The Ultimate Mediterranean Tuna Sandwich: A Fresh, Mayo-Free Twist on a Classic
A fresh, elegant, and modern twist on a classic tuna sandwich. This Mediterranean tuna sandwich is made without mayonnaise, and is paired with pesto tossed cannellini beans, sliced red onion, and fresh arugula.
This post is brought to you by Portofino.
For too long, the humble tuna sandwich has been confined to the realm of creamy, mayonnaise-laden concoctions. While there’s a certain nostalgia for the classic, it’s time to break free and explore a more sophisticated, vibrant, and utterly delicious alternative. Enter the Mediterranean Tuna Sandwich, a recipe that breathes new life into a lunchtime staple, transforming it into an elegant and healthful tartine experience. If you’re searching for a fresh, healthy, and easy lunch or dinner idea that’s far from ordinary, this mayo-free Mediterranean tuna sandwich is about to become your new favorite.
Rediscovering the Art of the Tartine: An Elevated Sandwich Experience
While I’m never one to shy away from a slice of good bread, in my mind, there’s no better sandwich than a classic tartine. Imagine an open-faced sandwich, generously piled high with beautiful, simple ingredients, where the filling takes center stage and the bread acts as a supportive, flavorful foundation. Tartines are the more refined and elegant French cousin of the classic American sandwich, offering a chic presentation and an emphasis on fresh, high-quality components.
In this Mediterranean rendition, the focus shifts entirely to the exquisite flavors and textures of the filling. While you should never skimp on a high-quality, crusty bread – sourdough is my personal favorite – it truly becomes the perfect canvas for the vibrant medley of ingredients we’re about to layer upon it. These fresh and flavorful tuna tartines are a delightful departure from the typical mayonnaise-heavy tuna salad sandwiches that have seemingly dominated the sandwich world for decades.
The Mayonnaise Conundrum: Why Go Mayo-Free?
I must confess, while I don’t mind mayonnaise every now and then (particularly if it’s homemade, like in this egg salad sandwich), I am not its biggest fan, especially when it comes to tuna. It’s my personal belief that mayonnaise often serves as more of a crutch in traditional tuna fish sandwiches than anything else. It’s used to mask subpar flavor or, worse yet, to moisten dry, water-packed tuna (the absolute worst!).
This recipe, however, champions a different philosophy. By opting for a mayonnaise-free approach, we unlock the true potential of quality tuna and introduce layers of flavor and moisture from superior ingredients. The goal is to highlight the natural richness of the fish and complement it with bright, aromatic elements, rather than drowning it in a heavy, sometimes overpowering, dressing. This choice makes a world of difference, allowing each ingredient to truly shine.
The Secret to Superior Flavor: Olive Oil Packed Albacore Tuna
The foundation of an exceptional tuna sandwich lies in the quality of the tuna itself. For today’s recipe, I’ve had the pleasure of teaming up again with my friends at Portofino. These Mediterranean tuna tartines are crafted using their hand-selected extra virgin olive oil packed Albacore tuna, and the difference is truly remarkable.
Why olive oil-packed Albacore? It’s a game-changer. I consistently prefer traditional Albacore tuna for sandwich applications because it boasts a milder, richer flavor and a firmer, more substantial texture compared to Yellowfin. But the real magic happens when it’s packed in extra virgin olive oil. This not only preserves the tuna beautifully but infuses it with a luxurious moistness and depth of flavor that simply cannot be achieved with water-packed canned tuna. The quality is so superior that you won’t even miss (or need) the mayonnaise in this recipe. Trust me, it’s a revelation!
When you open a can of high-quality, olive oil-packed tuna, you’re greeted with tender, flaky chunks of fish that are already seasoned and hydrated. This eliminates the need for heavy binders and allows the inherent taste of the tuna to shine through, making it the perfect star for our Mediterranean-inspired tartine. It’s a simple swap that elevates the entire dish from ordinary to extraordinary, delivering healthy fats and a gourmet experience in every bite.
And while you’re exploring delicious tuna recipes, you might also want to try these tuna avocado boats for another fresh, light meal idea!
The Inspired Pairing: Pesto Cannellini Beans
My inspiration for these exquisite tartines came from an old-world Italian pairing: tonno-style tuna (tuna in extra virgin olive oil) and cannellini beans. This combination is a testament to the simplicity and harmony of Mediterranean cuisine, where a few well-chosen ingredients create a symphony of flavors.
