Gourmet Tuna Melts with Sharp Cheddar and Pickled Red Onions

Elevate your canned tuna recipes! My gourmet tuna melt with sharp cheddar & pickled red onions is quick, easy, & totally addictive. Perfect for lunch! Give it a try.

Alright, let's dive into the delicious world of canned tuna recipes ! ever find yourself staring into the pantry, wondering what to whip up for lunch? you know, that "hangry" moment when only something quick and satisfying will do? this gourmet tuna melt is exactly what you need.

It’s elevated comfort food with a tangy, cheesy kick.

Gourmet Tuna Melts: Not Your Average Lunch

This ain't your grandma's tuna melt. this recipe is a sophisticated twist on a classic, drawing inspiration from mediterranean flavors.

We're talking a classic tuna salad upgraded with pickled red onions and sharp cheddar. it's an easy tuna salad that tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did.

Why This Tuna Melt Is a Winner

This healthy tuna salad recipe is packed with protein, thanks to the tuna. did you know that tuna is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids? it's also perfect for a quick tuna salad lunch or a comforting dinner.

It's ready in under 30 minutes, using ingredients you probably already have. what makes this recipe special? the pickled red onions! they add a zesty tang that cuts through the richness of the cheese and tuna.

Oh my gosh, they're so good.

What You'll Need

Alright, let's gather our ingredients. you'll need red onion, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, canned tuna, mayonnaise, dijon mustard, parsley, celery, black pepper, red pepper flakes, sourdough bread, sharp cheddar cheese, and butter.

See? nothing too crazy. seriously, this mediterranean tuna salad is about to blow your mind.

Time to Get Cooking!

Okay, the first thing you're going to do is pickle those onions. it sounds fancy, but it's seriously easy. while those are doing their thing, whip up the tuna salad.

Flake the tuna, add the mayo, mustard, parsley, celery, and spices. give it a good mix. then, get ready to assemble those melts.

Butter the bread, pile on the cheese, tuna salad, pickled onions, and more cheese. then, grill it until it's golden brown and gooey.

It's like a hug in sandwich form.

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to make these Gourmet Tuna Melts. Forget that sad desk Tuna Salad Lunch . We're elevating the Easy Tuna Salad game.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Players: Tuna & More

Okay, first things first: the tuna. you'll need two 5-ounce cans of tuna. that's roughly 280 grams in non-american measurements.

Drain that tuna! seriously, nobody wants a soggy sandwich. look for tuna packed in water for a cleaner flavor.

The dressing is key. we're using ¼ cup of mayo. that's around 60 ml . i also like 1 tablespoon of dijon mustard ( 15 ml ).

Dijon just adds a little oomph . don't forget 1 tablespoon each of chopped parsley and celery ( 15 ml ).

For seasoning, we are using ¼ teaspoon of black pepper ( 1 ml ). and a pinch of red pepper flakes, if you like things spicy!

For the melts, you'll need 4 slices of sourdough. you'll also need 4 ounces of shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 115g ).

You are also going to need 2 tablespoons of softened butter ( 30g ).

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

Think of the dijon as your secret weapon. it adds a tang. parsley brings freshness. red pepper flakes? they bring a kick.

For that mediterranean tuna vibe, try adding sun-dried tomatoes and olives. honestly , that's game-changing! if you're looking for lunch ideas high protein , this is your guy!

Want to be healthy?. well, the classic tuna salad lunch are packed with fats, the great thing is that you can turn it to healthy tuna salad recipe , for the dressing greek yogurt is a good option.

I have found that plain greek yogurt is a game changer!.

Equipment: Keep it Simple

Don't sweat the fancy gadgets. a small saucepan for the pickling brine. a mixing bowl. and either a griddle or a large skillet.

That's it! a spatula is a must for flipping these bad boys. no panini press needed.

Okay, one last tip: Try to drain the tuna REALLY well. I mean it. Squeeze it! A soggy melt is the worst . Now, let's get cooking!

Alright, let's dive into this gourmet tuna melt adventure! this isn't your grandma's canned tuna recipes , that's for sure.

We're leveling up the humble tuna melt! who says canned tuna recipes have to be boring? definitely not me! i was inspired by a mediterranean tuna melt i had at a local cafe, and i've been hooked since.

Cooking Method: Gourmet Tuna Melts

Honestly, what's not to love about a warm, cheesy sandwich? but this one? this one sings! with sharp cheddar, tangy pickled onions, and perfectly seasoned tuna, it's a party in your mouth.

If you're looking for a healthy tuna salad recipe , well, this might be a fun treat!

Prep Steps: Mise en Place Magic

First things first, let’s get our ducks in a row. essential mise en place is key. chop your 1/2 small red onion nice and thin.

Get that 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp granulated sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt ready for the pickled onions.

Drain those two (5-ounce) cans of tuna really, really well. nobody likes a soggy melt, trust me!

For the tuna salad , have your 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp dijon mustard, 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and 1 tbsp chopped celery ready to go.

Also, grab that 1/4 tsp of black pepper. shred 4 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese. soften 2 tablespoons of butter.

Time-saving tip? do the tuna salad while the onions are pickling!

