Copycat Jimmy John's Tuna Salad Recipe

We know that Jimmy John's lives by the motto, "Freaky Fast," and that's one of the reasons why it's one of the most popular sandwich chains in the country. Everything from their sandwich-making abilities, to their fast delivery, lives up to their motto, and this particular recipe is just as fast. In just 5 minutes, you can make a batch of fresh tuna salad, just like the kind you would order at the popular sandwich chain. Instead of grabbing a bite at Jimmy John's, you can prepare this copycat tuna salad recipe in your own kitchen, saving you time and money. 

Recipe developer Catherine Brookes of Blue Sky Eating is the mastermind behind this copycat Jimmy John's tuna salad recipe that's great between buns or over lettuce. "I love how adding just a few basic ingredients to canned tuna can transform it into this super more-ish salad," she raves. Brookes also shares what makes her version stand out. "In this recipe, mayo adds creaminess, the celery and onion add crunch and flavor, and the soy sauce adds a salty, umami taste," she says. Keep reading to find out how to make this copycat tuna salad recipe. 

Gather the ingredients for this copycat Jimmy John's tuna salad recipe

If you've made tuna salad before, then you know the drill. Head to the store, and grab a few cans of tuna, mayonnaise, celery, white onion, soy sauce, and black pepper to taste. "I'd say the soy sauce is the standout ingredient that makes this a little different [than] other tuna salad recipes. It really adds that extra depth of flavor," Brookes notes. 

Once you have those few ingredients, you can whip up your own batch of Jimmy John's tuna salad.

Mix the ingredients together

First, toss the chopped onion and diced celery in a bowl, along with the tuna, mayonnaise, soy sauce, and black pepper to taste. "Be sure to drain the tuna really well when removing it from the can, otherwise the salad may end up a little soggy," Brookes says.

Mix the ingredients together, using a spoon or a spatula to combine, and there you have your tuna salad.

Serve and enjoy the tuna salad

Once you finish mixing the ingredients, simply top with a bit of fresh chopped parsley, if you wish. Then, the only thing left to do is dig in. If you want to serve this like they do at Jimmy John's, Brookes also shares a few of her favorite serving suggestions. "It's great served on sandwich [bread], pita bread, over lettuce leaves, or as a side with veggies and rice," she adds. 

And, it's great to eat for lunch over a few days. "Leftovers can be kept in the fridge up to 2 days," Brookes notes. 

Copycat Jimmy John's Tuna Salad Recipe
5 from 58 ratings
Skip the line at Jimmy John's, and make this easy copycat tuna salad recipe at home with a secret ingredient.
Prep Time
5
minutes
Cook Time
0
minutes
Servings
3
servings
overhead view of tuna salad
Total time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
  • 1 stick celery, diced
  • ¼ white onion, diced
  • 11 ounces canned tuna, drained
  • 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • Black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
  • Chopped parsley
Directions
  1. Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl.
  2. Mix well until combined.
  3. Serve over lettuce leaves with a little fresh parsley on top, if desired.
Nutrition
Calories per Serving 236
Total Fat 15.9 g
Saturated Fat 2.5 g
Trans Fat 0.0 g
Cholesterol 44.9 mg
Total Carbohydrates 2.2 g
Dietary Fiber 0.6 g
Total Sugars 0.7 g
Sodium 964.9 mg
Protein 21.3 g
The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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