Tuna Crudo with Citrus Vinaigrette
Updated Nov 24, 2025, Published on Oct 01, 2025
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Tuna Crudo with Citrus Vinaigrette is a light and elegant dish that comes together in just 15 minutes with no cooking required. Thinly sliced sushi-grade tuna is layered over a bright vinaigrette made with fresh orange and lemon juice, then topped with pistachios, capers, fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of flaky salt. The result is fresh, flavorful, and restaurant-worthy, yet simple enough to make at home.
I picked up beautiful sushi-grade tuna and all the fresh ingredients for this dish at Littleton’s Market in Upper Arlington, OH. They have an incredible selection of seafood, produce, and pantry staples that make it easy to bring gourmet recipes like this crudo to life in your own kitchen!
Looking for more appetizer inspiration? Try my Balsamic Roasted Strawberries with Stracciatella or Shishito Peppers and Tomatoes with Labneh.
Why You'll Love this Tuna Crudo Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in about 15 minutes. No oven or stove required.
- Fresh and vibrant: The citrus vinaigrette adds brightness that complements the delicate tuna.
- Balanced flavors: Crunchy pistachios, briny capers, and fresh herbs add texture and depth.
- Elegant but simple: Looks impressive for entertaining but uses just a handful of ingredients.
Recipe Ingredients
See the recipe card below for the complete list of ingredients with exact quantities.
- Tuna: Use sushi-grade tuna, thinly sliced. It is important to keep the fish cold until serving, and freshness matters. I picked mine up at Littleton’s Market in Upper Arlington, OH, where they always have a high-quality selection.
- Citrus: Fresh orange juice, lemon juice, and their zests form the base of the vinaigrette. They add brightness and balance to complement the delicate tuna.
- Pistachios: A sprinkle of chopped pistachios adds crunch and a subtle nutty flavor. You can swap in toasted almonds or pine nuts if that is what you have on hand.
- Capers: A spoonful of capers adds briny, savory flavor that balances the citrus. I also use a little of the brine from the jar to season the vinaigrette.
Tuna Crudo (Step-by-Step Instructions)
See the recipe card below for the full list of instructions.
- Whisk together the citrus vinaigrette ingredients. Pour into the bottom of a shallow serving dish.
- Thinly slice the tuna against the grain. Arrange the slices evenly on top of the vinaigrette.
- Garnish with chopped pistachios, drained capers, fresh basil, fresh mint, red pepper flakes, flaky salt, and extra citrus zest.
- Serve immediately as a fresh and elegant appetizer.
Ready to try it? Scroll to the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and full instructions.
Tuna Crudo FAQ's
Yes, salmon or hamachi can also work if you can find sushi-grade quality.
Always buy sushi-grade tuna from a trusted market like Littleton’s Market and keep it cold until you’re ready to serve.
Tuna crudo is light and fresh, so it pairs well with mains that complement those flavors. Try serving it before seared scallops, salmon, or a lemony pasta. Roast chicken or pork tenderloin with citrus also work well.
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Tuna Crudo with Citrus Vinaigrette
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ pound Sushi-Grade Tuna
- 1 tablespoon Roasted & Salted Pistachios, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Capers, drained
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Basil, julienned
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Mint, julienned
- ¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- Flaky Salt, a sprinkle to taste
Citrus Vinaigrette
- ¼ cup Orange Juice
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 teaspoons Caper Brine, from the jar of capers
- 1 teaspoon Orange Zest, plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest, plus more for garnish
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Make the vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil, caper brine, orange zest, lemon zest, and black pepper until well combined. Pour evenly onto the bottom of a shallow serving dish.
- Slice the sushi-grade tuna thinly against the grain. Arrange the slices evenly over the vinaigrette.
- Top the tuna with chopped pistachios, drained capers, fresh basil, fresh mint, and red pepper flakes. Finish with a little extra citrus zest and flaky salt to taste.
Notes
- Keep the tuna cold until you are ready to slice and serve. Freshness matters, so choose the highest quality sushi-grade tuna from a trusted source.
- Serve immediately after assembling. Tuna crudo is best enjoyed fresh since the citrus will begin to cure the fish as it sits.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
