Low-carb, high-protein, and packed with flavor!
When you’re eating keto, sometimes you start to miss the simple pleasures — a satisfying sandwich, something creamy, crunchy, and perfectly balanced between textures. But here’s the great news: you don’t have to give up that classic sandwich experience. You just have to make it keto-friendly.
This Keto Tuna Sandwich (or Wrap) hits all the right notes — it’s creamy, savory, and fresh, with just enough crunch and zest to keep every bite exciting. It’s made with simple pantry staples, so you can whip it up in minutes whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a quick lunch.
And thanks to keto bread (or low-carb wraps), you can enjoy all the satisfying flavor of a tuna sandwich without kicking yourself out of ketosis.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s nothing fancy about this — it’s simple food done really well. But it checks every keto box:
- ✅ Low-carb and high in protein
- ✅ Ready in under 10 minutes
- ✅ Packed with flavor and healthy fats
- ✅ Perfect for lunch, meal prep, or a light dinner
- ✅ Totally customizable — make it as creamy, spicy, or crunchy as you like
This version goes a step beyond your standard tuna salad. A touch of lemon, a hint of spice, and a crisp layer of lettuce or pickles make it feel like something you’d order from a café — but it’s completely keto-friendly and homemade.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need for your tuna sandwich or wrap.
For the Tuna Filling:
- 2 cans tuna (in water or olive oil, drained well)
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise (use avocado or olive oil-based mayo for healthy fats)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (adds a tangy kick)
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped (for crunch)
- 2 tablespoons chopped dill pickles (or use relish — just check the sugar content)
- 1 tablespoon chopped red onion or scallion
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of paprika, garlic powder, or crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor
For Serving:
- 2–4 slices keto bread or 2 low-carb wraps
- Butter or olive oil spray (for toasting, optional)
- Lettuce leaves (romaine or butter lettuce work great)
- Sliced tomato or avocado (optional, but adds great texture and flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Tuna Salad
In a medium bowl, add your drained tuna, mayonnaise, mustard, celery, pickles, onion, lemon juice, and seasonings.
Mix everything together with a fork until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning — add more mayo for creaminess, more mustard for tang, or a squeeze more lemon for brightness.
Tip: If you’re using tuna packed in oil, you can skip some of the mayo and use a bit of that tuna oil for flavor instead.
Step 2: Prep the Bread or Wrap
If you’re using keto bread, lightly butter each slice and toast it in a skillet or toaster until golden and crisp. The warmth helps the sandwich feel heartier and gives it that perfect texture contrast with the creamy tuna.
If you prefer a wrap, lay out your low-carb tortilla or lettuce leaves and pat them dry. This helps everything hold together without slipping apart.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich (or Wrap)
Spoon a generous portion of the tuna salad onto your toasted bread or wrap. Add optional extras like sliced avocado, tomato, or extra pickles for crunch.
If you’re using bread, top with the second slice and press gently. For wraps, fold or roll tightly.
For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle with a little olive oil or a sprinkle of shredded cheese before serving.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Slice your sandwich in half (or cut the wrap diagonally) and enjoy right away. It’s perfect alongside a small green salad, a handful of keto-friendly chips, or even a few slices of cucumber with salt and pepper.
Keto Ingredient Tips
Choosing Keto Bread or Wraps
There are tons of great options now — almond flour, coconut flour, flaxseed, or even zero-carb breads made from egg whites or lupin flour. Look for ones with:
- Less than 4g net carbs per serving
- At least 5g protein
- No added sugars or starches
If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even make your own keto bread — almond flour and psyllium husk create a great chewy texture.
For wraps, try:
- Egg wraps or crepes (just eggs and cheese cooked thin)
- Cheese wraps (like folios)
- Lettuce wraps for the lightest, freshest option
Choosing the Right Tuna
Opt for wild-caught tuna when possible — it has a clean flavor and higher omega-3 content. Solid white albacore gives a meatier texture, while chunk light tuna mixes more smoothly. Both work great in this recipe.
Healthy Fats for Keto Success
The mayo gives you fat, but you can also boost your macros with add-ins like:
- Chopped avocado
- A drizzle of olive oil
- Crumbled bacon (yes, please)
- A sprinkle of shredded cheese
These additions make the sandwich even more satisfying and help you hit your daily keto fat targets.
Variations to Try
Once you’ve made the classic version, try mixing it up!
- Spicy Tuna Melt: Add jalapeños and a slice of cheddar, then toast it in a skillet until the cheese melts.
- Avocado Tuna Wrap: Mash half an avocado into the tuna mixture instead of mayo for a fresh, creamy twist.
- Mediterranean Style: Mix in chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese.
- Buffalo Tuna: Add a splash of buffalo sauce and a little crumbled blue cheese for bold flavor.
- Asian-Inspired Wrap: Add sesame oil, green onion, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds — wrap in butter lettuce.
Serving Ideas
This keto tuna sandwich is versatile enough for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:
- Classic sandwich style: With keto bread and a side of pickles.
- Lettuce wraps: Crunchy, fresh, and light — great for hot days.
- Tuna melt: Add cheese and broil until bubbly and golden.
- Snack-style: Serve tuna salad with celery sticks or cucumber slices for a low-carb snack board.
Storage & Meal Prep
The tuna mixture keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container and give it a quick stir before using.
If you’re meal prepping for the week, make a large batch of tuna salad and toast your bread or prep lettuce wraps fresh each day for the best texture.
Why This Recipe Works
This keto tuna sandwich delivers everything you want in a classic sandwich experience — creaminess, crunch, and satisfaction — without the carbs or heaviness. The combination of healthy fats and protein keeps you full for hours, and the bright flavors of lemon, mustard, and dill keep it from ever feeling boring.
It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but still fits perfectly into your keto lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
Eating keto doesn’t mean sacrificing your favorite foods — it just means reimagining them. This Keto-Friendly Tuna Sandwich (or Wrap) proves that you can have it all: flavor, texture, and satisfaction, all while staying within your macros.
It’s fresh, fast, and flexible — perfect for busy days or those moments when you just want something comforting and familiar. Once you try this version, you might never go back to traditional tuna sandwiches again.
So grab that can of tuna, toast your favorite keto bread, and get ready to enjoy one of the easiest, tastiest low-carb meals you’ll ever make.