I’ve had a ton of requests for easy lunch recipes now that so many of us are working from home. Salads and leftovers are great — but a sizzling Tuna Melt Sandwich is even better, don’t you think?! My daughter and I split a batch of tuna salad for lunch at least once a week. It’s an easy, healthy option for both of us and we usually dunk into it with a handful of crackers. That said, stuffing the tuna salad mixture between slices of buttered bread, topping with cheddar cheese, then sizzling until golden brown in a hot skillet is a total treat. Plus this protein-packed combo keeps me full until dinner time. If you struggle with constant snacking during the day, you won’t even think twice about it with this filling lunch in your belly!
Watch How to Make It
What is a Tuna Melt Made Of?
A Tuna Melt is basically a hot tuna salad sandwich topped with cheese. Tuna Melt has a better ring to it though, don’t you think? ;) Just like with egg salad, everyone seems to have their own version of the perfect tuna salad, but here’s my go-to mixture made with simple, everyday ingredients:
Canned tuna. I prefer Wild Planet Wild Albacore Tuna, which I buy from Costco. It puts other canned tunas to shame! Mayonnaise. I use Hellman’s Vegan mayo to keep this recipe egg free for my daughter, who has food allergies, but feel free to use your favorite mayonnaise. Minced pickles. Tuna Melt sandwiches have to have a little crunch, and minced pickle spears not only bring a crispy, crunchy texture to the tuna salad recipe, but also a bold, tangy flavor. Feel free to sub in relish. Steak seasoning. Yes! You heard it here first. See below for my go-to homemade steak seasoning recipe that takes this tuna melt from good to GREAT.
Mix the tuna salad up then scoop onto buttered bread slices, add slices of cheddar cheese, and cook on a flat top skillet just like you would any other grilled cheese sandwich. I recommend Canyon Bakehouse Heritage Style Bread, though if you don’t need to eat gluten free you can use whole wheat, white, sourdough – whatever you’ve got on hand.
How to Make a Tuna Melt Sandwich
In a small bowl add a drained can of wild-caught albacore tuna then mash a bit with a fork. Next add your favorite mayonnaise, plus minced pickle spears, or a big scoop of relish, and homemade steak seasoning then stir to combine. My homemade steak seasoning contains your standard salt and black pepper, plus bold yet everyday herbs and spices that I promise you’ve got on hand. The mixture really shines in the final sandwich!
This is our FAVORITE brand of canned tuna, by the way. It’s a little pricey at the regular grocery store but Costco sells them in a stack for a great price. If you can’t find this particular brand, look for water-packed tuna in whatever brand you can find.
Butter two slices of bread then scoop the tuna salad onto the plain side of one slice. Top with a slice of cheddar cheese then toast on a griddle or in a skillet over medium heat until hot and golden brown on both sides. OH MY WORD, such a fabulous step up from your standard cold tuna salad sandwich!
Change it Up
My Tuna Melt recipe is clearly very simple and what I’d call a classic tuna melt. That said feel free to jazz yours up to fit your tastes. Here are some ideas:
How to Make Ahead and Store Tuna Salad
The base tuna salad mixture is perfect for making on Sundays, for example, to have on hand for quick Tuna Melts during the week. Store the tuna filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This recipe easily doubles or triples well.
What to Serve with a Tuna Melt
Since a Tuna Melt is hearty and satisfying in its own, I generally like to serve the hot sandwich with a fresh side (ok, a handful of chips is awesome too!) Here are some ideas:
Side salad Celery and carrots Coleslaw Pickles Fresh pepper slices Sweet potato chips Classic potato chips
More Easy Lunch Ideas
Dill Pickle Tuna Salad BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Apple Tarragon Chicken Salad BLT Egg Salad California Turkey and Bacon Lettuce Wrap Mediterranean Tuna Salad Mediterranean Turkey Wrap
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