Tonnato Sauce

Creamy, tangy, and bursting with bold Mediterranean flavors, tonnato sauce is a versatile Italian classic that elevates any meal. Made with canned tuna in olive oil, savory anchovy fillets, and briny capers, this no-cook sauce is blended to a silky perfection with mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil. Its rich, umami-packed profile pairs beautifully with roasted meats, especially vitello tonnato (a cold veal dish), but it's equally delicious as a dip for fresh vegetables or a spread for sandwiches. Ready in just 10 minutes, this quick and easy tonnato sauce recipe is perfect for adding gourmet flair to everyday dishes. With simple pantry staples and a creamy, pourable texture, it’s a must-try for fans of bold, Mediterranean-inspired condiments.

Nutriscore Rating: 51/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:10 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 150 grams Canned tuna in olive oil
• 120 grams Mayonnaise
• 4 pieces Anchovy fillets
• 2 tablespoons Capers
• 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
• 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Water

Directions

Step 1

Drain the canned tuna, reserving the olive oil from the can to use later if desired.

Step 2

In a blender or food processor, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, anchovy fillets, capers, and fresh lemon juice.

Step 3

Blend the ingredients until smooth. If needed, scrape down the sides of the blender to ensure an even mixture.

Step 4

While blending, drizzle in the olive oil (or reserved oil from the tuna can) to help emulsify the sauce.

Step 5

Add the water, one tablespoon at a time, to adjust the consistency of the sauce. It should be creamy but pourable.

Step 6

Season with freshly ground black pepper and blend again briefly to incorporate.

Step 7

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. The anchovies and capers should provide enough saltiness, so additional salt is usually not required.

Step 8

Transfer the tonnato sauce to a bowl or airtight container and chill for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 9

Serve over thinly sliced roasted meats, use as a dip for vegetables, or spread it on sandwiches. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	482.3 grams (482.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1579

Total Fat 140.50g	180%
Saturated Fat 16.90g	85%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 233mg	78%
Sodium 5290mg	230%
Total Carbohydrate 25.80g	9%
Dietary Fiber 0.70g	3%
Total Sugars 0.50g
Protein 57.50g	115%

Vitamin D 620IU	3100%
Calcium 271mg	21%
Iron 10mg	53%
Potassium 789mg	17%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 79.1%

Protein: 14.4%

Carbs: 6.5%