Zesty Mediterranean Tuna Salad Sandwich

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 4 min
🍽 Serves: 4
Be the First to Review!

If you're craving a satisfying, flavor-packed lunch, look no further than these Zesty Mediterranean Tuna Salad Sandwiches. They bring together the vibrant tastes of the Mediterranean with the comfort of a classic sandwich. Perfect for a quick meal that doesn't skimp on taste.

Ingredients for Zesty Mediterranean Tuna Salad Sandwich

Tuna: The star of the show, providing protein and a mild flavor that marries well with zesty ingredients.

Sun-dried tomatoes: Adds a sweet and tangy punch, bringing the warmth of the Mediterranean sun to the dish.

Kalamata olives: These olives provide a briny depth and richness that elevates the tuna salad.

Red onion: Offers a bit of sharpness and crunch, balancing the smoothness of the mayo.

Celery: Introduces a fresh, crisp texture that complements the creamy dressing.

Parsley: Freshens up the salad with its slightly peppery taste, enhancing the overall flavor.

Mayonnaise: Binds everything together into a creamy, cohesive salad.

Lemon juice: Brightens the dressing, adding a refreshing citrus note.

Dijon mustard: Lends a subtle heat and complexity to the dressing.

Dried oregano: Provides a hint of earthiness, tying all the Mediterranean flavors together.

Whole grain bread: A hearty base that holds up well to the moist salad and adds a nutty taste.

Butter: Ensures a golden, crispy finish when grilling the sandwich.

Tips & Tricks

  • Ensure your skillet is hot before placing the sandwiches to achieve an even, crispy texture.
  • For extra zest, add a pinch of lemon zest to the dressing.
  • If you prefer a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these sandwiches with a fresh side salad of mixed greens, or serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A chilled glass of iced tea or a crisp white wine complements the tangy flavors beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the tuna salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tuna salad a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and assemble the sandwiches when ready to serve.
What can I use instead of whole grain bread?
Sourdough or ciabatta also work well and add different textures and flavors.
How can I adjust the recipe for more spice?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for extra heat.

Zesty Mediterranean Tuna Salad Sandwich Recipe Walkthrough

Start by draining the tuna well and placing it in a large mixing bowl. This ensures your salad isn't watery. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sliced Kalamata olives, finely diced red onion, chopped celery, and fresh parsley. Give it a gentle toss to combine these vibrant ingredients.

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour this zesty dressing over your tuna mixture and gently combine until everything is well coated, ensuring a uniform distribution of flavors.

Butter one side of each slice of bread — this will help achieve a lovely golden crust when grilling. Divide the tuna salad evenly among four slices of bread on the non-buttered side, ensuring each slice is generously topped. Cap with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing up.

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the sandwiches butter-side down and grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You're aiming for a crispy, golden-brown exterior and a warm, cohesive interior. Once done, let them cool for a minute before cutting and serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines the bold flavors of olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and Dijon mustard.
  • Quick and easy to whip up, perfect for busy days.
  • Uses pantry staples, making it budget-friendly and accessible.
  • Grilled to golden perfection for a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

2 cans of tuna, drained
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1/4 cup celery, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
8 slices of whole grain bread
Butter, for toasting

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, red onion, celery, and parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the tuna mixture and gently combine until everything is well coated.
4. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
5. Divide the tuna salad evenly among four slices of bread on the non-buttered side.
6. Top with the remaining slices, buttered side up.
7. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and grill each sandwich for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and heated through.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!