Cheesy and Healthy Tuna Melt Recipe

Introduction

The Tuna Melt is a classic sandwich that combines creamy tuna salad with melted cheese for a warm, comforting meal. This healthier version uses Greek yogurt to keep it light without sacrificing flavor. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• 6oz / 170g canned tuna (good quality)
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 lemon wedge
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped celery (1 small stick)
• 1-2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
• Optional sriracha sauce – as spicy as you like or omit if preferred
• Pinch of salt and black pepper
• 4 slices sandwich bread
• 2 slices cheese of choice (Swiss or cheddar recommended)
• 4 tomato slices

Instructions

1. Step 1: Finely dice the pickles, celery, and red onion. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, soak the onion in a bowl of water while preparing the rest of the ingredients.
2. Step 2: Drain the tuna and place it in a medium-sized bowl.
3. Step 3: Add the chopped pickles, celery, and onion to the tuna along with mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Season with salt, pepper, and sriracha if using, then stir well to combine. You can substitute all mayonnaise or all Greek yogurt if you like.
4. Step 4: Lay out the bread slices and place cheese on the bottom two slices. Add tomato slices on top of the cheese, seasoning the tomatoes lightly with salt and pepper. Spoon the tuna mixture evenly over the tomatoes, then place the remaining bread slices on top.
5. Step 5: Heat a sandwich or panini press and cook the sandwiches until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted. Alternatively, heat a skillet over medium, drizzle lightly with olive oil or butter, and cook the sandwiches, flipping gently until both sides are toasted and cheese has melted. You can also use an air fryer to toast the sandwiches.
6. Step 6: Slice the sandwiches in half and serve immediately. Enjoy your warm, cheesy Tuna Melt!

Tips & Variations

• For a creamier salad, use all Greek yogurt or mayonnaise based on your preference.
• Try adding chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor.
• Use whole grain or sourdough bread for a heartier texture.
• Omit sriracha if you prefer a milder sandwich or add hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Storage

Store any leftover tuna salad separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble and toast the sandwiches fresh for best texture. If you have leftover assembled sandwiches, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 1 day; reheat in a skillet or sandwich press until warmed through and cheese is melted.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?

This recipe is designed for canned tuna for convenience and texture. If you want to use fresh tuna, cook and flake it before mixing, but note that the flavor and preparation time will differ.

What cheese works best for a Tuna Melt?

Swiss and cheddar cheeses melt well and complement the tuna salad flavors nicely. You can experiment with mozzarella, provolone, or Monterey Jack for different tastes and melting qualities.

Cheesy and Healthy Tuna Melt Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 69 reviews

• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Tuna Melt recipe is a quick and healthier twist on the classic cheesy sandwich, combining high-quality canned tuna with creamy Greek yogurt and mayonnaise, complemented by crunchy vegetables and melted cheese for a satisfying meal. Ready in just 15 minutes, it offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ideal for a nutritious lunch or light dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Tuna Salad

• 6oz / 170g canned tuna (good quality)
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 lemon wedge (juice only)
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped celery (1 small stick)
• 1–2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
• Optional: sriracha sauce, to taste
• Pinch of salt and black pepper

Sandwich

• 4 slices sandwich bread
• 2 slices cheese of choice (Swiss or cheddar preferred)
• 4 tomato slices

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Instructions

1. Prep Vegetables: Finely dice the dill pickles, celery, and red onion. To reduce harshness, soak the red onion in a bowl of water while prepping other ingredients.
2. Drain Tuna: Drain the canned tuna thoroughly and transfer it to a medium mixing bowl.
3. Make Tuna Salad: Add the chopped vegetables, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice to the tuna. Season with salt, black pepper, and sriracha sauce if desired. Stir everything together until well combined. Optionally, use only Greek yogurt or mayonnaise as preferred.
4. Assemble Sandwich: Place cheese slices on the bottom slices of bread, then layer with tomato slices and season with a little salt and pepper. Spoon the prepared tuna salad evenly on top, then place the remaining bread slices over to close the sandwiches.
5. Cook Sandwich: Preheat a sandwich or panini press, place the sandwiches inside, and close the press until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted. Alternatively, cook on a skillet over medium heat with a light drizzle of olive oil or butter, flipping gently until both sides are toasted and cheese is melted. You can also use an air fryer to toast the sandwich if preferred.
6. Serve: Slice the Tuna Melt sandwiches in half and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious, cheesy, and healthier Tuna Melt!

Notes

• Soaking red onions in water reduces their sharp flavor for a milder taste.
• You can substitute mayonnaise completely with Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier option.
• Sriracha sauce is optional and can be adjusted to your preferred spice level or omitted entirely.
• Use your preferred bread type, such as whole grain or sourdough, for added flavor and texture.
• Cheese can be swapped for your favorite melting variety, such as mozzarella or provolone.
• The sandwich can be cooked using a sandwich press, skillet, or air fryer depending on available equipment.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Sandwich
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Tuna Melt, Cheesy Tuna Sandwich, Healthy Tuna Melt, Tuna Sandwich Recipe, Quick Lunch, Easy Dinner