Recipes

Tuna Melts Offer Warm Familiarity

1/27/2022 | By Kary Osmond

Tuna Melt Photo Matthew Heinrichs Dreamstime. Tuna melts consist of tuna salad, tomato, and cheese, broiled until the cheese is melted. To me, says Kary Osmond, it’s comfort food.

Yes, a sandwich can be considered comfort food! Tuna melts consist of tuna salad, tomato, and cheese, then broiled until the cheese is melted and bubbly; to me, it’s comfort food.

My tuna salad recipe has lots of veggies in it. The red pepper, carrot, and celery add a sweet crunch and color, the onion provides a little sharpness, and the lemon juice and parsley add freshness. The addition of the veggies also makes two cans of tuna stretch further, which means you can make more tuna melts.

Open-Faced Tuna Melts

Serves 3 to 6

Ingredients

  • 2 (6.5-ounce) cans tuna, drained
  • 1 celery stalk, finely diced
  • 1 carrot, grated
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup minced red onion
  • 1/4 cup minced parsley
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • 6 slices bread
  • 1 cup diced tomato (about 2 small tomatoes)
  • 1 cup grated cheddar cheese

Directions:

  1. Position oven rack about 6-inches from broiler. Preheat broiler.
  2. In a bowl, break up tuna with a fork. Add celery, carrot, pepper, onion, parsley, mayonnaise, and lemon juice; mix until evenly moistened. Taste and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Arrange bread slices on a baking sheet and place under boiler until lightly toasted, about 30 seconds. Flip bread over and toast the other side. Remove from oven.
  4. Divide tuna salad mixture evenly among toasted bread slices, top with tomato and cheese. Broil until cheese melts, about 3 to 4 minutes. Voila!

Tasty tips for comforting tuna melts:

Related: Looking for sustainable seafood? Check with Seafood Watch!

  • Toast the bread slices before assembling so the tuna melts don’t end up soggy.
  • Dice the tomatoes so the sandwich is easier to eat.

Related: 10 foods that boost brain health

© 2022 Kary Osmond. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Kary Osmond

Kary Osmond is a Canadian recipe developer and former television host of the popular daytime cooking show “Best Recipes Ever.” Her easy recipes include helpful tips to guide you along the way, and her love of plant-based cooking offers healthy alternatives to some of your favorite dishes. Learn more at karyosmond.com.

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