Canned Wild Alaska Salmon Salad Baguettes With Tomato-Basil Mayo

If you're in the market for a quick and easy make-ahead meal, look no further. This recipe, a colorful and delicious take on the French pan bagnat, is suitable for a variety of occasions, from happy hour to brown-bag lunch. Here, we’re employing canned wild Alaska salmon with other pantry and fridge staples to create the tasty sandwich.

For your choice of canned fish, turn to premium wild Alaska salmon, which is seasonally and responsibly sourced, delivering peak nutrients, flavor, texture, and color. The salmon industry in Alaska—from sourcing to processing—sustains the livelihoods of many small and large businesses alike. The salmon itself is delicious, nutritious, and versatile. So you can feel good about sharing with friends and family, and enjoying it yourself.

Canned Wild Alaska Salmon Salad Baguettes With Tomato-Basil Mayo

Yield: Makes about 12 sliced sandwiches
Active time: 20 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes, plus eight hours

Ingredients
2 crusty French baguettes (about 20 inches each)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
2 medium cloves of (roasted) garlic, split in half
20 fresh basil leaves
1 tall can (14.75 ounces) wild Alaska sockeye salmon
1 cup black olives, seeds removed and sliced into rounds
1 cup roasted red bell or piquillo peppers, drained and chopped
1/2 cup blanched French green beans, sliced into thirds
1/2 cup fresh, finely chopped flat-leaf or curly parsley
2 small shallots, minced, about 4 tablespoons
1 cup artichoke hearts, drained and chopped (optional)
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons basil and tomato mayo
2 teaspoons lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Tomato-Basil Mayo
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons mayo
20 fresh basil leaves
8 cherry tomatoes

Directions

1. To make the tomato-basil mayo, process all the ingredients in a blender or food processor till combined. Set aside.

2. Slice the baguettes in half along the length, separating the pieces. To make sufficient room for the filling, scoop out some of the insides on the bottom half of the baguettes. Brush the halves with a little extra virgin olive oil and rub with the garlic. Then line the bottom halves with the fresh basil leaves.

3. In a medium bowl, combine the canned wild Alaska salmon, olives, red pepper, green beans, parsley, shallots, and artichoke hearts (if using).

4. In a small bowl, mix the tomato-basil mayo with the lemon zest and lemon juice until combined. Pour this into the salmon mixture and stir to combine. Season to taste with sea salt and pepper.

5. Lay out some plastic wrap on a chopping board, place the bottom halves of the baguettes on top of wrap. Spoon the salmon mixture into the bottom half over the basil leaves. Top with the other halves and wrap the baguettes.

6. Put in the fridge and weigh down with a skillet or something heavy for eight hours or overnight.

7. To serve, unwrap, place on a chopping board and use a serrated knife to cut it into the number of desired slices, thinner for hors d’oeuvres and larger sections for lunch.