Name: Tuna Melt Recipe (Easy, Protein Packed)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 5 oz cans of tuna (drained); ¼ cup plain greek yogurt; ¼ cup mayo; ½ cup yellow onion (finely chopped); 1 stalk celery (finely chopped); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp dijon mustard; 1 tsp lemon juice; ½ tsp pepper; 8 slices of nice sandwich bread (I like sour dough bread, rustic bread, or whole grain loaf); 1-2 tbsp butter; 2 large beef steak tomatoes (sliced); 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese (from a block of cheese)

This tuna melt recipe is toasted on crispy bread, has a mild tuna salad center, and is topped with fresh tomatoes and melted cheddar cheese. Even if you aren’t a huge tuna fan, don’t shy away. You’re going to love this easy sandwich recipe!

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Tuna melt recipe

If you’re looking to switch up your sandwich game, look no further. This easy sandwich idea makes the perfect lunch or dinner. Even if you aren’t a huge tuna fan, don’t shy away from this recipe! The combination of all the ingredients creates a very mild tuna sandwich with a slight tang.

What’s great about this recipe is you can just make the tuna salad if you aren’t in the mood for a full sandwich. It is so versatile and can be enjoyed in any which way. You can proceed with making the best tuna melt OR enjoy just the tuna salad with some crackers, carrot and celery sticks, over a bed of lettuce, or even on its own!

In under 10 minutes you can make this recipe and serve your whole family. Or you can make one sandwich and save the left overs for the rest of the week. This healthy tuna salad makes the best meal prep and can be saved for up to 3 days! Now let’s dive into the main ingredients.

Ingredients in this tuna melt recipe

This recipe requires simple ingredients and a few simple steps to prepare. Here are the ingredients we are working with:

For this recipe we will use two 5 ounce cans of tuna.

Greek yogurt and mayo help combine all the ingredients together.

Both onion and celery add crunch and flavor.

Garlic powder, dijon mustard, lemon juice and pepper help kick up the flavor profile.

Lastly, we have the additions: toast, butter, freshly shredded cheddar cheese, and tomato.

Best tuna melt recipe

So what makes the best tuna melt recipe? Firstly, the combination of mayo and greek yogurt creates the best combination. It lightens up this recipe, adds protein, and creates a creamy texture.

The lemon juice adds a little citrus punch and kicks up the flavor profile.

And dijon mustard is another great addition as it adds a hint of spice, tang, and sharp flavor.

The sandwich bread you use can be a total game changer. Definitely try to use any fresh sandwich bread you like! I prefer using a fresh sough dough bread or a rustic loaf. Using high quality bread ingredients really makes this sandwich the best.

Below are a few other reasons why you’ll love this recipe!

Why you’ll love this tuna melt

This sandwich is packed with protein so it will leave you feeling fueled and full for the afternoon ahead.

It uses freshly shredded cheddar from a block of cheese.

This greek yogurt tuna salad makes this sandwich a healthier option.

It’s so easy to make!

This tuna melt recipe is great for a small crowd as it makes 4 sandwiches.

How to make a tuna melt sandwich

STEP 1

Firstly, make the healthy tuna salad. Combine the tuna, greek yogurt, mayo, onion, celery, garlic powder, dijon mustard, lemon juice and pepper in a medium bowl. Mix to combine. Set it in the fridge to chill while you gather the other ingredients.

STEP 2

Meanwhile, grab the bread, shred the cheddar cheese, and slice the tomato. Now, butter one side of the bread and turn it butter side down.

STEP 3

Now add a layer of tuna salad (on the non buttered side).

STEP 4

Add a layer of tomatoes.

STEP 5

Add a layer of cheese.

healthy tuna recipe with tomato and cheese

STEP 6

Top the sandwich with the other slice of buttered bread (butter side up). Warm the griddle and cook the first side of the tuna melt for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.

STEP 7

Carefully flip the sandwich (hold it together as you flip so the cheese and tomatoes don’t fall out). Toast the other side on the griddle for another 3-4 minutes.

STEP 8

Slice and enjoy!

Helpful tips and variations

Use a block of cheddar cheese and slice it with a grater. I find that freshly sliced cheese tastes way better than buying it already shredded in the bag.

A fresh loaf of bread or sour dough bread work best for this tuna melt. Or instead of the bread, make tuna melt lettuce wraps! Use large romaine lettuce leaves and add a layer of tuna, then top it with tomato and cheese.

Lightly butter each side of the sandwich to ensure you get a nice crisp and crunch.

Use canned tuna in water. I find the consistency of canned tuna in water to work best with this recipe. If you used canned tuna in oil make sure you drain it really well.

Finely slice the tomatoes so they fit nicely on the tuna melt.

If you have left over tuna salad, store it in an air tight container in the fridge. Eat it for lunch for the next few days!

For an added crunch and crisp add in 1/4 cup of finely chopped apple (granny smith or gala apple works best!)

Other easy dinner recipes you’ll love

If you love this tuna melt recipe, definitely give these other lunch and dinner recipes a try.

Lasagna Skillet Recipe

One Pot Mac and Cheese

Blackened Steak Salad

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

Turkey Sandwich Recipe

Did you make this recipe?

If you do give this tuna melt sandwich a try, please let me know! I really love hearing from you and seeing what you make. It would mean so much to me if you would please leave a comment with a star rating below. Your reviews and comments help support Brae’s Bites and allows me to continue to make delicious recipes!

For some more recipe inspiration, you can also find and follow me on Instagram and Pinterest!

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