This unique Italian tuna salad sandwich with black-olive dressing is a refreshing and flavorful twist on a classic sandwich. It incorporates traditional Italian ingredients, such as olive oil-packed tuna and flavorful black olives, to create a delicious and satisfying meal.
The main ingredients of this recipe are widely available, but make sure to get high-quality, olive oil-packed tuna, as it's the star of the dish. Imported tuna tends to have better texture and flavour. The black olives add a pop of contrast, and fresh thyme and flat-leaf parsley bring a bright, herbaceous note. Don't forget the crusty rolls, which hold up well against the olive dressing and don't get soggy.
Ingredients for Italian Tuna Salad Sandwiches with Black-Olive Dressing
Flat leaf parsley: This herb adds a bright, fresh flavor to the salad.
Black olives: They provide a briny, salty note that complements the tuna.
Extra virgin olive oil: It's used in the dressing for a robust flavor.
Anchovy fillets: These tiny fish add a deep umami flavor to the dressing.
Garlic: It brings a sharp, aromatic note to the dressing.
Fresh lemon juice: Adds acidity and brightness to balance the richness of the olive oil and tuna.
Thyme: This herb adds a subtle earthy flavor.
Snow peas: They impart a sweet, crisp texture to the salad.
Tuna: The star of the dish, it provides a hearty, meaty component.
Crusty rolls: These provide a satisfying crunch and hold all the ingredients together.
Red onion: It adds a sharp, tangy flavor that contrasts nicely with the other ingredients.
Tomatoes: They add a burst of freshness and juiciness.
Eggs: Hard-boiled eggs add a creamy, rich element to the sandwich.
One reader, Chaddy Will says:
This Italian tuna salad sandwich with black-olive dressing recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so vibrant and the dressing adds a delightful kick. It's a perfect blend of savory and tangy, and the combination of ingredients is simply divine. I highly recommend trying it out!
Key Techniques for Making Italian Tuna Salad Sandwiches
How to make the black-olive dressing: Mix the parsley, black olives, olive oil, anchovies, garlic, lemon juice, and thyme in a medium bowl. Season the dressing with salt and pepper.
How to blanch snow peas: In a small pot of boiling salted water, blanch the snow peas for 1 minute, or until they are bright green and just tender. Drain the snow peas and refresh them under cold water, then pat dry. Slice the snow peas lengthwise into 1/4-inch strips and toss them with 1 tablespoon of the olive dressing.
How to prepare the tuna: In a medium bowl, lightly break up the drained tuna with a fork. Add 6 tablespoons of the olive dressing and toss gently.
How to assemble the sandwiches: Spread the cut sides of the rolls or baguette pieces with the remaining olive dressing. On the bottom halves of the rolls or baguette pieces, arrange the snow peas, followed by the red onion slices, the tomatoes, tuna, and sliced eggs. Close the tuna sandwiches and serve.
How to make ahead: The tuna sandwiches can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 hours.
How To Make Italian Tuna Salad Sandwiches with Black-Olive Dressing
Tangy tuna, hard boiled eggs, and crispy snow peas tossed in a rich black olive dressing makes these tuna salad sandwiches richly filling lunch meals!
Serves:
Ingredients
- ¾cupflat leaf parsley,chopped
- ¾cupblack olives
- ½cupextra virgin olive oil
- 4anchovy fillets
- 3garlic cloves
- 1½tbspfresh lemon juice
- 1tbspthyme,chopped
- salt and freshly ground pepper
- 6ozsnow peas
- 2olive oil packed tuna,(6 oz), jars or cans, imported
- 4crusty rolls,or four 6-inch lengths of baguette
- 1small red onion
- 2medium tomatoes
- 4eggs,hard cooked
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, mix the parsley, black olives, olive oil, anchovies, garlic, lemon juice and thyme. Season the dressing with salt and pepper.
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In a small pot of boiling salted water, blanch the snow peas for 1 minute, or until they are bright green and just tender. Drain the snow peas and refresh them under cold water, then pat dry.
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Slice the snow peas lengthwise into ¼-inch strips and toss them with 1 tablespoon of the olive dressing.
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In a medium bowl, lightly break up the drained tuna with a fork. Add 6 tablespoons of the olive dressing and toss gently.
