Description
This Perfect Tuna Melt recipe is a delicious and satisfying sandwich featuring a flavorful tuna salad blend with mozzarella cheese on toasted, buttery bread. Quick to prepare and cooked on the stovetop, it’s ideal for a comforting lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Tuna Salad
- 2 (5oz) cans of tuna, drained
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 stalk of celery, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 3-4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sandwich
- Bread, sliced (your choice)
- Butter, softened (for spreading)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Prepare the Tuna Salad Mix: Drain the water from the tuna cans and place the tuna in a medium bowl. Add chopped onion, celery, garlic, parsley, mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat the Skillet and Prepare Bread: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of bread, which will help achieve a golden, crispy texture when toasted.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Place the buttered side of one slice of bread down into the hot skillet. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the tuna salad mixture on top of this bread slice in the skillet. Butter another slice of bread on one side and place it butter-side up on top of the tuna salad, creating a sandwich.
- Grill One Side: Allow the sandwich bottom to toast until golden brown and crisp, about 2-3 minutes. This will create a nicely toasted base.
- Flip and Grill the Other Side: Using a spatula, carefully flip the sandwich and grill the other side until it turns golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. This ensures the cheese melts and the bread crisps evenly.
- Serve: Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it sit for a moment. Slice in half if desired, then serve hot for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can customize the sandwich by adding tomato slices or pickles if desired.
- Use your favorite type of bread for different flavor profiles—sourdough or rye works great.
- For a lighter option, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Make sure to toast on medium heat to avoid burning the bread before the cheese melts.
- Leftover tuna salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
