Creamy, tangy, savory, and unbelievably versatile — this classic sauce transforms any dish.
Introduction
If you’ve never tried Tonnato, prepare for your new obsession.
Originating in Northern Italy (most famously paired with Vitello Tonnato), this silky tuna-caper sauce is creamy like aioli, zesty like Caesar dressing, and deeply savory thanks to high-quality tuna and anchovies.
The best part?
It’s incredibly easy, requires no cooking, blends in under 2 minutes, and tastes good on literally anything — chicken, veggies, sandwiches, potatoes, roasted meats, salads, eggs, and crudités.
One spoonful, and you’ll understand why Italian kitchens always keep this sauce in rotation.
Ingredients 🧂
- 1 can (5–7 oz) tuna in olive oil, drained slightly
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 3–4 anchovy fillets
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
Timing ⏱️
- Prep: 5 minutes
- Total: 5 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions 👩🍳
1 — Blend your base
In a blender or food processor, add:
- tuna
- capers
- anchovies
- mayo
- lemon juice
- Dijon
- garlic
Blend until creamy.
2 — Add olive oil
With the blender running, drizzle in olive oil to make it extra silky.
3 — Season
Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or extra lemon.
4 — Chill
Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to deepen.
5 — Serve on everything
This sauce goes with almost anything savory.
Nutritional Information (2 tbsp) 🧾
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 11 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbs: 1 g
What to Serve with Tonnato 🍽️
- Grilled or roasted chicken
- Steak or roast beef
- Potato salad
- Roasted or steamed vegetables
- Tomato salad
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Sandwiches & wraps
- Charcuterie boards
- As a dipping sauce for fries or crudités
Variations 🌟
- Greek yogurt tonnato: lighter, tangier version
- Spicy tonnato: add Calabrian chili paste
- Herb tonnato: mix in parsley or basil
- Extra anchovy: for a stronger umami punch
Pro Tips 🔥
- Use good-quality tuna in olive oil — it makes a huge difference.
- If sauce is too thick, thin with 1–2 tbsp water.
- Taste before salting — anchovies add plenty of natural salt.
- Always chill before serving for the best flavor.
Storing Tips 🧊
- Refrigerate up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- Do not freeze — mayonnaise-based sauces separate.
Conclusion 💛
Tonnato is the creamy, savory, Italian sauce you’ll want to spoon on everything. Fast, delicious, and endlessly versatile, it elevates even the simplest meals into restaurant-quality dishes.
