Mediterranean-Style Tuna and Olive Sandwich

A sandwich that is served at the small cafes in the Mediterranean --- although they serve it mixed with olive oil I have listed mayonnaise I think you will enjoy it better that way, also many cafes use fresh cooked tuna, I have listed canned you may of coarse use the fresh ---the bread slices may be lightly toasted in a skillet if desired.

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1  unsliced French baguette (see my Kittencal's French Bread/Baguette (Kitchen Aid Mixer Stand Mixer)
• 3  tablespoons olive oil
•  salt & freshly ground black pepper
•  sliced tomatoes (optional)
•  green leaf lettuce

• TUNA SALAD

• 1⁄3 cup mayonnaise (can use more)
• 2  tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1  garlic clove, minced
• 2 (6 ounce) cans  light tuna in olive oil, drained
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped bottled  roasted red pepper
• 8  kalamata olives, pitted and chopped coarsely (or use other brine-cured olives)
• 3  tablespoons  finely chopped red onions
• 1  celery rib, diced
•  salt & freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Directions

1. In a large bowl place chopped roasted red peppers, Kalamata olives, onion and celery; toss to combine; add in the tuna and gently toss leaving the tuna in small chunks.
2. In a small bowl whisk together the mayo with 2 tablespoons lemon juice and minced garlic; add to the tuna mixture and toss gently to combine then season with salt and pepper (at this point you may cover and refrigerate for upt to 24 hours).
3. Using a serrated knife slice the baguette into 4 even pieces, then slice each piece in half.
4. Brush the sides of the bread with olive oil then sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper (you may lightly toast the sliced part of the bread in a skillet if desired).
5. Place lettuce leaves onto each bottom half of bread slice, then pile/divide the tuna mixture over the lettuce, if desired lay tomato slices over the tuna.
6. Top each with a slice of bread.