A healthy twist on the classic tuna melt recipe—crispy, cheesy, and packed with veggies for extra flavor and crunch.
Tuna Melt Sandwich Recipe
This tuna melt recipe is everything you love about the classic—melty cheese, savory tuna, and crispy bread—but with a fresh, veggie-packed twist. Served open-face to cut the carbs, it’s high in protein, quick to make, and perfect for lunch or a light dinner (with a soup or a salad). I make this at least once a week—it’s my go-to high protein lunch when I want something warm, filling, and don’t have time to cook. I even got my husband Tommy on board, he loves them! If you’re craving a healthier tuna melt that still delivers on flavor, this one’s for you! For more high-protein meals, don’t miss my Chicken Salad or High-Protein Egg Salad—they’re perfect for meal prep!
Why This Tuna Melt Recipe Will Be Your Fave!
When I was a kid, my mom owned a luncheonette where she was also the chef. As a teen, she would often make me tuna melts, which I loved! Here’s why I love them:
- Nostalgic: A diner food classic comfort food, made healthier!
- Healthier and and High Protein: Open-face, veggie-loaded, lightened up! By using only one slice of bread, you cut the carbs in half.
- Quick Lunch Idea: Easy, high protein lunch that takes under 10 minutes to make.
- Pantry Staple: Canned Tuna is such an easy protein since it requires very minimal prep work – just open up the can and drain.
If you want to turn tuna into a larger meal, we love our homemade tuna casserole.
Ingredients You Will Need
Here’s everything you need to make this healthy, open-face tuna melt sandwich. See exact measurements in the recipe card.
- Canned tuna – the base of the melt; I use water-packed for a lighter option
- Carrots, celery & red onion – finely minced for crunch, color, and extra veggies
- Light mayonnaise – binds the mixture with creamy texture (I use Hellmann’s Light)
- Red wine vinegar – adds brightness and a little tang
- Salt and black pepper – to season everything just right
- Whole wheat bread – or whole grain bread, sturdy and toasty, perfect for open-face melts (or use your favorite gluten-free bread)
- Reduced-fat cheddar or American cheese – melty and satisfying without the extra fat (dairy-free cheese such as Violife works well too)
- Tomato slices – juicy and fresh, layered right under the cheese
- Olive oil spray – helps crisp the bread as it grills or toasts
How To Make a Tuna Melt
Here’s the easy, step-by-step method. See recipe card for printable directions.
- Make The tuna salad: Start with a can of tuna, drain it, and mix in mayonnaise, chopped red onion, celery, carrots, and a little red wine vinegar. The vinegar gives it a little zing that makes it delicious!
- Make the tuna melt sandwich: Heat a skillet or griddle over low heat and spray with olive oil.
- Add the bread, cheese, tuna salad and tomato. Cover and cook on low heat until cheese melts and bread gets toasty. Serve right away.
Yield: 2 servings
Serving Size: 1 open face sandwich
Combine tuna, celery, carrots, onion, mayonnaise, vinegar, salt and pepper.
Heat a large skillet or griddle over low heat.
Spray skillet with oil, and place two slices of bread on top.
Top bread with cheese, then tuna salad and tomato. Cover and cook on low heat until cheese melts and bread gets toasty. Serve immediately.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Serving: 1 open face sandwich, Calories: 231 kcal, Carbohydrates: 14.5 g, Protein: 28.5 g, Fat: 6.5 g, Saturated Fat: 1 g, Fiber: 3.5 g
Variations:
- Best Bread For Tuna Melt? That would be the bread you like most to eat. Swap the whole grain bread for rye or sourdough. Homemade bagels, English muffins, or even tortillas would work!
- Switch Up The Cheese: Instead of Sharp cheddar, Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella are all great choices depending on your flavor preference.
- Hate Tuna? Use shredded chicken instead.
- Skip the bread? Try these low-carb tomato tuna melts.
FAQ
Q: Is the serving size one slice or both slices of bread?
A: The recipe makes two open-faced sandwiches—so the serving size is one slice with toppings.
Q: Is the bread and cheese included in the nutrition info?
A: Yes, the calorie count includes the tuna mixture, bread, and cheese.
Q: Can I use an air fryer to melt the cheese?
A: Yes! Several readers love popping it in the air fryer for a few minutes to melt the cheese and warm the bread.
Q: How long does the tuna mixture last in the fridge?
A: It should last up to 4 days in an airtight container. Perfect for meal prep!
Q: Can I substitute ingredients like vinegar or mayo?
A: Absolutely—see below for community-tested swaps like lemon juice, Greek yogurt, and hoisin sauce!
Can I make this tuna melt in a toaster oven or air fryer?
Yes! Both work great—just toast until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
Tips & Variations from the Skinnytaste Community
These tips are summarized from comments below:
- No Cheese? No Problem! Tara skipped the cheese and still loved it
- Use the Air Fryer: BKidd melted the cheese and warmed the bread in the air fryer for an extra crispy finish.
- Try It with Salmon: Nina used canned pink salmon instead of tuna for a tasty twist.
- Lemon Instead of Vinegar: Kathleen suggests using Meyer lemon juice and zest to brighten the flavor.
- Extra Veggies: Frances added steamed broccoli and even red grapes for a sweet-savory mix.
- Meal Prep Win: Multiple readers doubled the recipe and stored the mix for quick lunches all week.
- Lighter Swaps: Madison used less mayo thanks to the crunch from carrots and onion, while others subbed in Greek yogurt or used WW-friendly bread.
- Creative Add-Ins: Readers have added curry powder, hoisin sauce, fresh herbs, avocado, red bell pepper, even cranberry juice—yes, it worked!
What’s your favorite way to make a tuna melt?
More Canned Tuna Recipes You’ll Love
Melts are one of my favorite types of hot sandwiches—they’re quick, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. If you’re into a warm, melty lunch, try these:
Looking for more ways to use canned tuna? Here are a few reader favorites:
