Ina Garten’s Tuna and Hummus Sandwich is a refreshing take on a classic lunch. Combining creamy hummus with savory tuna, crisp vegetables, and hearty bread, this sandwich is satisfying, healthy, and incredibly easy to assemble.
It’s clean, modern, and everything you’d expect from a Barefoot Contessa twist on tuna salad.
What Is Ina Garten’s Tuna and Hummus Sandwich?
This sandwich blends protein-rich tuna with creamy hummus as a substitute for mayo, offering a lighter, Mediterranean-inspired spin on traditional tuna sandwiches. Paired with crunchy vegetables and whole grain or sourdough bread, it’s wholesome, fresh, and perfect for meal prep or on-the-go meals.

Other Ina Garten Recipes
- Ina Garten Smoked Salmon Quesadilla
- Ina Garten’s Pomegranate Salad
- Ina Garten’s Orzo Salad With Shrimp
- Ina Garten’s Italian Wedding Soup
Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Tuna and Hummus Sandwich
- Healthier than classic tuna salad – No mayo, but still creamy
- High in protein – Tuna and hummus make a satisfying combo
- Quick to assemble – Ideal for lunch or light dinner
- Customizable – Add your favorite toppings and greens
- Great for meal prep – Tastes great even after a few hours
- Vegetarian-adaptable – Swap tuna for chickpeas for a veggie version
- Delicious warm or cold – Versatile and travel-friendly
Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Tuna and Hummus Sandwich
- 1 (5 to 7-ounce) can solid white tuna, packed in olive oil or water, drained
- 3 tablespoons classic or garlic hummus
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 slices hearty whole grain bread, sourdough, or country loaf
- ½ small cucumber, thinly sliced
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
- A handful of baby spinach or arugula
- Optional: sliced tomato, olives, or fresh herbs (parsley or dill)
Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Tuna and Hummus Sandwich
Step 1: Prepare the tuna mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the drained tuna, hummus, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly blended and creamy.
Step 2: Toast the bread (optional)
If you like extra crunch, lightly toast the bread slices. This helps hold the sandwich together and adds texture.
Step 3: Assemble the sandwich
Spread the tuna-hummus mixture evenly over one slice of bread. Layer with sliced cucumber, red onion, and a handful of greens. Add optional toppings if desired.
Step 4: Top and serve
Place the second slice of bread on top, press gently, and cut in half. Serve immediately or wrap for later.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten’s Tuna and Hummus Sandwich
- Kettle chips or baked veggie chips – Crunchy side snack
- Greek yogurt with herbs – A refreshing protein-rich side
- Mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette – Light and crisp
- Chilled cucumber soup – Cool and creamy pairing
- Pickled vegetables or olives – Add tang and saltiness
- Roasted sweet potatoes or carrots – A warm contrast
- Fresh fruit or grapes – Sweet finish to a savory meal
Key Tips for Making Ina Garten’s Tuna and Hummus Sandwich
- Use quality tuna – Oil-packed tuna gives more flavor
- Choose a creamy hummus – Helps bind the tuna like mayo
- Add a squeeze of lemon – Brightens and balances richness
- Toast the bread if packing ahead – Helps prevent sogginess
- Thinly slice vegetables – Keeps the sandwich neat and easy to bite
- Wrap tightly if packing for lunch – Keeps everything fresh
- Customize with your favorite add-ins – Herbs, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes
Creative Variations of Ina Garten’s Tuna and Hummus Sandwich
- Add sliced avocado – Creamy, healthy fats
- Use roasted red pepper hummus – For a smoky twist
- Include capers or chopped pickles – For briny depth
- Swap tuna for mashed chickpeas – Makes it vegetarian
- Add crumbled feta – Mediterranean flair
- Use pita bread or a wrap instead – Great for on-the-go
- Top with microgreens – For a gourmet touch
Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten’s Tuna and Hummus Sandwich
- Best eaten the day it’s made – For freshest texture
- Refrigerate tuna-hummus mix separately – Stays fresh up to 2 days
- Store assembled sandwich tightly wrapped – Use parchment or foil
- Keep veggies separate if storing overnight – Prevents sogginess
- Don’t freeze – Bread and hummus lose texture
Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Tuna and Hummus Sandwich
- Serve chilled or at room temperature – No reheating needed
- If toasting later, use pan or oven – Adds crispness
- Avoid microwaving assembled sandwich – Can become soggy
- Add fresh greens just before eating – Keeps them crisp
Nutritional Value (per sandwich, approx.)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
A balanced, energizing lunch with high protein and healthy fats.
FAQs
Can I make Ina Garten’s tuna and hummus sandwich ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the tuna-hummus filling up to 2 days in advance. For best texture, assemble the sandwich just before eating or keep the bread and filling separate until ready to serve.
Is hummus a good substitute for mayo in tuna salad?
Absolutely. Hummus provides creaminess and flavor without the saturated fat found in mayo. It also adds extra fiber and plant-based protein.
What kind of bread is best for a tuna hummus sandwich?
Whole grain, sourdough, or country-style bread is ideal. They hold up well to the moist filling and add great texture.
Can I make this sandwich gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free bread or a lettuce wrap. The tuna and hummus mixture itself is naturally gluten-free.
Wrapping Up
Ina Garten’s Tuna and Hummus Sandwich is a delicious, healthy twist on a lunchtime classic. With the creaminess of hummus, the lean protein of tuna, and fresh, crunchy vegetables, this sandwich offers both flavor and nutrition in every bite. It’s quick, clean, and easily customizable—perfect for your everyday lunch lineup.
PrintIna Garten Tuna And Hummus Sandwich
This sandwich blends protein-rich tuna with creamy hummus as a substitute for mayo, offering a lighter, Mediterranean-inspired spin on traditional tuna sandwiches. Paired with crunchy vegetables and whole grain or sourdough bread, it’s wholesome, fresh, and perfect for meal prep or on-the-go meals.
- Prep Time: 10
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich 1x
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
-
1 (5 to 7-ounce) can solid white tuna, packed in olive oil or water, drained
-
3 tablespoons classic or garlic hummus
-
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
-
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
-
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
-
2 slices hearty whole grain bread, sourdough, or country loaf
-
½ small cucumber, thinly sliced
-
¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
-
A handful of baby spinach or arugula
-
Optional: sliced tomato, olives, or fresh herbs (parsley or dill)
Instructions
In a medium bowl, combine the drained tuna, hummus, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly blended and creamy.
If you like extra crunch, lightly toast the bread slices. This helps hold the sandwich together and adds texture.
Spread the tuna-hummus mixture evenly over one slice of bread. Layer with sliced cucumber, red onion, and a handful of greens. Add optional toppings if desired.
Place the second slice of bread on top, press gently, and cut in half. Serve immediately or wrap for later.