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Classic Italian Tonnato Sauce

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Pixicook editorial team

A smooth and flavorful Italian sauce made with tuna, mayonnaise, olive oil, and lemon juice.

Ingredients for Classic Italian Tonnato Sauce

units in
USchevron
serves
1.5 people

Oil-packed Tuna, drained

0 oz

Kosher Salt

teaspoons

Lemon Juice

tablespoons

How to Make Classic Italian Tonnato Sauce

1. Pulse Tuna and Salt

Start by pulsing the drained tuna and kosher salt in a food processor until the tuna looks finely shredded and well-mixed with the salt.

2. Add Mayonnaise

Next, add the mayonnaise to the food processor and pulse until the mixture turns creamy.

3. Drizzle Olive Oil and Lemon Juice

With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil and lemon juice until the mixture appears very smooth and creamy.

4. Adjust Seasoning

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more mayonnaise, olive oil, or lemon juice to balance the flavors to your liking.

5. Store Sauce

Store the tonnato sauce in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Variations

Seafood Tonnato

Drizzle the tonnato sauce over seared or grilled fish, such as swordfish or salmon. The robust flavors of the sauce enhance the natural richness of the fish.

Pasta al Tonnato

Toss cooked pasta, such as spaghetti or fusilli, with the tonnato sauce for a quick and flavorful meal. Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an extra burst of freshness.

Chicken Tonnato

Instead of serving with veal, as in the classic Vitello Tonnato, use thinly sliced poached or roasted chicken breasts. The chicken's mild flavor pairs beautifully with the tangy sauce.

Herb Infusion

Incorporate fresh herbs like basil, tarragon, or dill into the sauce. Finely chopped and stirred in at the end, these herbs can bring a fresh, aromatic quality to the sauce. For example, basil can add a sweet, peppery flavor that's great with pasta or bruschetta.

Herbaceous Tonnato

Add fresh herbs such as dill, chervil, or tarragon to the sauce to create a more aromatic version that can brighten up any dish.

Pitfalls and tips

Quality of Ingredients

Opt for high-quality canned tuna in olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, top-notch anchovy fillets, and capers packed in brine for a richer flavor.

Balancing Flavors

Adjust the balance of tuna, anchovies, capers, and lemon juice to taste for a superior Tonnato. More acidity or saltiness can be added as needed.

Emulsification

Add olive oil in a slow, steady stream while blending to achieve a smooth, creamy sauce. Rescue a split sauce with warm water.

Resting Time

Let the sauce rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to allow flavors to marry and develop.

Caper and Anchovy Salinity

Taste and, if necessary, rinse capers and anchovies to control the sauce's seasoning.

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