandwich, slice the veggies super thin.
3. Eat the sandwich straight away. Tuna salad is prone to turning bread soggy if it sits to long, so make sure to serve the sandwich straight away. 

Tasty Variations to Experiment With

Looking to make this copycat Panera tuna salad sandwich recipe your very own? Here’s a couple ideas and ingredients to inspire you.

• Add in some crunchy veggies. If you like a bit more texture, add in some thinly sliced cucumbers or stalk celery to the salad.
• Play around with different spices. Add in a little minced garlic, fresh herbs, turmeric, or ground red pepper for an extra kick of flavor. 
• Add in some tang. A bit of pickle relish, vinegar, or lemon juice concentrate will add a nice, refreshing kick.
• Use your favorite bread. Honey wheat bread, rye, or sourdough are all great options.

What to Serve Alongside Your Sando

For a more well-rounded meal, serve your sandwich alongside air fryer potato chips or baked tortilla chips. If you want to go lighter, pair it with a fresh avocado salad or a steaming bowl of fresh garden soup. 

Best Practices for Storing

To prevent your sandwiches from turning soggy, always store the tuna salad in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, prepare the sandwich right before you plan to serve it. 

FAQ

More Tasty Sandwiches to Try

• Air Fryer Grilled Cheese (So Easy) – Gooey, no-guilt “grilled” cheese
• Focaccia Sandwich – Classic turkey and cheese sando
• Eggplant Sandwiches – Mediterranean veggie sandwich appetizers
• Popeyes Chicken Sandwich – The best copycat fried chicken sandwich you’ll try
• Egg Salad Sandwich– Nestle your egg salad between lettuce and slices of your favorite sandwich bread for a protein-packed lunch!
• Smoked Salmon Tea Sandwiches – Salmon, cream cheese, and herb canapes

Recipe

Panera Bread Inspired Tuna Sandwich

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Servings

4 Servings

Prep Time 15 mins

Total Time 15 mins

Recipe contributed by: Natalya Drozhzhin

This Panera Bread tuna sandwich is simple eating at its finest. Serve it as-is or paired with your favorite soup, salad, or chips.

Ingredients

• 4 bread slices
• 12 oz canned tuna
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp dijon mustard
• 1/2 purple onion
• 1 tomato
• 4 lettuce leaves
• 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
• 1/2 tsp pepper adjust to taste

US Units – Metric

Instructions

• In a medium bowl, combine the tuna, mayonnaise, and dijon mustard. As you stir, break apart the larger chunks of tuna.
  
• Place the sliced onion and tomato on one side of the bread.
  
• Top off the produce with a heaping scoop of tuna salad. Lay on a couple of lettuce leaves. Slice the sandwich in half and serve immediately. Enjoy!
  

Nutrition Facts

Panera Bread Inspired Tuna Sandwich

Amount Per Serving

Calories 218 Calories from Fat 72

% Daily Value*

Fat 8g12%

Saturated Fat 1g5%

Trans Fat 1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 4g

Monounsaturated Fat 2g

Cholesterol 34mg11%

Sodium 995mg41%

Potassium 339mg10%

Carbohydrates 17g6%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 3g3%

Protein 20g40%

Vitamin A 2091IU42%

Vitamin C 10mg12%

Calcium 70mg7%

Iron 3mg17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.