Tuna Tonnato Salad Recipe

Tuna Tonnato Salad Recipe

Welcome to Fish Recipes, where we celebrate the delicious world of seafood! Today, we’re diving into a classic Italian dish that combines the rich flavors of tuna with a creamy, tangy sauce: Tuna Tonnato Salad. This delightful salad not only makes for a fantastic lunch but is also perfect for those gatherings where you want to impress your guests with minimal effort. Let’s get started on this simple yet elegant recipe!

What is Tuna Tonnato?

Tuna Tonnato is a traditional Italian dish originating from the Piedmont region. It features thinly sliced veal or beef topped with a creamy sauce made from tuna, anchovies, capers, and mayonnaise. Over time, this recipe has evolved, and many variations have emerged, including the beloved Tuna Tonnato Salad, which swaps the meat for canned tuna, making it a convenient and accessible option for everyone.

Ingredients

To create your own Tuna Tonnato Salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 2 cans of high-quality tuna (preferably in olive oil), drained
• 1 cup of mixed greens (like arugula, spinach, and frisée)
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, quartered
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Tonnato Sauce:

• 1 cup of mayonnaise
• 1 can of good-quality tuna, drained
• 2-3 anchovy fillets, drained
• 2 tablespoons of capers, drained
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tonnato Sauce

1. In a blender or food processor, combine the mayonnaise, canned tuna, anchovy fillets, capers, and lemon juice.
2. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a teaspoon of warm water to achieve the desired consistency. Set aside.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large bowl or on a serving platter, arrange the mixed greens as the base.
2. Scatter the sliced red onions and halved cherry tomatoes over the greens.
3. Flake the drained tuna from the first can and distribute it evenly over the salad.
4. Add the quartered hard-boiled eggs for a beautiful presentation.

Step 3: Serve With Sauce

1. Drizzle the tonnato sauce generously over the salad. Alternatively, you can serve the sauce on the side for guests to add as they please.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley for an added burst of color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Tuna Tonnato Salad makes for a delightful main dish when served alongside crusty bread or a crisp baguette. Consider pairing it with a light white wine, such as Vermentino or Pinot Grigio, to enhance the meal’s flavor. This salad is also perfect for a picnic or potluck, as it holds up well and can be made ahead of time.

This Tuna Tonnato Salad is not just a feast for the taste buds but also a colorful addition to your dining table. The creamy tonnato sauce elevates the humble tuna salad into an impressive dish that’s sure to win hearts. Whether you’re enjoying a casual lunch or hosting a dinner party, this salad is versatile and easy to prepare.

Try this recipe today, and let Fish Recipes be your go-to source for all things seafood! Happy cooking!