Tuna sandwiches will be much tastier if you ditch mayonnaise for a simple ingredient. A healthier alternative to mayonnaise can really enhance the flavour of a tuna sandwich. Greek yoghurt has a slight tanginess that makes tuna sandwiches much tastier, according to food experts.
The Classic Tuna Sandwich Upgrade
Whipping up a quick sandwich has long been the go-to option at lunchtimes. While there is an array of tasty fillings to choose from, you just cannot beat an old classic like tuna. It is cheap, full of protein and incredibly tasty. As an added bonus, it is really easy to prepare, making it a good option if you are in a rush. But tuna alone in a sandwich is a bit on the dry side, so it is often paired with mayonnaise to lend it some much-needed moisture and extra flavour. While together the two ingredients do make a winning duo, there is an alternative to mayo that is arguably much tastier and will still provide that lovely, rich, creamy taste.
Why Greek Yogurt is the Better Choice
According to food experts, opting for Greek yoghurt instead of mayonnaise is a better choice as it is generally a healthier option that is lower in calories and fat, and it is also higher in protein. Not only does it provide a deliciously creamy and tangy taste that perfectly complements the tuna, Greek yoghurt is also lovely and thick. You still get that rich, smooth and creamy texture that mayonnaise brings, but with a slight tanginess that makes the overall dish much tastier.
Online food website Tasting Table said: “Greek yogurt works well in tuna salad because it is as creamy as mayonnaise and also has a slightly tangy flavour profile. As an added bonus, it is full of probiotics, so it is a nutritious option, and if you are counting calories, it is a lighter alternative to mayonnaise that tastes just as good.”
How to Make the Perfect Tuna Salad Sandwich
All you need to create a creamy tuna salad sandwich is a tin of tuna and around two tablespoons of Greek yoghurt. Simply mix the ingredients together in a bowl, and once combined, spread them across a piece of bread to make your sandwich. For a richer and creamier taste, experts recommend using full-fat yoghurt instead of a non-fat option, but it is a matter of preference.
If you want to enhance the flavour further, you can experiment with adding a few extra ingredients like salt and pepper, a squeeze of lemon juice, mustard or a dash of extra virgin olive oil to help retain the richness of mayonnaise.
Expert Recommendations
Dietician and recipe creator Alex Aldeborgh, from Daisy Beet, said: “Traditional tuna salad is made with mayonnaise. As a Registered Dietitian, I make it more nutrient-dense by using protein-packed Greek yogurt instead, which has significantly less fat and calories than mayonnaise.” She added: “Choose tuna packed in water for this recipe instead of tuna packed in oil, since you will be mixing it with other ingredients. I like to use white albacore tuna because it has a mild flavour and large pieces of fish. Use any fat content of yogurt you like, but my preference is 5% full fat or 2% reduced fat for this recipe. A bit of fat in the Greek yogurt makes it richer, creamier, and less tangy than non-fat.”
