Italian Tonnato Sauce in Just 10 Minutes!

Italian Tonnato Sauce is a quick and easy preparation, a great classic of the Italian culinary tradition that is prepared with a few simple ingredients. It is a thick and tasty sauce with ancient Piedmontese origins.

To make it, simply blend the tuna with capers, hard-boiled eggs, anchovies, lemon juice and meat broth. This sauce will appeal especially to lovers of bold, umami-rich flavors. Fans of Mediterranean cuisine, seafood lovers, and those who enjoy creamy yet tangy spreads will appreciate its unique taste. You can serve it as a dipping sauce during brunches with a spread of food, or simply during a light dinner with your friends and family!

What is Italian Tonnato Sauce?

Tonnato sauce is a rich, creamy Italian condiment made primarily from tuna, mayonnaise, capers, anchovies, lemon juice, and olive oil, blended into a smooth consistency. It originates from the northern Italian region of Piedmont, where it became famous as the key component in Vitello Tonnato, a dish featuring thinly sliced, poached veal covered in the sauce and served chilled.

The sauce's name, derived from the Italian word tonno (tuna), highlights its seafood base. Tonnato's history can be traced back to the 19th century, when it gained popularity as part of Piedmontese cuisine, known for its elegant yet simple dishes. Today, tonnato sauce has evolved beyond veal and is commonly paired with vegetables, chicken, and even sandwiches for a gourmet twist.

Pro Tips for The Best Italian Tonnato Sauce

• Opt for oil-packed tuna of premium quality, ideally imported from Italy or Spain. The richer flavor and softer texture make a noticeable difference compared to water-packed tuna.
• Use anchovy fillets packed in olive oil for depth and umami. If you're worried about a fishy taste, don't be—anchovies blend seamlessly, enhancing the sauce without overpowering it.
• Choose salt-packed capers rather than brined ones for a cleaner, less acidic taste. Rinse them well before use to avoid excessive saltiness.
• Blend the ingredients using a food processor or immersion blender for a silky-smooth, lump-free consistency.
• Let the sauce rest in the fridge for at least 2-3 hours (or overnight) before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
• For a modern twist, try adding a touch of Dijon mustard or a splash of white wine vinegar for extra complexity.

What Does Tonnato Sauce Taste Like?

Tonnato sauce has a rich, creamy, and savory taste with a smooth, velvety texture. It offers a balanced blend of tuna's mild umami, the briny tang of capers, the saltiness of anchovies, and a hint of citrusy freshness from lemon juice. The mayonnaise base adds a luscious creaminess, while the olive oil enhances the overall silkiness. The result is a complex yet harmonious sauce that's both tangy and savory, making it perfect for pairing with meats, vegetables, and seafood.

What Can I Serve With Tonnato Sauce?

Tonnato Sauce is widely used to accompany Vitello Tonnato, but not only that, in fact, it lends itself to numerous combinations: it is ideal for flavoring white and light meats, such as chicken and turkey, thanks to its versatility it is also used with grilled vegetables, boiled potatoes, fish and red meats. It is excellent on croutons, to stuff sandwiches and canapés, making them soft and tasty or to accompany cold dishes, such as hard-boiled eggs or capricciosa salad.

Can I Add Some Variations to This Sauce?

Of course! This is a sauce that can be prepared in many different versions: in our recipe, for example, we used canned tuna, but you can also choose the natural one, and you can also omit the anchovies, for a more delicate flavor. Compared to the eggs, however, you can use only the yolks or you can replace them with mayonnaise and you can use the cooking water of the vitello tonnato instead of the broth. You can also add a coarsely chopped black olives: add them at the end of the preparation, without blending them with the rest, otherwise the sauce will take on a dark color.

Can I Make Tonnato Sauce Ahead of Time?

Yes, tonnato sauce can be made ahead of time! In fact, it's often recommended to prepare it in advance, as the flavors deepen and meld beautifully after a few hours in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days for the best taste and freshness.

Can I Freeze Tonnato Sauce?

Tonnato sauce is not ideal for freezing, as its creamy base can separate and become grainy when thawed. The mayonnaise and olive oil may lose their smooth texture, compromising the sauce's quality.

How to Store Italian Tonnato Sauce

You can store the tuna sauce in the refrigerator for 1-2 days covered with cling film or in an airtight container.

How to Make Italian Tonnato Sauce

Put the tuna and capers into the mixer.

Add the whole hard boiled eggs, anchovies, lemon juice and broth. If while blending you notice that it is not yet creamy, add a few more drops of broth, but do not make it too liquid.

Blend until you get a creamy mixture.

Enjoy!