Pepperoncini Tuna Salad

Updated Oct. 12, 2023

Pepperoncini Tuna Salad
David Malosh for The New York Times. Food stylist: Simon Andrews.
Total Time
10 minutes
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
5 minutes
Rating
4(1,311)
Comments
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This verdant tuna salad looks and tastes classic (but with the saturation levels all the way up). Acid and crunch come in the form of delightfully sour, salty pickled pepperoncini and their neon-green brine. Sweet relish anchors the salad with balance, as does deeply aromatic and nutty toasted sesame oil. Any canned or jarred tuna works; just be sure to drain it very well. This recipe calls for celery to be folded in at the end for crunch, but any vegetable would work: thinly sliced cucumbers, iceberg lettuce, watercress, green peas, asparagus, even raw onion. Eat this on a bed of peppery arugula or stuffed into a split, just-warmed croissant or brioche bun.

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Ingredients

Yield:2 servings
  • 2(5-ounce) cans tuna (preferably stored in oil), very well drained
  • ¼cup mild-tasting mayonnaise, such as Hellmann’s
  • 3tablespoons chopped pepperoncini plus 1 tablespoon brine, plus more of each to taste
  • 1tablespoon sweet pickle relish
  • 1tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • ½garlic clove, finely grated
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1cup thinly sliced celery (from 2 stalks)
  • Croissants (optional), split, for serving
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (2 servings)

462 calories; 34 grams fat; 6 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 9 grams monounsaturated fat; 17 grams polyunsaturated fat; 12 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams dietary fiber; 4 grams sugars; 29 grams protein; 912 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a medium bowl, combine the tuna, mayonnaise, pepperoncini and its brine, sweet relish, sesame oil and garlic. Season with salt and pepper.

  2. Step 2

    Stir vigorously with a fork, breaking up the tuna into fine threads. Fold in the celery, then taste and add more salt, pepper, pepperoncini and pepperoncini brine to your taste. Stuff into croissants for sandwiches, if you’d like.

Ratings

4 out of 5
1,311 user ratings
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Comments

Pepperoncini yes! We love those in tuna salad. But sweet pickle relish absolutely ruins any food it touches. I think this sandwich would be lovely if you left it out.

This is basically a great tuna salad, but the sesame oil adds an unusual (and somewhat off-putting) flavor that overwhelms the pepperonici — and isn't that the star of this salad? Will definitely make it again, but without the sesame oil.

A tablespoon of toasted sesame oil is too much.

Disappointing. I usually add mayonnaise, garlic powder, pepper, salt and Serrano pepper. This recipe took twice as long as my recipe and was bland.

Too much sesame oil, if it's even necessary...I love Pickle Relish but add it to taste

Everyone. Check that your sesame oil is fresh. Even in the fridge it goes bad if it’s too old.

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