Tuna filling in sandwiches and salads can often taste greasy or even spoil quickly at picnics, but there is a very easy method to make it taste better by just replacing mayonnaise.
Mayonnaise can make tuna sandwiches greasy and make tuna salads really heavy (Image: Getty)
Picnic season has arrived in the UK, and few things beat gathering your favourite treats to enjoy outdoors in the sunshine. Tuna filling remains a go-to option for sandwiches and salads, but mayo-based versions can quickly turn rather pungent and off-putting.
Tuna dishes prepared with mayonnaise typically offer a creamier flavour, but the egg content means they can deteriorate within an hour during warm weather, developing an unpleasant sulphurous smell. This isn’t just awkward when you’re dining al fresco with loved ones – it completely ruins your meal, leaving you out of pocket with nothing appetising to enjoy.
Fortunately, Mediterranean cook Tori Avey has revealed a straightforward method for creating delicious tuna filling without mayonnaise – simply swap it for olive oil.
Tori explained: “Olive oil replaces heavy, and often processed, mayonnaise. Season the mixture generously with salt and pepper, and you’ve got a fresh tuna salad with a twist. You won’t miss the mayo!”
Tuna sandwiches will be better at picnics if you stop making them with mayonnaise(Image: Getty)
Substituting olive oil for mayonnaise in tuna filling may seem unusual if it’s new to you, but it delivers a lighter, more refreshing flavour profile.
Throughout Mediterranean cuisine, olive oil frequently replaces mayonnaise, proving far more suitable for warmer conditions since it doesn’t contain eggs.
Tuna sandwiches and salad can be tasty if you drizzle them with a little bit of olive oil(Image: Getty)
Mayo can leave sandwiches with an oily consistency and transform salads into sticky, unappetising messes where all the ingredients become uncomfortably slippery.
Olive oil maintains its quality better in warm weather and possesses a lighter consistency, giving dishes a silkier and smoother mouthfeel.
The flavour profile differs significantly from mayonnaise – it’s cleaner, less processed and more fruity, though it can develop a wonderfully rich taste when combined with Mediterranean staples such as fresh herbs and lemon juice.
For those seeking a tuna filling that retains creaminess without mayonnaise’s heaviness, Greek yoghurt offers an excellent substitute worth exploring.
Make sure to buy tuna cans that pack the fillets with olive oil rather than brine(Image: Getty)
How to create a lighter tuna filling
You will need:
One can of olive oil-packed tunaOne tablespoon of basilHalf a celery stalkOne green scallionTwo tablespoons of lemon juiceOne tablespoon of extra olive oil (optional)Salt and pepper
When purchasing tuna for your sandwiches or salads, opt for tins that preserve the fillets in olive oil rather than the brine solution commonly used.
Method:
Start by emptying the tuna into a small mixing bowl and break the chunks into smaller pieces using a fork.
Finely dice the celery, green scallion and basil, then incorporate them into the bowl. Add the lemon juice to the mixture, then stir with a fork until thoroughly combined.
Tuna sandwiches and picnics will taste better at picnics if you stop making them with mayo(Image: Getty)
Some prefer adding an additional tablespoon of olive oil to the tuna mixture as this loosens the consistency and creates a saucier texture.
That said, it’s advisable to avoid the extra olive oil when preparing sandwiches or wraps, since it may make them soggy, though it complements salads beautifully.
Add salt and pepper to taste, and your lighter tuna filling is prepared for a picnic or ready to serve straight away.
Dining and Cooking