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Tuna Salad (or Tuna Melt!)

By Matt Price

Aug 18, 2024, Updated Mar 15, 2026

Tuna Salad or Tuna Melt Recipe by Mr. Make It Happen

Introduction:

A Tuna Salad Melt is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner. This classic recipe combines creamy, flavorful tuna salad with gooey melted cheese on crispy toasted bread. It’s a simple yet delicious way to enjoy a tuna sandwich with an elevated twist. Here’s how to make the perfect Tuna Salad Melt.

Finely dice celery and onion as seen above. Feel free to use red onion or whatever you have on hand.

Boil eggs for 12 minutes and then shock in an ice bath. Once cooled, peel and dice.

Make your dressing and add the eggs + tuna fish. Fold everything to combine and taste as you go to adjust the flavor to your preference.

Once you have a perfect tuna salad, you can serve it as is or store it for meal prep. If you’re in the mood for a Tuna Melt, grab 2 pieces of bread, some butter, and the cheese of your choice.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tuna Salad:

• In a medium bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard (if using). Stir until well combined.
• Add the finely chopped celery, red onion, and parsley (if using). Mix well.
• Season with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice (if desired). Adjust the seasoning to your taste.

2. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or set your broiler to high if you prefer a quicker melt.

3. Prepare the Bread:

• Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice of bread. This will help the bread become golden and crispy.
• If you’re using the oven, place the bread on a baking sheet, buttered side up.

4. Assemble the Sandwiches:

• Spread a generous amount of tuna salad onto the unbuttered side of two of the bread slices.
• Top the tuna salad with tomato slices (if using) and a slice of cheese.
• Place the other slices of bread, buttered side up, on top of the sandwiches.

5. Cook the Sandwiches:

• Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. You can press down on the sandwiches with a spatula to ensure even grilling.
• Oven Method: Place the assembled sandwiches on the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted. If you’re using the broiler, it may only take 2-4 minutes, so keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.

6. Serve:

• Remove the sandwiches from the heat and let them cool for a minute before slicing.
• Serve warm, with extra lettuce leaves or pickles on the side if desired.

Tips for Success:

• Tuna Quality: Use high-quality tuna for the best flavor. Tuna packed in olive oil can add extra richness.
• Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses for varied flavors. Gruyère, provolone, or Monterey Jack can also work well.
• Toasting Bread: For an extra crispy texture, you can toast the bread slightly before assembling the sandwiches.
• Variations: Add sliced avocado, or olives, or use different types of mustard for a unique twist.

Healthier Options

• Light Mayo: Substitute light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a lower-calorie option.
• Whole Grain Bread: Opt for whole-grain or multigrain bread for added fiber and nutrients.

A Tuna Salad Melt is a wonderfully versatile recipe that’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. Whether you’re enjoying it for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner, this melt is sure to hit the spot with its combination of creamy tuna salad and gooey, melted cheese. Enjoy your delicious and satisfying sandwich! You might also love my stop overcooking. If you love this, you'll also enjoy my lobster tails. You might also love my crab cakes.

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Tuna Salad or Tuna Melt Recipe

Matt Price

A Tuna Salad Melt is a comforting and satisfying dish that's perfect for lunch or a light dinner. This classic recipe combines creamy, flavorful tuna salad with gooey melted cheese on crispy toasted bread. It’s a simple yet delicious way to enjoy a tuna sandwich with an elevated twist. Here’s how to make the perfect Tuna Salad Melt.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Favorites, Salad, Sandwiches, Seafood Recipes

Cuisine American

Servings 3 servings

Calories 567 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

For the Tuna Salad:

• ▢ 1 can 5 oz tuna (drained, preferably in water)
• ▢ ¼ cup mayonnaise adjust to taste
• ▢ 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard optional
• ▢ 1 celery stalk finely chopped
• ▢ 2 tbsps sweet relish
• ▢ ¼ cup onion finely chopped
• ▢ 2-3 hard boiled eggs
• ▢ 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or dill, chopped (optional)
• ▢ AP Seasoning
• ▢ Old Bay to taste
• ▢ 1-2 tablespoon lemon juice optional, for extra tanginess

For the Tuna Salad Melt:

• ▢ 4 slices of bread your choice, such as sourdough, whole wheat, or ciabatta
• ▢ 4 slices of cheese Swiss, cheddar, or your favorite melting cheese
• ▢ 2 tablespoon butter for spreading on the bread

Instructions

 

Prepare the Tuna Salad:

• In a medium bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard (if using). Stir until well combined.
• Add the finely chopped celery, red onion, and parsley (if using). Mix well.
• Season with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice (if desired). Adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or set your broiler to high if you prefer a quicker melt.

Prepare the Bread:

• Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice of bread. This will help the bread become golden and crispy.
• If you’re using the oven, place the bread on a baking sheet, buttered side up.

Assemble the Sandwiches:

• Spread a generous amount of tuna salad onto the unbuttered side of two of the bread slices.
• Top the tuna salad with tomato slices (if using) and a slice of cheese.
• Place the other slices of bread, buttered side up, on top of the sandwiches.

Cook the Sandwiches:

• Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. You can press down on the sandwiches with a spatula to ensure even grilling.
• Oven Method: Place the assembled sandwiches on the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted. If you’re using the broiler, it may only take 2-4 minutes, so keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.

Serve:

• Remove the sandwiches from the heat and let them cool for a minute before slicing.
• Serve warm, with extra lettuce leaves or pickles on the side if desired.

Notes

Tips for Success

• Tuna Quality: Use high-quality tuna for the best flavor. Tuna packed in olive oil can add extra richness.
• Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses for varied flavors. Gruyère, provolone, or Monterey Jack can also work well.
• Toasting Bread: For an extra crispy texture, you can toast the bread slightly before assembling the sandwiches.
• Variations: Add sliced avocado, or olives, or use different types of mustard for a unique twist.

Healthier Options

• Light Mayo: Substitute light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a lower-calorie option.
• Whole Grain Bread: Opt for whole-grain or multigrain bread for added fiber and nutrients.

Nutrition

Calories: 567kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 20gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 190mgSodium: 960mgPotassium: 576mgFiber: 5gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 1332IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 387mgIron: 4mg

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