Tuna Sandwich Ingredients

Tuna sandwiches can be served in pita pockets instead of on bread.

Although you would technically have a tuna sandwich if you opened a can of tuna and put the contents between two pieces of bread, tuna sandwiches typically include several other ingredients. Chefs might also choose to include more unique and flavorful ingredients on the tuna sandwich to make it more interesting.

Basic Tuna Salad

Tuna salad is the main ingredient in a tuna sandwich. A tuna salad usually contains flaked cooked tuna mixed with a few other ingredients to flavor the tuna, add texture and hold it all together. The basic recipe for tuna salad found in "Joy of Cooking" calls for 1 cup of flaked tuna. Use 1/2 cup to 1 cup of diced celery or cucumber to make it crunchier. Use 1 tbsp. chopped chives or parsley to season the tuna salad. For the sauce, use either 1/4 cup mayonnaise or 2 tbsp. olive oil and 2 tbsp. lemon juice.

Tuna Salad Additions

Mix other ingredients into the tuna salad to incorporate additional flavors or textures. Some potential crunchy ingredients include diced carrots, cabbage, radishes, onions, dill pickles or sweet pickles. Use condiments to add flavor to the tuna salad. Some possibilities include hot pepper sauce, lemon zest, balsamic vinegar, mustard and barbecue sauce. Freshen the tuna salad with herbs, including dill, fennel, tarragon, basil, oregano or thyme.

Basic Sandwich Ingredients

A basic tuna sandwich typically contains lettuce and sliced tomato in addition to the tuna salad. Iceberg lettuce makes for a crunchy sandwich, whereas spinach would provide more vitamins or arugula would add a spicy edge. Tuna sandwiches are typically served on sliced bread, although rolls, pita bread and tortillas are all options as well.

Sandwich Ingredient Additions

Add more ingredients to make a more creative and flavorful tuna sandwich. For a Mediterranean flair, add sun-dried tomatoes, olive tapenade and feta cheese to the sandwich. Make the sandwich into a tuna melt by putting a slice of mild provolone cheese on top of an open-faced sandwich and broiling it until the cheese melts. Raw vegetables, including bell pepper strips, avocado spread, sprouts, cucumbers and watercress, all work well on tuna sandwiches. For an extra surprise, put a few strips of bacon in a tuna sandwich.

References

• "Joy of Cooking"; Irma S. Rombauer; 2006