Ina Garten Tuna & Hummus Sandwiches Recipe

Ina Garten’s Tangy Tuna & Hummus Sandwiches Recipe

Tuna & hummus sandwiches burst with unexpected flavor combinations that transform ordinary lunch routines.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together, creating a remarkable culinary experience for hungry souls.

Protein-packed tuna mingles effortlessly with smooth, creamy hummus across hearty bread slices.

Light yet satisfying, these sandwiches promise a balanced meal without complicated preparation.

Fresh ingredients elevate this simple recipe from mundane to magnificent.

Crisp textures and zesty undertones make each bite a delightful adventure.

Smart cooks appreciate meals that come together quickly while delivering maximum taste: grab your ingredients and start assembling!

Why Tuna and Hummus Sandwiches Feel Fresh and Filling

  • Elevate Everyday Lunch: Transform a simple sandwich into a gourmet experience with Ina Garten's innovative combination of creamy hummus and tender tuna, turning a basic lunch into a restaurant-worthy meal.
  • Creamy Meets Protein-Packed: Enjoy the luxurious texture of silky homemade hummus perfectly complemented by protein-rich tuna, creating a balanced and satisfying sandwich that keeps you full and energized throughout the day.
  • Quick Culinary Magic: Whip up this impressive sandwich in minutes with minimal cooking skills, making it ideal for busy professionals, students, or anyone craving a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Versatile Mediterranean Twist: Bring exciting Mediterranean flavors to your lunch routine by blending classic ingredients like tahini, chickpeas, and lemon, offering a refreshing departure from ordinary sandwich options.

The Ingredients for a Satisfying Tuna Hummus Bite

Base Ingredients:
  • Chickpeas: Mild-flavored legume that provides the core foundation for authentic hummus.
  • Tahini: Rich sesame seed paste that delivers creamy texture and nutty Mediterranean flavor.
  • Olive Oil: High-quality oil that ensures smooth blending and adds rich depth to the hummus.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Lemon Juice: Bright citrus component that brings fresh tanginess and balances the hummus.
  • Garlic: Pungent aromatic that adds sharp, earthy undertones to the hummus base.
  • Salt: Essential seasoning that heightens and harmonizes all other ingredient flavors.
Consistency Adjusters:
  • Water: Neutral liquid for achieving perfect smooth and spreadable hummus texture.

How to Build Tuna and Hummus Sandwiches Right

How to Build Tuna and Hummus Sandwiches Right

Step 1: Gather Wholesome Ingredients

Collect all your sandwich components:
  • Hearty bread slices
  • Premium canned tuna
  • Creamy hummus
  • Fresh cucumber
  • Crisp lettuce leaves
  • Salt and pepper
  • Optional: Sliced red onions

Step 2: Craft Homemade Hummus

Blend ingredients in food processor:
  • Chickpeas
  • Tahini
  • Olive oil
  • Lemon juice
  • Minced garlic
  • Pinch of salt

Pulse until smooth and silky consistency develops

Step 3: Drain And Prepare Tuna

Open tuna can

Drain excess liquid completely

Gently flake tuna with fork

Season with light sprinkle of salt and pepper

Step 4: Assemble Delightful Sandwich

Spread generous layer of homemade hummus on bread slice

Top with flaked tuna

Add cucumber rounds

Layer crisp lettuce

Sprinkle red onions if desired

Step 5: Slice And Serve

Cut sandwich diagonally

Plate with fresh herbs or side salad

Enjoy your gourmet lunch dish immediately

Tips for Tuna and Hummus Sandwiches That Don’t Sog Out

  • Select Premium Tuna: Choose high-quality Italian tuna packed in olive oil for maximum flavor and silky smooth texture in your sandwich.
  • Chill for Flavor Fusion: Refrigerate the tuna salad for at least 2 hours to let the ingredients meld and develop a more complex, delicious taste.
  • Perfect Toast Technique: Crisp the sourdough bread to a golden brown, creating a sturdy foundation that supports the creamy hummus and tuna mixture.
  • Radish Razor Trick: Slice radishes paper-thin to add a delightful crunch that complements the tuna without overwhelming the sandwich's delicate flavors.
  • Liquid Gold Preservation: Save and incorporate the tuna's olive oil to boost richness and intensify the overall taste of your sandwich filling.

How to Keep Tuna and Hummus Sandwiches Fresh

  • Vacuum Sealing: Lock in freshness by using a vacuum sealer for sandwich filling. Remove air completely, preventing bacterial growth and maintaining flavor integrity. Works best with tightly sealed containers or specialized vacuum bags.
  • Compartment Storage: Separate wet and dry ingredients to preserve texture and prevent sogginess. Store tuna mixture in one airtight container, hummus in another, and keep bread in a sealed bread box. Ideal for maintaining crisp sandwich components until ready to assemble.
  • Temperature Control: Refrigerate sandwich filling at consistent 40°F or below to extend shelf life. Use glass containers with tight-fitting lids for optimal preservation. Check and consume within 2-3 days for peak quality and safety.

