Tuna and Avocado Sandwich Bites
By the GreenSpoon Kids kitchen
Soft bread filled with a creamy tuna and avocado mixture, cut into small squares. A protein-packed lunch that is easy to eat with hands.
Tuna and avocado sandwich bites are a quick, filling, no-cook lunch you can put together in about ten minutes. Canned tuna gets mashed with creamy avocado and a little yogurt, spread on soft bread, and cut into small squares that little hands can manage. It is an easy way to get a soft, satisfying lunch onto the plate for a 12 to 18 month old, whether at home or packed to go.
Ingredients(5)
- 1 small can tuna in water, drained
- 1/4 ripe avocado
- 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
- 2 slices soft wholemeal bread
- Squeeze of lemon juice
Instructions(8 steps)
- 1
Drain the tuna well and place in a bowl.
- 2
Mash the avocado in the bowl with the tuna.
- 3
Add yogurt and a squeeze of lemon juice. Mix until creamy.
- 4
Spread the mixture evenly on one slice of bread.
- 5
Place the second slice on top and press gently.
- 6
Cut off crusts if your child prefers.
- 7
Cut into small bite-sized squares (about 2cm each).
- 8
Serve immediately as avocado browns over time.
Nutritional Highlights
- -Tuna provides protein and omega-3 fatty acids
- -Avocado offers healthy fats for brain development
- -Wholemeal bread adds fiber and B vitamins
- -Yogurt provides calcium and probiotics
Age Appropriateness
Suitable for 12-18 month olds who can manage soft solids. Cut into appropriately sized pieces for your child.
Introduction Tip
Choose tuna canned in water rather than brine to keep sodium low. Limit tuna to 1-2 times per week due to mercury content.
Why this works
Mashing the tuna with avocado and yogurt does two helpful things: it makes the filling soft and creamy rather than dry, and it mellows the strong taste of tuna into something gentler that a young toddler is more likely to accept. Cutting the sandwich into small squares makes it an easy self-feeding size, and soft bread is forgiving for a child still working with just a few teeth. It needs no cooking, so it is a realistic option on a busy day, and it packs well for lunch out of the house.
Variations and swaps
- Swap the tuna for canned salmon, or use mashed egg for a no-fish version.
- Use a thin spread of cream cheese or hummus in place of the yogurt.
- Try it on soft wholemeal toast, a wrap, or a soft roll instead of sliced bread.
- Add a little finely grated cucumber or carrot to the mix for extra veg.
- Remove the crusts for younger toddlers, and cut the squares smaller.
Make ahead and storage
These are best made and eaten fresh, because avocado browns and softens quickly once cut. If you need to prep ahead, you can mix the filling a few hours in advance with an extra squeeze of lemon to slow the browning, and keep it covered in the fridge. For a packed lunch, assemble in the morning and send it in an insulated bag with an ice pack, since it contains fish and dairy.
What to serve with it
Serve the little squares with some cucumber sticks or soft fruit on the side for a complete lunch. For daycare, pack them cold with an ice pack. Cut the squares to a size your child handles well, sit them down to eat, and stay close.
Common questions
How often can a toddler eat tuna?
Tuna is fine in moderation, but because it can contain mercury, it is best to limit it to about one to two small servings a week for a young child. Choose tuna canned in water rather than brine to keep the salt down, and vary your child's fish with lower-mercury options like salmon on other days.
Can I pack these for daycare?
Yes, but assemble them the morning you send them, since avocado browns and the filling is perishable. Pack them in an insulated bag with an ice pack because of the fish and dairy, and cut them into small squares so your child can eat them easily on their own.
My toddler will not eat tuna. Any tips?
The avocado and yogurt already soften the flavor, but you can use even more avocado to make it milder, or start with a thin layer alongside a food your child already likes. Keep offering small amounts without pressure, since acceptance of stronger flavors like fish often takes several relaxed tries.
Is avocado good for babies and toddlers?
Yes, it is a soft, easy first food and a source of healthy fats. Make sure it is ripe so it mashes smoothly, and combine it with the tuna as in this recipe, or simply serve it in soft slices on its own. Roll plain slices in a little crushed oat to make them easier to grip.
