Achieving a uniform dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in metal matrix composites (MMCs) is a vital prerequisite for enhancing the mechanical properties of the samples. In this work, a novel strategy called little by little (LbL) adding was successfully adopted in order to achieve a uniform dispersion of CNTs. The Al composite powders reinforced with different amounts of CNTs (1, 2, 3, and 5 wt.%) were consolidated by spark plasma sintering (SPS). Based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as well as Raman spectroscopy, individual and uniform dispersion of CNTs without any serious structural damage was achieved in Al matrix. In this regard, the relative intensity ratio (ID/IG) of the raw CNTs was around 0.85 and that of LbL composite was ~ 0.9, indicating that the CNT structure experienced very little damage during the applied method. As a result of the uniform dispersion, there was no drastic reduction in mechanical property (microhardness) of the LbL-composites with increasing CNT content. Based on the tribological tests, it was found that the dominant wear mechanism of the LbL composite is abrasive wear accompanied by adhesion wear. Moreover, for the reference composites, produced by conventional wet milling process, the dominant wear mechanism was severe adhesive. Graphical AbstractNovel strategy called little by little adding (LbL) was successfully adopted to achieve a uniform dispersion of CNTs in Al.