Looking for a mayo-free twist on tuna sandwiches? Dive into this flavorful recipe bursting with vibrant ingredients and zesty flavors!
Looking for more? Try my Prosciutto Sandwich, Italian Sandwich, and Roast Beef Sliders.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- No mayo, all flavor: Enjoy a refreshing twist without the heavy stuff.
- Bursting with vibrant ingredients for a taste sensation.
- Simple prep, big taste: Perfect for a quick, delicious meal any time.
What's special about his sandwich?
What sets this tuna sandwich apart is its vibrant flavors and innovative twist without mayo. It's a refreshing take on a classic dish, featuring a zesty olive mixture, tangy red onions, and savory anchovy, all coming together for a delicious, light-hearted bite that's perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Full list of ingredients with measurements listed below in recipe card.
- Red onion: Adds a sharp kick and crunch. You can also use shallots or scallions for a milder flavor.
- Parsley: Brings freshness and color. You can also try cilantro for a different herbal note.
- Olives: Provides a savory, salty bite. You can also use capers or pickles for tanginess.
- Anchovy: Offers a subtle umami depth. You can also try anchovy paste for convenience.
- Roll: Holds everything together. You can also use whole grain bread or wraps for variety.
- Tuna: The star of the show! Provides protein and flavor. You can also use canned salmon or cooked chicken for variation.
- Tomato: Adds juiciness and acidity. You can also try roasted red peppers for sweetness.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and depth. You can also try avocado oil or flavored oils for a twist.
How to Make this Recipe
Full step-by-step instructions listed below in recipe card.
Thinly slice red onion and soak in red wine vinegar for 10 mins.
In a food processor, blend parsley, olives, garlic, anchovy, and capers until chunky.
Combine olive mixture with soaked onions.
Optionally, toast bread and hollow out slightly.
Spread Dijon mustard, if desired, on both sides of the bread.
Spread olive/onion mixture on both slices of bread.
Place drained tuna on one side, drizzle with olive oil.
Add tomato slices and season with salt and pepper.
Optionally, add other toppings like mixed greens or cucumber.
Top with the other slice of bread and press gently.
For best flavor, wrap in plastic wrap and set under a heavy pan for up to overnight.
Variations
- Avocado Smash: Replace the olive mixture with mashed avocado for a creamy twist.
- Italian Flair: Swap parsley for basil, add sliced pepperoncini, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Mediterranean Delight: Use feta cheese instead of anchovy, add roasted red peppers, and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in some sriracha or chili flakes to the olive mixture for a fiery upgrade.
- Asian Fusion: Incorporate soy sauce and sesame oil into the tuna, add sliced cucumber, and garnish with sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired treat.
Wine Pairing
A crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc would complement this recipe wonderfully, with its citrusy notes and vibrant acidity enhancing the flavors of the tuna and fresh ingredients.
FAQ's
- Can I use canned tuna packed in water instead of oil? Absolutely! While oil-packed tuna adds richness, water-packed tuna works just fine.
- Can I skip the anchovy? Of course! The anchovy adds a subtle depth, but feel free to omit it if it's not your jam.
- How long can I let the sandwich sit under the heavy pan? Overnight is best to let those flavors mingle, but even a few hours works wonders.
- Can I make the olive mixture ahead of time? Totally! Whip it up a day in advance and store it in the fridge for quick sandwich assembly.
- What can I do with leftover olive mixture? Spoon it over grilled chicken, toss it with pasta, or spread it on crackers for tasty snacks!
Tips
- Soak onions for max flavor: Let those onions chill in vinegar for a tangy kick.
- Pulse, don't pulverize: Keep the olive mixture chunky for texture you can sink your teeth into.
- Don't be afraid to customize: Swap ingredients, add your favorite toppings—make it your own!
- Press and impress: Give your sandwich a gentle squish before eating for maximum deliciousness.
- Wrap it up tight: Letting the flavors meld overnight under a heavy pan? Wrap it snug for flavor harmony!
Looking for more recipes?
Try my Prosciutto Sandwich, Italian Sandwich, and Roast Beef Sliders.
Did You Make this Recipe?
Please leave a comment and rating below, also let me know what you thought of this recipe. Be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @Meghanitup or share it on Pinterest so that I can follow along.
HUNGRY FOR MORE? You can also follow along on Instagram and Pinterest for more recipe updates.
Recipe Card
📋 Recipe
No Mayo Tuna Sandwich
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Ingredients
- ¼ small red onion thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- ½ cup parsley leaves and tender stems
- 1 garlic clove
- ¼ cup olives pitted
- 1 anchovy filet or ½ teaspoon anchovy paste
- 1 roll
- 1 can/jar oil-packed tuna drained
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 slice of tomato
- Salt & black pepper
- Optional: Dijon mustard cucumber slices, mixed greens
Instructions
- Combine red onion and red wine vinegar in a medium-sized bowl. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- In a food processor, combine parsley, garlic clove, olives, anchovy, capers, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Pulse until a chunky paste forms.
- Add olive mixture to onions and stir to combine.
- Optionally, toast the bread and scoop out a little of the insides of both pieces. Spread Dijon mustard on both sides if desired.
- Divide the olive/onion mixture evenly on both sides of the bread.
- Add drained tuna to one side and drizzle with remaining 1 teaspoon olive oil. Add tomato slices and season with salt and black pepper. Optionally, add other toppings like mixed greens or cucumber slices.
- Place the top slice of bread on the sandwich and press down with your hands to combine.
- For best results, wrap the sandwich in plastic wrap and set it under a heavy pan for up to overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Tuna Variation: Experiment with different types of tuna such as solid white tuna or skipjack tuna for varied flavors and textures.
- Herb Substitution: Substitute parsley with cilantro or basil for a different herbal note in the olive mixture.
- Toppings Variation: Explore additional toppings like avocado slices, roasted red peppers, or thinly sliced red bell peppers for added flavor and texture diversity.
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