[senior citizen]

Italians never really ate mayonnaise...........I can still remember my fussy Aunt Mary (father's sister) who when they would visit would not be able to eat any type of potato salad, etc., etc. which contained mayonnaise, thus my mom had to make two versions of each summer salad......to indulge her in her preference for a vinegar based salad.............I like both equally as well today.

Below is a nice refreshing tuna salad using either lemon juice or red wine vinegar (instead of our typical mayonnaise).

ITALIAN TUNA SALAD SANDWICH

1/4 red onion, minced

1 (12-ounce) can solid white albacore tuna in water, drained (Good brand white tuna) (OR USE MORE TUNA IF YOU WANT EXTRA)

1 rib celery, chopped

1/4 cup pitted nicoise olives or any black olive, sliced

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

Juice of 1/2 a lemon (or red wine vinegar, whichever you prefer)

2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Suggested serving: NICE CRUSTY ARTISAN ITALIAN BREAD with Romaine lettuce


Mix the tuna with the red onion, celery, black pitted olives.....toss to combine. You can also use Greek olives (no pits please).

Mix in the olive oil, lemon zest & lemon juice (or red wine vinegar) & toss again.

Season to taste, with salt & pepper.

CHILL.

SERVE COLD as a sandwich on artisan bread with romaine lettuce.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I am still stunned almost to the point of disbelief when I order and Italian sub and am asked, "Do you want mayonnaise on that?"

I grew up Italian subs in a very Italian suburb of Boston. Mayonnaise on an Italian sub was unheard of. The thought of mayonnaise on cappicola makes me ill.

I don' eat tuna, but I make chicken salad that is very similar to this.