Tuna and Hummus Remix Ideas You’ll Want to Try

  • Mediterranean Veggie Fusion: Replace tuna with roasted red pepper strips and add crumbled feta cheese for a vegetarian Mediterranean-inspired sandwich.
  • Spicy Southwest Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños and chipotle powder to the hummus, then top with grilled corn kernels and sliced avocado for a zesty southwestern version.
  • Herb Garden Blend: Incorporate fresh chopped herbs like dill, parsley, and chives directly into the hummus for an aromatic and vibrant flavor profile that elevates the classic sandwich.
  • Protein Power Upgrade: Swap tuna with grilled chicken or smoked salmon and sprinkle za'atar spice blend over the hummus to create a protein-rich alternative with Middle Eastern flair.

One Last Bite From a Sandwich That Checks Every Box

Culinary maestro Ina Garten elevates sandwich crafting with her Mediterranean-inspired tuna and hummus dish.

Mediterranean flavors dance between crusty bread layers, promising an extraordinary lunch experience.

Chickpea-based hummus provides creamy richness while high-quality tuna adds protein-packed substance.

Lemon juice and garlic create sophisticated undertones that complement the delicate fish perfectly.

Mediterranean ingredients merge seamlessly, offering palate-pleasing complexity in each carefully assembled bite.

These sandwiches invite gourmet exploration: snap a photo, share on social media, and challenge friends to recreate this simple yet elegant recipe that whispers of summery coastal cuisine.

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Ina Garten Tuna & Hummus Sandwiches Recipe

Ina Garten Tuna & Hummus Sandwiches Recipe


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4.8 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Ina Garten’s tuna and hummus sandwiches blend Mediterranean flavors with classic deli charm. Creamy hummus, zesty tuna, and crisp vegetables create a delightful lunch experience that transports you to a sun-drenched coastal café.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 14 ounces (397 grams) jarred or canned Italian tuna in olive oil
  • Sourdough bread, halved and sliced ½ inch thick
  • Hummus, store-bought or homemade (recipe follows)

Vegetable and Herb Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) minced celery
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) minced yellow onion
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) minced cornichons
  • Fresh radishes, sliced

Seasoning and Dressing Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) good mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Gather all ingredients and equipment, ensuring food processor is clean and ready for use.
  2. Transfer drained chickpeas into the food processor, carefully measuring each additional component for precise flavor balance.
  3. Pour tahini, extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic cloves, and kosher salt directly into the processor bowl.
  4. Secure processor lid and pulse ingredients initially to break down larger chunks, then process continuously for 2-3 minutes until mixture transforms into a creamy, uniform consistency.
  5. Gradually introduce cold water (or 15 milliliters at a time) while processing, monitoring texture and smoothness until desired creaminess is achieved.
  6. Pause processing periodically to scrape down processor sides, ensuring all ingredients integrate evenly without lumps.
  7. Taste the hummus and make final seasoning adjustments, potentially adding extra salt, lemon juice, or olive oil to enhance overall flavor profile.
  8. Transfer to a serving dish, using a spatula to create elegant swirls or peaks on the surface for visual appeal.
  9. Optional: Drizzle additional extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle paprika or chopped parsley on top for garnish before serving.

Notes

  • Save and use the tuna oil from the can to boost the salad’s richness and intensify the overall flavor profile.
  • Slice radishes paper-thin to introduce a delicate crunch that complements the creamy tuna mixture without overwhelming other ingredients.
  • Toast sourdough bread until perfectly golden and crisp, creating a sturdy foundation that supports the hummus and tuna layers.
  • Chill the tuna salad for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing flavors to meld and develop a more complex and harmonious taste.
  • Select premium Italian tuna packed in olive oil for superior texture and depth, steering clear of dry or water-packed varieties that lack the desired smoothness and richness.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich ( 210g)
  • Calories: 438 kcal
  • Sugar: 3.2 g
  • Sodium: 896 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Isabella Rodriguez

Isabella Rodriguez

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Pastry Arts and Dessert Innovation, French and European Baking Techniques, Food Writing and Blogging, Culinary Event Planning

Education

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Diploma: Grand Diplôme®
  • Focus: Intensive training in classic French cuisine and pastry techniques, combining the Diplôme de Cuisine and Diplôme de Pâtisserie.

Isabella Rodriguez is the co-founder and pastry chef at wd-50.com. She studied at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, where she earned the Grand Diplôme®, a top award in both cooking and baking. After working in fancy bakeries and as a personal pastry chef, Isabella now shares her love for desserts in an easy way for home bakers to enjoy.

At wd-50.com, Isabella creates recipes for cookies, cakes, tarts, and more, always with clear steps and helpful tips. She believes baking should be fun, not stressful, and she hopes her recipes bring joy to your kitchen and smiles to your table.

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