Tuna Sauce

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: Mediterranean

A creamy tuna sauce with lemon, parsley, and capers, perfect for spreading or as a topping, offering a tangy, savory flavor that complements salads or seafood dishes.

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Ingredients

  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup salad oil
  • 1 (3 1/2 oz.) can tuna, drained
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
  • 2 teaspoons capers

Instructions

  1. Place the egg in a blender and whirl at low speed.
  2. Slowly add the drained tuna, lemon juice, and salt while blending.
  3. Blend at high speed until smooth.
  4. Transfer to a serving dish and fold in chopped parsley and capers.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider adding a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise. You can replace the tuna with canned salmon for a different flavor. If you're short on time, use pre-cooked tuna in pouches. Blending the egg thoroughly is crucial for a smooth sauce, so take your time with the mixing process. For a variation, try incorporating some Dijon mustard for an extra kick.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the tuna sauce over a bed of greens or as a dip for fresh vegetables. It pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes like stuffed peppers or as a topping for whole-grain crackers. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish, making it a versatile addition to your seafood recipes.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover tuna sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When reheating, do so gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid curdling the egg. If the sauce thickens too much, you can add a splash of water or lemon juice to restore its consistency.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Tuna Sauce contains roughly 243 calories, with 5g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1240mg per serving (54% of the Daily Value).

243 kcal 12% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.8g 10% DV
Total Fat 18.8g 24% DV
Carbs 16g 6% DV
Fiber 2.5g 9% DV
Sugar 0.4g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1239.8mg 54% DV
Potassium 593.5mg 13% DV
Cholesterol 35mg 12% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 9.2mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 11.3mg 13% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 47.7mg 4% DV
Iron 4.5mg 25% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Egg Fish

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of fish in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the tuna with canned salmon or even shredded cooked chicken for a different flavor. Just ensure the fish is well-drained to maintain the right consistency in the sauce.

Is it necessary to use a blender for this sauce?

While a blender is recommended for a smooth texture, you can use a fork or a whisk if you prefer a chunkier sauce. Just be sure to mix thoroughly to combine the ingredients well.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

This recipe is naturally dairy-free. However, if you want to add creaminess, consider using avocado or a dairy-free yogurt substitute. These options will keep the sauce creamy without compromising on flavor.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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