Vitello Tonnato
Vitello Tonnato is a classic Italian dish featuring thinly sliced, cold, cooked veal topped with a creamy, savory sauce made from canned tuna, anchovies, capers, and mayonnaise. It is a signature appetizer from the Piedmont region of Italy, often served during summer or festive occasions.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in protein from the veal and tuna, with a moderate to high fat content primarily from the mayonnaise-based sauce, and is very low in carbohydrates. A typical serving provides a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and selenium, with a rough calorie estimate of 300-400 per serving.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbs | 3 g |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Potassium | 380 mg |
| Phosphorus | 250 mg |
| Selenium | 35 µg |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.5 µg |
| Niacin (B3) | 8 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.5 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
| Zinc | 4 mg |
Per 1 serving (150 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it's a unique example of 'surf and turf' in Italian cuisine, combining land and sea ingredients in a way that's both unexpected and harmonious. Nutritionally, it offers a potent protein punch while incorporating the heart-healthy fats from fish, making it a surprisingly nutrient-dense dish despite its rich appearance.
