This vegan tuna salad uses jackfruit in place of tuna fish! It’s quick, super easy to make, and you only need a few simple ingredients. The consistency of green jackfruit is perfect to use as a vegan tuna alternative.
The original recipe to this post was published on June 1, 2020. This recipe has been updated and was republished on December 13, 2024.
Jackfruit tuna salad is an easy lunch recipe to make year-round. Vegan tuna sandwiches are often made with chickpeas instead of jackfruit. While I love smashed chickpea sandwiches, the jackfruit in this recipe makes the best texture for the tuna salad!
This easy recipe pairs well with air fryer butternut squash fries, vegan three bean salad, and rosemary potato wedges. It’s a great last minute dinner idea!
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Equipment Notes
I recommend using a food processor or hand mixer to shred the jackfruit. Using 2 forks will also work in a pinch! Shredding the jackfruit creates the flaky texture typically found in tuna salad.
Ingredient Notes
- Green jackfruit - you will need a can of green jackfruit in brine. Do not buy the jackfruit in syrup.
- Red onion - adds a sharpness to the tuna salad.
- Carrot - adds textural crunch and natural sweetness.
- Vegan mayo - helps hold the jackfruit salad together.
- Mustard - I recommend using Dijon mustard or spicy brown mustard.
- Sweet relish - adds sweet and tangy pickles.
- Spices - we are keeping it simple with salt and pepper!
Substitutions and Variations
- Capers - add 1-2 teaspoons of carpers.
- Arugula - add arugula to the jackfruit tuna sandwich or salad.
- Vegan tuna melt - add a slice of vegan cheese on top of the jackfruit tuna. Lightly toast it in the oven, air fryer or toaster oven until the cheese is slightly melted. Serve it as an open face sandwich!
- Celery - add ½ stalk of diced celery to the salad for some extra crunch.
- Dill - you can add in fresh or dried dill.
Step by Step Instructions
Add the jackfruit to a food processor.
Pulse 5-6 times until it appears shredded. Remove it from the food processor and add it to a large bowl.
Add the diced onions, diced carrot, mayonnaise, mustard, relish, salt and pepper to the jackfruit.
Mix well until combined. Spread a layer of jackfruit tuna on bread or toast, add your favorite sandwich toppings and enjoy!
Hint: Do not over blend/over mix the jackfruit tuna salad or you will lose some of the texture.
Tips and Tricks
- Make sure to use canned, young green jackfruit in brine, not syrup. I can usually find jackfruit at Trader Joes, Asian grocery stores or in the International aisle of grocery stores.
- Drain and rinse the jackfruit in cold water. I like to wash the taste of the brine away so it doesn’t impact the overall flavor. Gently squeeze the excess water out of the jackfruit
- You can pulse the onion and carrot in the food processor if you don’t want to dice it.
Storage
Store veggie tuna salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I do not recommend freezing this. It is best served cold or room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve vegan tuna on hearty slices of bread or turn it into a tortilla wrap.
- Add your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, onion or cucumbers for some crunch!
- Serve it as a dip with your favorite crackers, pita chips or sliced veggies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many vegan tuna recipes use seaweed or nori to help create a sea/fishy taste. While I love seaweed I know it is not always easy to find or affordable. I wanted to create a simple vegan tuna without seaweed. I promise it still tastes amazing!
You can use mustard, vegan sour cream or vegan yogurt in place of mayo.
Vegan Tuna Salad (Jackfruit Tuna)
Ingredients
- 1 (19) oz can young green jackfruit in brine, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons red onion diced
- 1 small carrot diced
- 2 tablespoons vegan mayo
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon sweet relish
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Black pepper
Optional:
- Bread
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Onion
Instructions
- Gently squeeze out any excess water in the jackfruit before adding it to a food processor.
- Pulse 5-6 times until it appears shredded. Do not over blend. Remove it from the food processor and add it to a large bowl.
- Add the diced onions, diced carrot, mayonnaise, mustard, relish, salt and pepper to the jackfruit.
- Mix well until combined. Spread jackfruit tuna on bread and add your favorite sandwich toppings, or serve it with some crackers.
Notes
- Make sure to use canned, young green jackfruit in brine, not syrup. I can usually find jackfruit at Trader Joes, Asian grocery stores or in the International aisle of grocery stores.
- Drain and rinse the jackfruit in cold water. I like to wash the taste of the brine away so it doesn’t impact the overall flavor. Gently squeeze the excess water out of the jackfruit
Em says
It’s surprising how similar this is in taste and texture to actual tuna!
Dad says
Good job Em! I’m proud of you!
Emily Toshiko says
Thanks Dad!!!
Paula says
Looks yummy! My husband likes tuna melts. I’ll share this with him.
Emily Toshiko says
Thanks! I hope he enjoys it.