Tuna mayo is a classic sandwich filling, but swapping out the mayonnaise could transform the flavour. Angela Patrone, Senior Lifestyle Reporter, and Steffan Rhys, Deputy Content Hub Director, explore this simple yet effective change.
Why Ditch Mayonnaise?
Tuna mayo is an excellent sandwich filling that is not only tasty but also healthy. Tuna is rich in protein and provides vital vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B3, D, calcium and magnesium. When preparing tuna mayo sandwiches, I enjoy experimenting by incorporating different vegetables such as sweetcorn, cucumber and red onion for additional crunch and taste. However, one element I had never modified was replacing mayonnaise with an alternative.
Coming from an Italian heritage, olive oil features prominently in our cuisine, so I was intrigued whether it might taste superior when combined with tuna instead of mayonnaise — and it did. I found that olive oil does not merely replace mayonnaise in tuna salad filling recipes. I would venture to say it genuinely enhances the flavour. Mayo causes tuna to stick together, creating a mashed, heavy consistency with a somewhat oily aftertaste. Olive oil, conversely, accentuates the natural saltiness of tuna, delicately coating the flakes and giving them a lighter, purer taste. Additionally, when other ingredients are incorporated, their flavours become considerably more distinct when olive oil is employed.
How to Make the Swap
Instead of adding spoonfuls of mayonnaise, simply drizzle one to two tablespoons of olive oil per tin of thoroughly drained tuna. Carefully mix with a spoon and add a touch more olive oil only if the tuna still looks dry. The goal is to delicately dress the tuna rather than saturate it, as you certainly do not want it submerged in a puddle of olive oil — that would produce a rather unappetising outcome.
Best Tuna to Use
The recommended type of tuna for this recipe is Albacore, a larger fish offering paler flesh, a firmer consistency and a subtler taste in comparison to solid or chunk light alternatives. It genuinely allows the olive oil to shine through. My go-to type of tuna to use is Albacore tuna as it makes the olive oil shine. Olive oil enhances the natural brininess of tuna, making for a superior sandwich experience.
