
Tuna Recipe
Learn how to make Subway's famous tuna recipe at home! This quick and easy recipe shows you how to cook up the perfect creamy tuna salad with simple ingredients. Recreate your favorite sandwich filling with this step-by-step guide.
Prep
Cook
Serve
Kcal
- 2 x 185g cans tuna in spring water, drained
- 120g mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp finely diced celery (or cucumber for crunch)
- 1 tbsp finely diced red onion (or white onion)
- 6 submarine rolls or crusty bread rolls
- 150g iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 6 slices cheese of choice (cheddar or Swiss work well)
Step 1
Begin by draining both cans of tuna thoroughly in a fine mesh strainer, pressing gently with the back of a spoon to remove as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial as excess water will make your tuna mixture too watery and cause the bread to become soggy.Step 2
Transfer the drained tuna to a large mixing bowl and use a fork to break it apart into smaller, bite-sized flakes. Don't mash it completely smooth - you want some texture remaining for that authentic Subway-style consistency.Step 3
Add the mayonnaise to the tuna and mix gently but thoroughly. The mixture should be creamy and well-coated but not swimming in mayo. If it looks dry, add an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise gradually.Step 4
Squeeze in the lemon juice and season with salt and black pepper. Mix well and taste - the lemon should brighten the flavour without being overpowering. Adjust seasoning if needed.Step 5
Fold in the finely diced celery and red onion. These vegetables add that essential crunch and freshness that makes Subway's tuna so distinctive. Mix until evenly distributed throughout the tuna mixture.Step 6
Slice your submarine rolls lengthwise, cutting about three-quarters of the way through so they open like a book but remain hinged. If using regular bread rolls, slice them completely in half.Step 7
Warm the rolls in a preheated oven at 180°C for 3-4 minutes until slightly crispy on the outside but still soft inside. This mimics the Subway toasting process and prevents the bread from becoming soggy.Step 8
Generously spread the tuna mixture onto the bottom half of each roll, using about 80-100g per sandwich. Create an even layer that reaches the edges so every bite contains tuna.Step 9
Layer on your cheese slices if using, followed by the shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and cucumber rounds. Press down gently to help everything stay in place when you close the sandwich.Step 10
Close the sandwiches and press down gently. Cut diagonally in half if desired, and serve immediately while the bread is still slightly warm. The contrast between the warm, toasted bread and the cool, creamy tuna filling is what makes this recipe special.
What ingredients are used in Subway Tuna Sub from Subway?
The main ingredients include tuna in spring water, mayonnaise, lemon juice, celery, red onion, submarine rolls, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and cheese. Seasonings like salt and pepper complete the classic recipe.
How to cook Subway Tuna Sub from Subway at home?
Learn how to cook Subway Tuna Sub from Subway by draining tuna thoroughly, mixing with mayo and seasonings, adding diced vegetables for crunch, then assembling on toasted submarine rolls with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese for an authentic taste.
What's the best type of tuna to use for homemade submarine sandwiches?
Tuna in spring water is ideal as it's less oily than tuna in brine or oil. Drain it thoroughly to prevent soggy bread. Chunk tuna works better than flaked as it maintains better texture when mixed with mayonnaise.
How do you prevent tuna sandwiches from becoming soggy?
Drain tuna completely using a fine mesh strainer, toast the bread lightly, and avoid over-mixing with mayonnaise. Adding vegetables like celery provides structure, and assembling just before serving keeps bread crisp.
Can you make tuna sandwich filling ahead of time?
Yes, tuna mixture can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated. The flavours actually improve overnight. However, assemble sandwiches just before serving to maintain bread texture and vegetable freshness.

