The tunacado sandwich has quickly become a beloved staple for those who crave a fresh, flavorful, and slightly indulgent meal. Combining the savory flavors of tuna with the creamy goodness of the avocado, this sandwich offers a satiating twist on traditional tuna salad sandwiches. It’s an ideal sandwich choice for those who appreciate Mediterranean flavors and want something slightly more involved than your average lunch.
Tunacado Sandwich Invention
The tunacado sandwich is pretty much a blend of tuna and avocado, often accompanied by other fresh ingredients that accentuate its Mediterranean flair. This sandwich has gained popularity for its satisfying mix of textures and flavors, from the creaminess of the avocado blended to the briny bite of tuna, all nestled between slices of crusty bread. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a quick lunch, a hearty snack, or even a light dinner.
Tunacado Sandwich Recipe
If you’re looking to make your own tunacado sandwich at home, here’s a straight out tunacado sandwich recipe that you can assemble together in no time:
Ingredients:
• 1 can of tuna (preferably in water, drained)
• 1 ripe avocado, smashed
• 1 tablespoon mayo (optional)
• 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper for addition of taste
• 2 slices of crusty bread (sourdough or ciabatta are the best options)
• Two slices of tomato
• Fresh arugula, romaine, or spinach
• Onion slices (optional – red, white, or brown)
• A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil
Instructions:
- Prep the tuna mixture: Mix up and mash the tuna with avocado. For a creamier texture, add a tablespoon of mayonnaise. Stir in the lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the sandwich: Toast bread slices of your choosing if you like a bit of crunch. Spread the tuna and avocado mixture evenly over one slice of bread. Layer with tomato slices, fresh arugula, romaine or spinach, and red onion (if applicable).
- Finish and serve: Place the other slice of bread on top, pressing gently or give a good firm press, depending on your preference. If you’re feeling fancy, you can drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil over the top or inside the sandwich before placing the second slice on top. Slice the sandwich in half (if desired) and enjoy!
A Tip to Mediterranean Cuisine
The tunacado sandwich draws inspiration from Mediterranean cuisine, particularly from dishes like Mediterranean tuna salad and tuna Nicoise salad. These salads are known for their fresh ingredients and healthy balance of protein, vegetables, and healthy fats.
Tuna Nicoise salad is a classic French dish that features seared tuna, hard-boiled eggs, olives, green beans, and potatoes, all drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette. It’s a hearty salad that’s full of flavor and texture. While the tunacado sandwich is a more simplified version, it embodies some of the essence of Nicoise with its focus on tuna and fresh vegetables.
Mediterranean Tuna Salad
A Mediterranean salad with tuna often includes a mix of ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, and feta cheese, all tossed with chunks of tuna and a light dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. The tunacado sandwich takes these Mediterranean flavors and presents them in a convenient, handheld form which is easier to have on the go.
You can even “personalize” your tunacado sandwich based on the Mediterranean salad. For example, adding a few kalamata olives or a sprinkle of feta to your sandwich would give it an extra Mediterranean flair. The key is to balance the rich, creamy avocado with bright, acidic elements like lemon juice or tomatoes, which is a hallmark of Mediterranean cuisine.
Exploring Tuna Variations
If you’re a fan of tuna but want to explore different ways to enjoy it, there are other options beyond the tunacado sandwich. One popular choice is the tuna ahi salad. This dish typically features seared ahi tuna, served on a bed of greens with ingredients like avocado, mango, or sesame seeds. The tuna is often marinated soy-like sauce, giving it a savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the fresh vegetables.
For those looking for something lighter, tuna vegetarian dishes are also an option. While tuna itself isn’t vegetarian, you can create a similar texture and flavor profile using ingredients like chickpeas or hearts of palm, seasoned with seaweed flakes to mimic the taste of the sea. This can be a great alternative if you’re trying to reduce your meat consumption or cater to a vegetarian crowd.
Conclusion on the Tunacado
The tunacado sandwich is more than a simple meal; it is a fusion of flavors that takes inspiration from the best of Mediterranean cuisine. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or a hearty snack, this sandwich offers a delightful combination of creamy avocado and savory tuna that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Taking cues from dishes like Mediterranean tuna salad, tuna Nicoise salad, and even the more exotic tuna ahi salad, the tunacado sandwich adds an amazing spin of sophistication to a simple sandwich.