Anything but boring and a huge hit with the family, these easy tuna melt sandwiches make a quick lunch or even a light weeknight dinner!
I’ve always loved tuna salad, and my favorite tuna salad recipes always include egg and dill pickle. I’ve tried making my tuna salad recipe without those ingredients before, and it always just leaves me wanting something more. I eventually decided to take this tried and true tuna salad recipe and turn it into a delicious tuna melt sandwich! Topped with cheddar cheese, lettuce and sliced tomatoes, these easy sandwiches make for a perfect weekend lunch or light dinner.
Quick & Easy Lunch
These tuna melt sandwiches have been around for a while — I have been making them for almost 11 years now, as a matter of fact! I also enjoyed them as a kid because they were something my grandma made for us, too. And what’s not to love? Tuna melts are the best want to elevate any family tuna salad recipe.
These easy sandwiches are perfect for a quick lunch because you can make the tuna salad ahead of time then just use it as needed. I even make these for a light dinner in the summer and pair it with a fresh salad. My kids and husband love them as much as I do, so these sandwiches are put on the menu often. We also really like these Apple Tuna Salad Sandwiches to change things up!
Key Ingredients for Tuna Melt Sandwiches:
- TUNA: You can use any brand of tuna as long as it is light and packed in water. Be sure to drain your tuna really well before mixing it with the rest of the ingredients.
- PRODUCE: There are so many tasty ingredients in this tuna salad! I always use celery, red onion, dill pickle, tomato slices, and lettuce.
- EGGS: Like I said, I just can’t make tuna salad without chopped, hard boiled eggs. However, eggs are optional in this recipe and can you can leave them out if desired.
- MAYONNAISE: The may really holds everything together! Feel free to opt for your favorite brand.
- TOPPINGS: Transform your homemade tuna salad into delicious tuna melts with hamburger buns and cheddar cheese slices (or any of your favorite cheeses).
How to Make Tuna Melt Sandwiches:
PREP TUNA MIXTURE: First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Then, while the oven is preheating, combine the tuna, celery, onion, pickle, mayonnaise and eggs in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
MAKE SANDWICH: Next, spoon tuna salad onto the bottom half of each hamburger bun, and then top each with a slice of cheese.
BAKE: After that, place the tuna melt sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the sandwiches are heated through and the cheese has melted.
GARNISH & ENJOY: Finally, top your sandwich with tomato and lettuce, if desired, plus the bun tops and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Yes! You can make this delicious tuna salad a day or two ahead of time, then just make your sandwiches and set them in the oven to bake for a few minutes when you’re ready to enjoy.
You should store any leftover tuna salad in the refrigerator in an air-tight container. Your tuna salad will stay good for 3-5 days.
I like to serve my tuna melts hot so the cheese is melted, but tuna salad sandwiches can also be made with this recipe and taste great when cold!
If you’d rather avoid adding mayonnaise to your tuna melt sandwiches, you can use an olive-oil based dressing or even low-fat plain Greek yogurt.
To add a little heat to your tuna melt sandwiches, you can add a little Cajon seasoning, black pepper, or cayenne pepper to your tuna salad mixture.
You may also like to try these other lunch recipes:
- Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
- Italian Grilled Cheese
- Spicy Shrimp Sandwich with Avocado Mayo
- Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
- Apple Tuna Salad Sandwich
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Tuna Melt Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 2 (5-oz)(142g) cans Light tuna packed in water drained very well
- ¼ cup Finely chopped celery
- ¼ cup Finely chopped red onion
- ¼ cup Finely chopped dill pickle
- ¼ cup Real mayonnaise
- 3 Hard boiled eggs, chopped
- 4 Hamburger buns
- 4 slices Cheddar cheese
- 4 Tomato slices, optional
- 4 Lettuce leaves, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a medium bowl combine the tuna, celery, onion, pickle, mayonnaise and eggs.
- Spoon tuna salad onto the bottom of each hamburger bun then top with a slice of cheese.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until heated through and cheese has melted.
- Top sandwich with tomato and lettuce, if desired, and bun tops. Serve immediately.
Notes
- The tuna salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
Rejoicing with you, Malinda, that your precious gift from God is just about ready to meet you! 🙂 Eager to hear when this happens! Thank you for all your recipes!
Thank you so much Cordelia!!
Dill pickle is a must!!! Takes it to a whole new level. Great summer idea.
I totally agree!! Thanks!! 🙂