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Turkey Tonnato: A Chef’s Take on a Classic Reinvention

The first time I encountered Tonnato sauce, I was a young apprentice, tasked with prepping ingredients for a lavish catering event. The rich, savory aroma of tuna, capers, and anchovies mingling together was intoxicating. I remember sneaking a tiny taste of the sauce – a moment of pure culinary revelation. It was a symphony of flavors I’d never experienced before, forever etching Tonnato into my memory. Today, I still use that foundational knowledge, and this Turkey Tonnato recipe, inspired by the masters Craig Claiborne and Pierre Franey, lets me share that same “wow” moment with you, using readily available leftover turkey.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Yield: About 4 cups
Dietary Type: Not Specified

Ingredients

1 pound cooked skinless boneless turkey breast, thinly sliced
1 (6 1/2 ounce) can tuna, drained
3 tablespoons drained capers
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise (homemade, if possible, for best flavor)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon finely chopped anchovy fillet (or 1 tablespoon anchovy paste)
2 tablespoons turkey broth (or 2 tablespoons chicken broth)
Lemon slices, thin, seeded, for garnish
Black olives, for garnish
Parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Equipment Needed

Food processor or blender
Serving dish

Instructions

Begin by preparing the turkey breast. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the cooked turkey breast across the grain into thin slices, aiming for approximately 1/8-inch thickness. This ensures tenderness and allows the sauce to penetrate each slice.
Now, create the Tonnato sauce. Place the drained tuna and capers into the bowl of a food processor or blender.
Add the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and anchovies (or anchovy paste) to the food processor or blender.
Pour in the turkey broth (or chicken broth). This adds moisture and helps to create a smooth, emulsified sauce.
Blend the mixture thoroughly until it is completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice to your preference.
Choose your serving dish. Spoon approximately 1/4 cup of the Tonnato sauce into the dish and spread it evenly across the bottom.
Arrange about 1/4 of the thinly sliced turkey over the sauce, slightly overlapping the slices for an elegant presentation.
Spoon another layer of the Tonnato sauce on top of the turkey slices, ensuring that they are well covered.
Add another layer of turkey slices and then more sauce, repeating the layering process.
Continue making layers, alternating between turkey and sauce, until all the turkey slices have been used.
Finish with a final layer of the Tonnato sauce, smoothing it over the top.
Garnish the top of the dish symmetrically with thin lemon slices, black olives, and finely chopped parsley. This adds visual appeal and enhances the overall flavor profile.
If desired, serve any additional sauce on the side for those who prefer extra.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For the best flavor, use high-quality tuna packed in olive oil. Drain it well, but reserve a teaspoon of the oil to add richness to the sauce if needed.
Homemade mayonnaise elevates the dish to a whole new level. If you have the time, it’s worth the effort.
If you don’t have turkey broth on hand, chicken broth works perfectly well as a substitute. In a pinch, a splash of dry white wine can also add a layer of complexity.
If you find the sauce too thick, add a little more broth or even a touch of olive oil to thin it out.
For a smoother sauce, you can pass it through a fine-mesh sieve after blending.
Make-ahead tip: The Tonnato sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together even more beautifully.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Turkey Tonnato is best served chilled or at room temperature. It makes an elegant appetizer, a light lunch, or even a sophisticated addition to a buffet spread. Serve it with toasted baguette slices, crisp crackers, or alongside a simple green salad. It also pairs well with sliced tomatoes or grilled vegetables.

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3 days. Be sure to consume it within this timeframe for optimal flavor and freshness.

Turkey Tonnato is not suitable for freezing, as the mayonnaise-based sauce can separate and become watery upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	359 kcal	18%
Total Fat	22g	33%
Saturated Fat	3g	17%
Cholesterol	74mg	24%
Sodium	594mg	25%
Total Carbohydrate	14g	5%
Dietary Fiber	0g	0%
Sugars	4g	8%
Protein	26g	52%

Variations & Substitutions

Vegetarian Option: Substitute the turkey with grilled eggplant or zucchini slices.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little heat.
Lemon Zest: Enhance the citrusy notes by adding the zest of one lemon to the Tonnato sauce.
Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free mayonnaise alternative.
Herby Twist: Incorporate fresh herbs like dill or chives into the sauce for added freshness.
Regional Adaptation: In place of the black olives, try using Castelvetrano olives for a buttery, green olive flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use canned chicken instead of turkey?
A: While not traditional, canned chicken can be used as a substitute, though the flavor profile will be slightly different. Be sure to drain the chicken well before using.

Q: Is it necessary to use a food processor or blender?
A: While a food processor or blender is ideal for creating a smooth sauce, you can also finely chop the ingredients and whisk them together by hand, though the texture will be less refined.

Q: Can I make this recipe without anchovies?
A: The anchovies add a crucial salty and umami flavor to the sauce. If you absolutely cannot use them, try substituting with a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.

Q: How long will the Turkey Tonnato last in the refrigerator?
A: Properly stored in an airtight container, it will last for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to the garnish?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your garnish. Thinly sliced radishes, cucumber ribbons, or a sprinkle of paprika can all add visual appeal and complementary flavors.

Final Thoughts

Turkey Tonnato is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of flavor and resourcefulness. It transforms humble leftover turkey into an elegant and memorable dish. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the garnishes and seasonings to make it your own. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your creations with friends and family. Pair it with a crisp glass of white wine for the ultimate culinary experience. Bon appétit!

Turkey Tonnato (Turkey With Tuna Sauce) Recipe