Best Easy Vitello Tonnato Recipe

Chilled sliced veal in a creamy tuna-caper sauce is a beloved Piedmontese summer dish. This high protein mediterranean classic is a fresh, elegant family appetizer ideal for warm-weather entertaining.

Cook 105 min Difficulty NORMAL 260 kcal
#mediterranean #high protein
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • veal round (whole piece) 2 lbs
  • canned tuna in olive oil (drained) 7 oz
  • large eggs 2 pieces
  • anchovy fillets 3 pieces
  • lemon 1 piece
  • celery stalk 1 piece
  • carrot 1 piece
  • yellow onion 0.5 piece
Seasonings/Sauce
  • mayonnaise 0.5 cup
  • capers 2 tbsp
  • extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp
  • kosher salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • bay leaf 1 piece
  • white wine 0.33 cup
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 4 g 6%
Protein 30 g 46%
Fat 13 g 48%
Serving size 140g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    In a large pot, combine the veal, celery, carrot, onion, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt. Add enough water to cover, bring just to a simmer over medium-low heat, then add white wine. Cook gently for 80–90 minutes, maintaining a bare simmer for maximum tenderness.

  2. 2

    Remove the veal from the broth and let it cool to room temperature, then wrap and chill until cold (at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for best slicing).

  3. 3

    For the sauce: Hard-boil the eggs (place in cold water, bring to a boil; after boiling for 10–11 minutes, cool immediately under cold water and peel).

  4. 4

    In a food processor, combine drained tuna, hard-boiled eggs, anchovy fillets, 1.5 tbsp capers, juice from half a lemon, and mayonnaise. Blend until smooth, then add olive oil and a few tablespoons of veal cooking broth to achieve a creamy, spoonable consistency.

  5. 5

    Slice the chilled veal paper-thin against the grain, lay slices on a platter, and spoon or pour the tuna sauce generously over the top. Garnish with the remaining capers, black pepper, a drizzle of olive oil, and lemon slices. Chill again for 30 minutes before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Vitello Tonnato recipe?
The two defining ingredients in Vitello Tonnato are the veal round and the tuna in olive oil. Tender, chilled veal forms the base, while the creamy tuna sauce—which blends tuna, anchovies, capers, and egg—delivers the dish’s distinctive flavor and classic identity.
Q. Why is low heat simmering important when cooking the veal?
Using a gentle, barely simmering heat ensures that the veal stays moist and tender rather than becoming tough or dry. Maintaining this low, steady temperature allows collagen to break down gradually, which is vital for the melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Q. How do I slice the veal to prevent it from falling apart?
Make sure the veal is thoroughly chilled before slicing—it’s much easier to get ultra-thin, intact slices that way. Use a sharp knife and cut across the grain in single, smooth motions for best results.
Q. What is the nutritional profile per serving for Vitello Tonnato?
Each serving (140g) of this Vitello Tonnato recipe contains approximately 260 kcal, with 4g carbohydrates (6% of calories), 30g protein (46%), and 13g fat (48%). The dish is rich in high-quality protein while remaining moderate in fat and very low in carbohydrates.
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