To add a modern, vibrant pop of flavor, the creamy cannellini beans are delicately tossed with a simple, homemade pesto. This pesto is a fresh blend of fragrant basil leaves, rich extra virgin olive oil, pungent garlic, and a touch of salt and pepper. The herbaceous notes of the basil and the subtle garlic kick from the pesto perfectly complement the richness of the olive oil-packed tuna, creating an incredibly balanced and utterly addictive combination. The cannellini beans themselves offer a wonderfully creamy texture and a mild, earthy taste that anchors the brighter flavors of the pesto and the fresh toppings.
This bean-and-pesto mixture not only provides a fantastic flavor profile but also adds a significant boost of fiber and plant-based protein, making this sandwich even more wholesome and satisfying. It’s a brilliant way to introduce a unique texture and Mediterranean flair to your meal, setting these tartines apart from any other tuna sandwich you’ve ever tasted.
Assembling Your Perfect Mediterranean Tuna Tartine
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and speed of assembly. Once your pesto cannellini beans are ready, the rest comes together in mere seconds. The foundation is crucial: grab thick slices of high-quality sourdough bread and toast them until they reach a dark golden brown. This vital step provides a sturdy base for our generous toppings and adds an extra dimension of savory, slightly tangy flavor and a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the softer fillings.
Here’s how to build your ultimate Mediterranean tuna tartine:
- Layer the Beans: Spoon a generous amount of the vibrant pesto cannellini beans onto each toasted sourdough slice. Spread them evenly, ensuring every bite gets that creamy, herbaceous goodness.
- Add the Tuna: Next, artfully arrange chunky pieces of the premium Albacore tuna over the bean mixture. Allow the natural flakiness of the tuna to be visible, tempting the eye as much as the palate.
- Crown with Freshness: Finally, top with a handful of peppery baby arugula, which has been lightly tossed with thinly sliced red onions and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The arugula adds a delightful peppery bite, the red onion provides a crisp texture and a subtle sharpness, and the lemon juice brightens everything, tying all the flavors together with a zesty finish.
Serve these masterpieces immediately to enjoy the warmth of the toasted bread with the cool, fresh toppings. Each bite is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes: the crunch of the toast, the creaminess of the beans, the richness of the tuna, and the crisp, zesty freshness of the arugula and onion. It’s a culinary experience that proves tuna sandwiches just got so much better – and healthier!
Beyond the Recipe: Tips for Success and Variations
This Mediterranean Tuna Tartine is wonderfully versatile and can be adapted to suit your preferences. For an extra pop of color and tang, consider adding a few halved cherry tomatoes or thinly sliced Kalamata olives. A sprinkle of capers would also introduce a briny depth that complements the tuna beautifully. If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes in your pesto or a few dashes of hot sauce can add an exciting kick.
For those looking to prepare this for a crowd, the pesto cannellini beans can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The arugula and red onion mixture can also be prepped, but it’s best to dress it with lemon juice just before serving to maintain its crispness. When serving, ensure your sourdough slices are freshly toasted for the best texture and warmth.
This recipe isn’t just for lunch; it makes for a fantastic light dinner, a sophisticated appetizer for guests, or even a healthy snack. Its dairy-free nature also makes it suitable for various dietary needs, emphasizing fresh, wholesome ingredients over heavy creams or dressings. It’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients, expertly combined, to create an unforgettable meal.
Mediterranean Tuna Sandwich
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Ingredients
- 2 (4½-oz) cans Portofino Solid Albacore Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil chunked
- 1 medium garlic cloves peeled
- 1 ounce fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans drained and rinsed
- 2 cups baby arugula
- ¼ small red onion very thinly sliced
- juice of ½ lemon
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 4 (¾-inch thick) slices sourdough bread toasted until dark golden brown
Instructions
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In a mini food processor, combine the garlic cloves, fresh basil leaves, and extra virgin olive oil. Pulse until mostly smooth, scraping down the side of the bowl with a spatula to ensure the ingredients are incorporated evenly. In a medium bowl, toss the pesto with the drained cannellini beans. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and set aside.
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In a separate medium bowl, combine the arugula, shaved red onion, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Toss gently with your hands until lightly dressed (adding additional lemon juice, if necessary), and season with salt and pepper.
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Spoon the pesto cannellini beans onto the toasted sourdough slices, add tuna pieces, and top with the arugula mixture. Serve immediately.
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This post was created in partnership with Bella Portofino and I received compensation for my participation. Opinions are my own. Thank you for your support!