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Spread the cut sides of the rolls or baguette pieces with the remaining olive dressing.
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On the bottom halves of the rolls or baguette pieces, arrange the snow peas, followed by the red onion slices, the tomatoes, tuna and sliced eggs.
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Close the tuna sandwiches and serve. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 721.93kcal
- Fat: 44.03g
- Saturated Fat: 7.25g
- Trans Fat: 0.02g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 26.65g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.57g
- Carbohydrates: 41.90g
- Fiber: 5.07g
- Sugar: 5.50g
- Protein: 39.89g
- Cholesterol: 178.75mg
- Sodium: 1071.80mg
- Calcium: 176.99mg
- Potassium: 674.45mg
- Iron: 7.02mg
- Vitamin A: 191.88µg
- Vitamin C: 54.30mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Crafting the Perfect Tuna Salad Sandwich
When preparing the tuna, ensure to lightly break it up with a fork to maintain some texture in your sandwich. Overmixing can lead to a mushy consistency, which is not desirable in this Italian Tuna Salad Sandwich. Also, when blanching the snow peas, make sure to immediately refresh them under cold water after boiling. This stops the cooking process and helps retain their vibrant green color and crunch, adding a refreshing contrast to the rich tuna and black-olive dressing.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Tuna Salad Sandwiches
Prep ahead: Prepare the black-olive dressing and blanch the snow peas the night before to save time on the day of making the sandwiches.
Use canned tuna: Opt for canned tuna instead of fresh tuna to save time on cooking and preparation.
Multi-task: While the snow peas are blanching, you can start preparing the black-olive dressing to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
Organize ingredients: Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients are organized and easily accessible to streamline the cooking process.
Quick assembly: Have all the components ready to assemble the sandwiches quickly when it's time to serve.
Substitute Ingredients For Italian Tuna Salad Sandwiches with Black-Olive Dressing Recipe
flat leaf parsley - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil has a similar peppery and slightly sweet flavor to parsley, and it will add a nice aromatic touch to the salad.
black olives - Substitute with kalamata olives: Kalamata olives have a rich, fruity flavor and a meaty texture, which can provide a similar briny and salty taste to the salad.
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild, buttery flavor and a high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for extra virgin olive oil in this recipe.
anchovy fillets - Substitute with capers: Capers have a tangy, briny flavor that can replace the umami depth of anchovy fillets in the dressing.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a mild, sweet onion flavor and can provide a similar aromatic quality to the dressing without the pungency of garlic.
thyme - Substitute with oregano: Oregano has a robust and earthy flavor that can complement the other ingredients in the dressing, similar to thyme.
snow peas - Substitute with sugar snap peas: Sugar snap peas have a similar crunch and sweet flavor, making them a suitable substitute for snow peas in the salad.
imported olive oil packed tuna - Substitute with canned albacore tuna: Canned albacore tuna has a similar texture and mild flavor to olive oil-packed tuna and can be used as a substitute in the salad.
crusty rolls - Substitute with ciabatta bread: Ciabatta bread has a chewy texture and a slightly crispy crust, making it a great alternative for making sandwiches.
red onion - Substitute with sweet onion: Sweet onions have a milder flavor compared to red onions and can provide a subtle sweetness to the salad.
tomatoes - Substitute with roasted red bell peppers: Roasted red bell peppers can add a sweet and smoky flavor to the salad, similar to the juiciness of tomatoes.
eggs - Substitute with canned chickpeas: Canned chickpeas can provide a similar protein and texture to eggs in the salad, making it a suitable substitute for a vegetarian option.
Presentation Ideas for Italian Tuna Salad Sandwiches
Elevate the tuna salad: Present the tuna salad on a bed of fresh, vibrant lettuce leaves to add color and freshness to the dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle a few sprigs of fresh parsley or thyme over the tuna salad sandwiches to add a pop of color and a burst of flavor.
Create a visually appealing plating: Arrange the sandwiches on a beautiful platter, ensuring that the colors and textures of the ingredients are showcased elegantly.
Incorporate a side of pickled vegetables: Serve the sandwiches with a side of pickled vegetables, such as cucumbers or radishes, to add a tangy and crunchy element to the dish.
