Joe & The Juice Tuna Sandwich Copycat Recipe: How to Make the Viral Tunacado at Home

If you’ve ever eaten the famous Tunacado from Joe & The Juice, chances are you’ve been hooked. I still remember my first time—a random Tuesday- when a friend insisted I try this sandwich she couldn’t stop dreaming about. One bite later, I understood the hype. Smooth tuna mousse, creamy avocado, zesty pesto, all layered between crispy flatbread—it was simple, healthy, and wildly satisfying. That’s why I had to recreate it at home. And now, after some delicious trial and error, I’ve nailed the Joe & The Juice Tuna Sandwich copycat recipe—and I’m sharing it with you.

Let’s dive into how you can bring this viral sandwich into your kitchen, using easy-to-find ingredients and just a few steps.

Why the Tunacado Took Over TikTok

The Tunacado didn’t just appear on menus—it exploded on social media. TikTok turned this humble sandwich into a viral sensation, with thousands of creators showcasing its crisp textures, aesthetic layers, and health-conscious ingredients. Its minimalist Danish roots and clean flavors made it a cult favorite among foodies and influencers.

For those who want a fast, filling lunch that’s as Instagrammable as it is nutritious, this sandwich checks every box.

What Is the Tunacado Sandwich?

The Joe & The Juice Tuna Sandwich copycat recipe mimics the original Tunacado, a minimalist sandwich crafted with:

• A creamy tuna mousse (no chunks!)
• Thin, crispy flatbread (almost like ciabatta or crisp panini bread)
• Fresh avocado slices
• Bright green pesto spread

It’s not just a tuna sandwich. It’s a balanced bite of creamy, tangy, and crunchy goodness. The flavor is subtle yet distinct—fresh tuna, rich avocado, and a light, herbal pesto deliver a clean, modern profile.

Joe & The Juice built a brand on clean eating and bold flavors, and this sandwich has become a flagship menu item.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

To create an authentic copycat, let’s break down the sandwich into its key parts.

Tuna Mousse

Forget chunky tuna salads. This spread is smooth and flavorful.

• 1 can of tuna in olive oil (drained)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon chopped capers
• Fresh dill or parsley for brightness
• Salt and pepper to taste

Use a food processor to blend until ultra-smooth.

Pesto Spread

You can use store-bought basil pesto or make your own.

Ingredients for homemade:

• 1 cup fresh basil
• 1 clove garlic
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• ¼ cup olive oil
• Salt to taste

Blend until creamy and green.

Bread

The original sandwich uses thin, crisp Danish flatbread. For a home version, try:

• Sliced ciabatta rolls
• Panini bread
• Thin whole wheat sandwich thins

Toast them until golden and crispy.

Toppings

• Half an avocado, thinly sliced
• Optional: tomato slices, red onion, or arugula

Step-by-Step Recipe: Crafting the Perfect Copycat

Step 1: Make the Tuna Mousse

• Combine tuna, mayo, mustard, lemon juice, capers, and herbs in a small bowl or food processor.
• Blend until creamy and uniform.
• Taste and season with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Toast the Bread

• Slice your chosen bread and toast until golden. Use a sandwich or a hot skillet with a panini press for even crispness.

Step 3: Spread and Layer

• On the bottom slice, spread a generous amount of pesto.
• Add a thick layer of tuna mousse.
• Top with avocado slices.
• Close with the second slice of bread and press lightly.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

• Slice diagonally for that signature look.
• Serve immediately while the bread is still crisp.

Ingredient Substitutions and Dietary Modifications

This sandwich is easy to adapt to different needs.

Healthier Options

• Replace mayo with Greek yogurt to cut fat.
• Use low-sodium canned tuna.

Vegan Version

• Swap tuna for mashed chickpeas mixed with vegan mayo, lemon, and herbs.
• Use dairy-free pesto and vegan bread.

Gluten-Free Version

• Choose certified gluten-free sandwich thins or rice paper wraps.

Extra Flavor Ideas

• Add a dash of chili flakes for heat.
• Use sun-dried tomato pesto instead of basil for a twist.

Tips for the Best Homemade Tuna Cado

Want that restaurant-quality feel? Follow these tips.

