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TUNA SALAD SANDWICH WITH A MEDITERRANEAN TWIST!

Prep Time: 30 MinutesServes: 5 Sandwiches
This is no ordinary tuna salad sandwich. This tuna sandwich is infused with the Mediterranean flavors of Zaatar and Sumac native to the regions of the Middle East. The tangy, nutty, flavors of Zaatar spread on sourdough is paired with the tastiest herbed and acidic tuna salad. The mild saltiness of the black olives pair perfectly alongside the fresh vegetables. This is truly the tuna sandwich of your dreams.
Tuna Salad Sandwich with a Mediterranean Twist

WHAT IS ZAATAR?

Zaatar is generally a spice blend of herbs that consist of sesame, dried sumac, salt, thyme, and oregano. The zaatar plant is native to the Levant region, including Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan. This native plant was quickly popularized into various herbed blends from sub-regions and is heavily used in many Middle Eastern countries and cuisines. The spice blend has a fragrance of tangy, nutty herbs that explodes with flavor. In fact, Zaatar is full of so much flavor, it simply needs a drizzle of olive oil on sourdough bread to want you craving for more.

Tuna Salad Sandwich with a Mediterranean Twist

TUNA TIPS

I highly recommend purchasing good quality Tuna in Oil. Tuna in water often times does not hold its shape as well and has relatively no flavor. Tuna that’s brined in good quality oil incorporates more flavor. I recommend Tonnino Tuna Fillets, In Olive Oil or StarKist E.V.O.O. Solid Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil. This tuna sandwich requires a chunkier tuna salad, so I recommend not to overwork the mixture. The Zaatar, sumac vinegar, and lemon juice really bring a lovely acidic flavor to the herbed tuna salad. Lastly, refrigerate the tuna salad to maintain its shape and does not fall off the sandwich. The chilled tuna really brings out the crisp and crunchy vegetables for a light and flavorful meal!

TUNA SALAD INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 Tuna Cans in Oil
  • 3 Teaspoons Dijon Mustard
  • 3 Teaspoons Vinegar ( I used Pomegranate)
  • 4 Tablespoons Mayonnaise
  • 1 Teaspoon Capers
  • 4 Tablespoon Zaatar
  • 2 Tablespoon Sumac
  • Juice of Half a Lemon
  • 1 Teaspoon Sugar

SANDWICH BREAD INGREDIENTS:

TOPPINGS:

Crispy Romaine Lettuce, Juicy Tomatoes, Crunchy Cucumbers, Brined Olives. Yum!

ASSEMBLE:

1.) Mix all tuna salad ingredients until fully incorporated. Refrigerate tuna salad while you prepare to assemble other components.
2.) Drizzle 2 tablespoons Olive Oil in a small bowl. Add 1 Tablespoon Zaatar Blend. Mix until incorporated. Brush the spread on one side of bread—Toast bread until desired.
3.) Slice all of the toppings and set them on a plate. Black olives are essential for this recipe because it brings out the Mediterranean flavors added in the bread and tuna salad. You can use any cheese you prefer. I like the sweet nuttiness of Parmesan.
4.) Assembly Time! It’s optional, but I like to add mayonnaise on one side of my bread. Then, layer all the veggies. Lastly, Add the tuna spread on top. Close the sandwich and slice diagonally or in halves. Whatever makes you happy!
5.) Serve and enjoy!

Tuna Salad Sandwich with a Mediterranean Twist