Use high-quality serving ware: Present the sandwiches on elegant, high-quality serving plates or boards to enhance the overall dining experience.
Add a touch of sophistication with edible flowers: Garnish the platter with delicate, edible flowers for a touch of elegance and a subtle floral note.
Consider the placement of each component: Pay attention to the placement of each ingredient on the sandwich to ensure a balanced and visually appealing presentation.
Offer a variety of textures: Incorporate elements such as toasted bread, crisp lettuce, and creamy tuna salad to provide a delightful contrast of textures in each bite.
Highlight the freshness of the ingredients: Emphasize the freshness of the ingredients by arranging them in a way that showcases their vibrant colors and natural beauty.
Serve with a side of artisanal potato chips: Accompany the sandwiches with a side of artisanal potato chips for a gourmet touch and an added crunch to the meal.
Essential Tools for Making Tuna Salad Sandwiches
- Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It's great for making the black-olive dressing and for processing the parsley and black olives.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the ingredients for the black-olive dressing and for tossing the snow peas with the olive dressing.
- Small pot: A small pot is needed for blanching the snow peas in boiling salted water.
- Fork: A fork is used for breaking up and tossing the drained tuna with the olive dressing.
- Knife: A knife is necessary for slicing the tomatoes, red onion, and hard-boiled eggs for the sandwiches.
Interesting Fact About Tuna Salad Sandwiches
Tuna salad sandwiches are a popular choice for picnics and outdoor gatherings due to their portability and delicious flavors.
Is Making Italian Tuna Salad Sandwiches at Home Cost-Effective?
This Italian tuna salad sandwiches with black-olive dressing recipe offers a cost-effective option for households. The use of affordable ingredients such as canned tuna, eggs, and olive oil makes it budget-friendly. The versatility of the recipe allows for ingredient substitutions based on availability, further enhancing its cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-20, making it an economical choice. Overall Verdict: 8/10
Is This Tuna Salad Sandwich Recipe Healthy?
The Italian tuna salad sandwich recipe is relatively healthy, offering a balance of protein, healthy fats, and vegetables. The tuna provides lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, while the olive oil and olives contribute heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. The inclusion of snow peas, red onion, and tomatoes adds fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the dish. However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make the recipe even healthier:
- The anchovies and olives contribute to the high sodium content of the dish. Reducing the amount of these ingredients or opting for low-sodium alternatives could help lower the overall salt intake.
- While the eggs provide additional protein, they also add to the cholesterol content. Limiting the number of eggs or using only egg whites could be a healthier option for those concerned about cholesterol intake.
- The crusty rolls, depending on their size and composition, may be high in refined carbohydrates. Choosing whole grain rolls or using lettuce wraps instead could increase the fiber content and reduce the glycemic impact of the meal.
To further enhance the nutritional value of the Italian tuna salad sandwiches, consider the following suggestions:
- Incorporate additional vegetables, such as lettuce, cucumber, or bell peppers, to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the sandwiches
- Use a mix of whole grain and seed-based rolls to provide a variety of nutrients and textures
- Experiment with using mashed avocado as a spread instead of the olive dressing to add healthy fats and reduce the sodium content
- Include a side salad or vegetable-based soup to round out the meal and provide additional vitamins and minerals
Editor's Opinion on This Italian Tuna Salad Sandwich Recipe
The Italian tuna salad sandwiches with black-olive dressing recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The black-olive dressing adds a rich and savory element to the dish, while the addition of snow peas provides a refreshing crunch. The use of high-quality ingredients such as imported olive oil-packed tuna and fresh herbs elevates the overall taste. The recipe's versatility allows for easy customization to suit individual preferences. Overall, it's a well-balanced and satisfying dish that is sure to please the palate.
Why trust this Italian Tuna Salad Sandwiches with Black-Olive Dressing Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, ensuring a satisfying meal experience. The tuna is a rich source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, promoting heart health. The black olives and anchovy fillets infuse the dish with savory umami notes, while the fresh lemon juice adds a zesty brightness. The use of extra virgin olive oil enhances the dish with its rich, fruity undertones. The inclusion of snow peas and thyme introduces a refreshing and aromatic element. These thoughtfully combined ingredients create a trustworthy recipe that promises a delightful culinary adventure.
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