Tuna salad sandwich on wheat
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
A classic comfort food, the tuna salad sandwich on wheat combines flaky, savory canned tuna with a creamy, tangy dressing, all nestled between two slices of soft, nutty whole-wheat bread. It offers a satisfying balance of textures, from the tender fish to the chewy bread, and provides a solid protein boost with moderate calories. This simple yet effective meal is a staple for quick lunches, offering a good mix of protein and fiber to keep you feeling full.
Calorie split: 19% protein · 31% carbs · 49% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love this sandwich for its nostalgic, comforting flavor and the satisfying combination of creamy, savory tuna with the earthy taste of whole-wheat bread. It's a versatile staple that can be easily customized with additions like celery, onion, or pickles, making it a go-to for quick lunches and picnics.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
Some may find it high in sodium, especially if using canned tuna and mayonnaise, which can be a concern for those watching their blood pressure. To counteract this, opt for low-sodium tuna, use a light mayo or Greek yogurt as a binder, and pair the sandwich with a potassium-rich side like a banana or spinach salad to help balance sodium levels. Additionally, those with fish allergies should avoid it entirely.
Key benefits
- Excellent source of lean protein for muscle maintenance
- Provides omega-3 fatty acids from tuna
- Whole-wheat bread adds dietary fiber for digestive health
- Quick and convenient meal preparation
- Balanced macronutrient profile for sustained energy
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The modern tuna salad sandwich became popular in the United States during World War II, when canned tuna was a staple in military rations and home kitchens, leading to its widespread adoption as a quick, affordable meal.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 58.8 g |
| Energy | 217 kcal |
| Protein | 10.5 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 11.9 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 17.1 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 2.1 g |
| Total Sugars | 3.1 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 68.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.7 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 29.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 109 mg |
| Potassium, K | 166 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 425 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.72 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.09 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 32.7 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.50 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.15 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.11 mg |
| Niacin | 5.1 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.17 mg |
| Folate, total | 32.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 5.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 27.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 35.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 22.9 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.90 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 14.0 ug |
| Retinol | 8.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 61.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 5.0 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 12.0 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 75.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.74 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.40 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 31.7 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 1.9 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 1.3 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.52 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 2.6 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.02 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 2.5 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.04 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.01 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 6.7 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 5.8 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.80 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.07 g |
| Cholesterol | 18.0 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from Fish, tuna salad — USDA does not publish this profile for Tuna salad sandwich on wheat.
| Tryptophan | 0.18 g |
| Threonine | 0.70 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.74 g |
| Leucine | 1.3 g |
| Lysine | 1.5 g |
| Methionine | 0.47 g |
| Cystine | 0.17 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.63 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.54 g |
| Valine | 0.82 g |
| Arginine | 0.97 g |
| Histidine | 0.47 g |
| Alanine | 0.96 g |
| Aspartic acid | 1.6 g |
| Glutamic acid | 2.4 g |
| Glycine | 0.77 g |
| Proline | 0.56 g |
| Serine | 0.66 g |
FAQ
Is a tuna salad sandwich on wheat healthy?
Yes, it can be a healthy option when made with whole-wheat bread and a moderate amount of mayonnaise. It provides a good balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, especially if you use light mayo or Greek yogurt and include vegetables like celery or lettuce.
How many calories are in a typical tuna salad sandwich?
A typical tuna salad sandwich on wheat bread contains around 300-400 calories, depending on the amount of mayonnaise and other ingredients. The exact calorie count can vary based on portion size and recipe variations.
Can I make a tuna salad sandwich without mayonnaise?
Absolutely! You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, avocado, hummus, or a light vinaigrette for a healthier or different flavor profile. These alternatives can reduce calories and add extra nutrients.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 2.17 kcal/g · 19% calories from protein · 2.1 g fiber · 3.1 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 2.56 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.