These dainty tuna tea sandwiches are bright, creamy and excellent for tea time. This recipe is more than just canned tuna fish and mayo. The addition of celery adds a pop of green and a refreshing crunch.
What are Tuna Tea Sandwiches?
Tuna Tea Sandwiches are dainty finger sandwiches. Recipes vary but generally they are made with a mixture of canned tuna fish, mayonnaise and other ingredients.
This mixture is then spread on thinly sliced white bread. This classic sandwich recipe is full of flavour and texture thanks to some special ingredients.
Tea sandwiches are served with the crust removed and in bite-sized form, whether triangular, rectangular, square or circular.
How to Serve Tuna Sandwiches
As the name states, tuna fish tea sandwiches are best served with tea, especially afternoon tea. My favourite type of tea to pair with tuna is a Japanese green tea, but you can pair with other teas, too.
These finger sandwiches should be served immediately after they are put together so they remain fresh and do not get soggy or too dry. Traditionally, they would be served on the bottom tier of a 3-tiered stand, too.
If you wish elevate the serving dish, I recommend also garnishing them with green celery leaves.
Ingredient Notes
- Bread: White bread is most common for afternoon tea sandwiches. However, you can use other types of bread, just make sure it is soft and thinly sliced.
- Tuna: Canned tuna fish works well. I prefer tuna in water (not brine or oil) for this recipe, either chunked or flaked.
- Red Onion: Finely chopped is a must as you don’t want the onion to overpower the tuna.
- Celery: Diced celery adds some colour and a refreshing crunch.
- Mayonnaise: A few tablespoons of mayo is needed to create a creamy spread.
- Mustard: I use yellow mustard. This gives it a small amount of acidity.
- Salt and Pepper: Depending on the tuna you’re using, you may want to omit additional salt.
How to Make Tuna Tea Sandwiches
Please see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full measurements and directions.
Drain the can of tuna and add it to a small mixing bowl. Combine with finely chopped red onion, celery, mayonnaise, mustard, salt and pepper.
Spread a third of the tuna mixture on a slice of bread and top it with another bread slice to close the sandwich. Repeat this step with the other slices of bread to form 3 full sandwiches.
With a serrated knife, remove the crust and cut each tuna tea sandwich into 3 rectangles. If desired, garnish with celery leaves.
Serve the tuna tea sandwiches immediately with tea. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can make the tuna mixture, without the mayonnaise, in advance and store in the fridge covered. When you are ready to serve, add the mayonnaise and stir before assembling.
If you store the tuna mixture with mayonnaise it may get watery if left in the fridge for too long.
How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?
To prevent the sandwiches from getting soggy, only assemble them when you’re ready to serve. The bread will get soggy because of the moisture from the tuna spread if they are assembled in advanced.
How many sandwiches per person?
This recipe makes 9 finger sandwiches which is great to serve 3-4 people. It’s a good idea to have at least 2 per person of one kind. Different kinds of sandwiches can be served with these, too.
Tuna Tea Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 6 slices of white bread
- 1 can of tuna 170 grams, flaked or chunk
- 1 tablespoon red onion finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon celery finely diced
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain the can of tuna and add it to a small mixing bowl. Combine with finely chopped red onion, celery, mayonnaise, mustard, salt and pepper.
- Spread 1/3 of the tuna mixture on a slice of bread and top it with another bread slice to close the sandwich. Repeat this step with the other slices of bread to form 3 sandwiches.
- With a serrated knife, remove the crust and cut each tuna tea sandwich into 3 rectangles. This recipe makes 9 finger sandwiches which is great to serve 3-4 people.
- If desired, garnish with celery leaves. Serve the tuna tea sandwiches immediately with tea!
Save this Tuna Salad Tea Sandwiches recipe on Pinterest so you can make it later. Click here and pin it!
If you are looking for more afternoon tea recipes, check out The Afternoon Tea Guide eBook here!