• Use high-quality tuna, preferably packed in olive oil.
• Blend the mousse thoroughly—no chunks!
• Always toast the bread to mimic that signature crunch.
• Don’t overload the sandwich. A clean, balanced layering works best.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making the Tuna Cado

Even though the sandwich is simple, a few easy mistakes can affect taste and texture. Avoiding them will help you get closer to that original Joe & The Juice experience.

Don’t skip toasting the bread.
Soft or cold bread won’t give you that satisfying crunch. Always toast your bread until golden and firm. A sandwich press or hot skillet works best. If you’re using thin bread, be careful not to burn it.

Avoid using tuna packed in water.
Tuna in oil has more flavor and makes a creamier mousse. Add some mayo or olive oil when blending if you only have water-packed tuna.

Use ripe—but not mushy—avocados.
If your avocado is too firm, it will taste bland. If it’s too soft, it will turn to mush. A ripe avocado should give slightly when you press it.

Don’t overfill the sandwich.
Too much filling will make the sandwich messy and hard to eat. Stick to one layer of each ingredient. A balanced bite is part of what makes the Tunacado so good.

Skip the extras—at first.
Try the sandwich as-is before adding new toppings. It’s tempting to throw on onions, tomatoes, or greens. But the original version works because it’s simple and clean.

By keeping things basic and balanced, you’ll enjoy the same fresh, light flavor that made this sandwich go viral. Once you’ve mastered the original, you can experiment with your own versions.

Storage and Make-Ahead Suggestions

This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, but components can be prepped ahead.

• Store tuna mousse in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Avocado oxidizes quickly, so slice it fresh.
• Toast the bread just before serving to retain crispiness.
• You can build the sandwich a few hours ahead and wrap it tightly in parchment for transport.

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Here’s an approximate breakdown per sandwich:

This sandwich is rich in omega-3s, healthy fats, and protein—perfect for a light, satisfying lunch.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Round out your meal with fresh, healthy sides:

• Cucumber salad with lemon and dill
• A cup of tomato soup
• Baked sweet potato chips
• Iced green tea or a pressed juice for a clean pairing

If you’re serving this for lunch guests, cut the sandwich into mini triangles and offer it as part of a platter with a small salad.

Bringing Joe & The Juice Home

Whether you’ve tried the original or just seen it online, this Joe & The Juice Tuna Sandwich copycat recipe brings that fresh, modern flavor straight to your kitchen. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and surprisingly elegant for such a simple concept. I love that it’s healthy without being boring and always leaves me feeling full without being weighed down.

Try it once, and you might make it weekly, just like I do.

Joe & The Juice Tuna Sandwich Copycat Recipe: How to Make the Viral Tunacado at Home

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• Author: mymamarecipes.com
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Calorie

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Description

Recreate the viral Joe & The Juice Tunacado at home with this easy copycat recipe. This healthy sandwich is packed with flavor and texture, featuring a smooth tuna mousse, creamy avocado, bright pesto, and toasted ciabatta.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• Tuna Mousse:

  • 1 can of tuna in olive oil (drained)

  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon chopped capers

  • 1 teaspoon chopped dill or parsley

  • Salt and pepper to taste

• Pesto (store-bought or homemade):

  • 1 cup fresh basil

  • 1 garlic clove

  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan

  • ¼ cup olive oil

  • Salt to taste

• Sandwich:

  • 2 ciabatta or panini-style bread slices

  • ½ avocado, sliced

  • Optional: tomato slices, red onion, arugula

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Instructions

• Blend tuna, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, capers, and herbs until smooth in a food processor. Season with salt and pepper.

• Toast ciabatta or panini bread until golden and crisp.

• Spread pesto on one slice of toasted bread.

• Layer tuna mousse evenly, followed by avocado slices.

• Close the sandwich, press gently, slice in half, and serve immediately.

Notes

Swap mayo for Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

Use gluten-free bread if needed.

Assemble right before serving for the best texture.

Vegan option: use mashed chickpeas and vegan pesto.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes (toasting)
• Category: Sandwich
• Method: No-Cook (except toasting), Assembly
• Cuisine: Scandinavian-American fusion

Keywords: Joe and the Juice, tuna sandwich recipe, copycat recipe, Tunacado, healthy sandwich, avocado sandwich, viral TikTok recipes, pesto tuna sandwich, lunch ideas, café-style recipes