Open-faced tuna salad with melted cheddar on toast
Classic Tuna Melt
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
5 min
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2
4 open-faced melts
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Recipe at a Glance
Creamy tuna salad topped with melted cheddar on toasted bread. A diner classic that is quick, comforting, and endlessly satisfying.
Cuisine: American
Category: Main
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: $
Quick Summary
15 min total time|2 servings|Easy difficulty
Creamy tuna salad topped with melted cheddar on toasted bread. A diner classic that is quick, comforting, and endlessly satisfying.
American
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
The tuna melt combines two comfort-food favorites—tuna salad and grilled cheese—into one irresistible sandwich. Open-faced or closed, it is pure comfort.
This is the kind of recipe that defines American home cooking at its best — straightforward, satisfying, and built on flavors that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
- 4 slices sourdough or rye bread
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 stalk celery, finely diced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- 1
Mix drained tuna with mayo, celery, Dijon, salt, and pepper. Keep it chunky.
- 2
Toast bread slices lightly under the broiler, about 1 minute per side.
- 3
Mound tuna salad onto each toast slice.
- 4
Top each with a slice of cheddar cheese. Broil 2-3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- 5
Serve immediately with pickles and a side salad.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges
Substitutions
Canned tunaCanned salmon
More omega-3s, richer flavor
CheddarSwiss cheese
Classic diner alternative
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Use good-quality canned tuna packed in olive oil for the best flavor.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the tuna for brightness.
Try on an English muffin for a breakfast-style tuna melt.
Storage
Tuna salad keeps 3 days refrigerated. Assemble and broil just before serving.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Stovetop reheating over medium-low heat is also effective.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (55mg) · 2 servings
Calories380
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein28g
Carbohydrates20g
Fat24g
Fiber780mg
Sugar1g
Sodium2g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make it closed?
- Yes, griddle it like a grilled cheese with tuna salad inside.
- What cheese melts best?
- Cheddar, American, Swiss, or pepper jack all work.
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About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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