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Tuna Nicoise Sandwich

This sandwich, our take on the French pan bagnat, is perfect for outdoor eating. Its flavor improves when you make it ahead.

Tuna Nicoise Sandwich

Everyday Food editor Sarah Carey reinvents the tuna typical sandwich with this hearty make-ahead recipe perfect for a picnic.

Everyday Food, July/August 2009
  • Yield Makes 4 servings
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Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons white-wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • Coarse salt and ground pepper
  • 2 cans oil-packed tuna (6 ounces each), drained
  • 1/4 English cucumber
  • 1/2 small red onion
  • 8 inch country style round bread loaf
  • 3 tablespoons jarred olive tapenade
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 2 hard-cooked large eggs

Directions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, white-wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard; season with coarse salt and ground pepper. Transfer 2 tablespoons dressing to another bowl; toss with tuna. To remaining dressing, add cucumber and red onion; toss to combine.

  2. Cut an 8-inch country-style round bread loaf in half horizontally; remove most of soft interior bread. Spread 3 tablespoons jarred olive tapenade on bottom half. Top with 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves, then 2 hard-cooked large eggs sliced; season with salt and pepper. Top with tuna, then cucumber mixture, and close sandwich.

  3. Wrap sandwich tightly in plastic and place between two baking sheets. Weight with a heavy skillet. Let stand 1 hour (or refrigerate, up to overnight). To serve, cut into quarters.

Recipe Reviews

  • nblack
    20 Aug, 2009

    Thanks--I happen to have a TJ's near me. I'll look next time!

  • cullymb1113
    20 Aug, 2009

    Trader Joe's has wonderful olive tapenade!

  • nblack
    20 Aug, 2009

    Where can I buy olive tapenade? Or is there something I can improvise using olives I already have?

  • doggylovertoo
    20 Aug, 2009

    Is there a fat and calorie section for the recipes here?

  • LeslieABarr
    28 Jun, 2009

    This sandwich was delicious at our picnic. Everyone loved it, including my 3 year old daughter. Easy to make and with ingredients that are easy to obtain. Wonderful!