Updated on September 24th, 2025
Your typical tuna salad sandwich recipe gets a fresh upgrade with a twist that combines classic tuna with Waldorf-inspired ingredients. Crunchy apple, celery, and walnuts are mixed with tuna, Dijon mustard, and curry powder for a flavor that feels both familiar and unique. Swiss cheese and crisp lettuce add more texture and balance, all tucked between slices of rye bread. This sandwich is easy to prepare, great for picnics, and makes lunch feel more exciting.
Why this recipe works
- Unique twist: Combining elements of tuna salad with Waldorf salad brings extra crunch, sweetness, and flavor that makes the sandwich stand out.
- Balanced flavors: The mix of tuna, apple, and celery creates a balance of savory, sweet, and fresh notes that work well together.
- Creamy dressing: Mayonnaise, mustard, and curry powder add creaminess with just the right amount of tang and spice in every bite.
- Make ahead: The salad can be prepared in advance, making it convenient for busy days or when planning for picnics and gatherings.
- Complete sandwich: Adding lettuce and Swiss cheese turns the tuna salad into a satisfying sandwich that feels more substantial and filling.
Serving suggestions
- Picnic lunch: Pack tuna salad sandwiches with fruit and chips for an easy outdoor meal that holds up well when made in advance.
- Workday meal: Make a sandwich in the morning and wrap it tightly for a convenient lunch that tastes fresh at the office.
- Family dinner: Serve sandwiches with soup or a side salad for a light yet complete dinner that comes together quickly.
- Party tray: Cut sandwiches into halves or quarters and serve on a platter for gatherings or potlucks where finger foods are best.
- Quick snack: Enjoy leftover tuna salad on crackers or pita bread for a lighter option that’s still flavorful and filling.
Tuna salad sandwich recipe
Try this tuna salad sandwich recipe for a quick, flavorful meal with a touch of freshness that makes it perfect for warm-weather lunches.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon curry powder
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 (6 ounces) can oil-packed tuna
- 1 shallot (finely chopped)
- 1 Granny Smith apple (cored and diced)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup celery (diced)
- 1 teaspoon sweet pickle relish
- 8 slices Rye bread
- 4 lettuce leaves
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
Instructions
- In a medium bowl whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, curry powder, salt, and pepper. Mix in tuna, shallot, apple, walnuts, celery, and pickle relish. Mix until all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.
- Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom half of a slice of Rye bread. Add a layer of tuna salad on top of the lettuce and top with a slice of Swiss and the top half of the rye bread. Repeat until all sandwiches are made.
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 649
- Sugar: 6.4 g
- Sodium: 1344.1 mg
- Fat: 44.7 g
- Carbohydrates: 46.5 g
- Protein: 12.3 g
- Cholesterol: 37.6 mg