Safety reminder: Be careful when slicing the onion! A sharp knife is actually safer than a dull one.

Step-by-Step: Melt Masterpiece

Okay, here's where the magic happens! This is super easy Tuna Salad Lunch .

1. Pickle those onions: Combine red onion, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp granulated sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt in a small saucepan. Simmer until the sugar dissolves.
2. Make the tuna shine: In a bowl, flake the drained tuna and mix with 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp parsley, 1 tbsp celery, and 1/4 tsp pepper.
3. Butter up: Butter one side of each of your 4 slices of sourdough bread.
4. Build it up: On a griddle (medium heat), place two bread slices, butter-down. Top with cheese, tuna, drained pickled onions, and more cheese!
5. Cap it off: Place the remaining bread, butter-up, on top.
6. Grill at medium heat : Cook 3- 5 minutes per side , pressing gently, until golden and cheesy. Visual cue? The cheese should be melted and bubbly !
7. Serve this Classic Tuna Salad immediately!

Pro Tips: Tuna Zen Master

Want to take your melt to the next level? I love using a Dressing Greek Yogurt instead of all mayo. It’s a tasty way to cut a few calories.

Common mistake? overfilling the sandwich. resist the urge! a thinner layer of filling cooks more evenly and prevents a soggy mess.

You can even make the tuna salad ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a quick lunch ideas high protein .

And there you have it! a gourmet tuna melt that'll knock your socks off. this can also be served as a tuna wrap .

Forget those sad desk lunches, this mediterranean tuna salad is where it's at. enjoy!

Okay, let's dive into some extra notes for this Gourmet Tuna Melts with Sharp Cheddar and Pickled Red Onions .

Recipe Notes

You know, every recipe has those little secrets and extra details. let's spill the tea on this canned tuna recipes winner.

It's more than just a classic tuna salad , it's an experience.

Serving Suggestions

Honestly, presentation matters. i like to slice my tuna melt diagonally, you know, for that fancy restaurant vibe. and a couple of dill pickle chips on the side? perfection! you can also pair it with a light salad.

The acidity cuts through the richness of the melt. for a nice drink, try a glass of dry white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

This isn't your grandma's tuna salad lunch !

Storage Tips

So, you have leftover tuna salad ? lucky you! keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. it's good for about 2 days.

Freezing the tuna salad isn’t ideal – the mayo separates and it gets kinda weird. if you have leftover melts, they're best eaten fresh.

But if you must , reheat in a skillet over low heat.

Variations

Want to mix it up? swap the mayo for dressing greek yogurt for a tangier, healthier twist. i actually tried this last week.

It was lighter, and i felt less guilty! for a mediterranean tuna salad , add sun-dried tomatoes and feta. craving something spicy? add a dash of hot sauce.

These lunch ideas high protein don't have to be boring!

Nutrition Basics

Okay, let’s talk nutrition. this healthy tuna salad recipe is packed with protein from the tuna and cheese. think around 40g protein .

Tuna also gives you those good omega-3 fats. one serving is around 650 calories . remember, that is an estimate. it’s a surprisingly filling meal, perfect for a tuna wrap , if you are cutting down on the bread.

This recipe is simple and delicious! even someone who hates cooking can pull it off. don’t be scared to experiment.

You may even discover your own twist to this easy tuna salad . get in that kitchen and whip up a gourmet mediterranean tuna melt! you got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a "proper" way to drain canned tuna for these canned tuna recipes? I always seem to make a mess!

You're not alone; it's a common kitchen conundrum! The best way is to press the lid firmly against the tuna in the can and carefully invert it over the sink. Once most of the liquid is out, use a fork to gently press the tuna against the lid to squeeze out any remaining water. This prevents soggy melts, nobody wants that drama!

Can I make the pickled red onions ahead of time for the Gourmet Tuna Melts?

Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend it. Pickled onions actually taste better after they've had a little time to hang out in the fridge. You can make them up to a week in advance and store them in an airtight container. Think of it as "future you" doing a solid for "present you".

What other cheeses work well in these canned tuna recipes besides sharp cheddar?

Sharp cheddar is a classic, but don't be afraid to experiment! Gruyere melts beautifully and adds a nutty flavor, while Monterey Jack offers a milder, creamier alternative. Even a good pepper jack can bring some serious flavour that will jazz up your lunch. Just like choosing your favourite Doctor Who, it's all down to personal preference!

How can I make this Gourmet Tuna Melt healthier?

There are a few simple swaps you can make. Try using tuna canned in olive oil instead of water for healthy fats (just drain it well!). You can also use whole-wheat sourdough bread for added fiber, swap out some of the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt, and load up on the parsley and celery to boost the nutrients. Think of it as a delicious health hack!

How long can I store leftover tuna salad from these canned tuna recipes?

Leftover tuna salad will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days if stored properly in an airtight container. Always use your best judgement with storage and don't keep it if you have a doubt. After that, it might be past its prime – nobody wants to risk a dodgy tummy!

My tuna melts are always soggy. What am I doing wrong?

Soggy tuna melts are a common problem but easily fixable! Make sure you drain the tuna REALLY well – like, squeeze-every-last-drop well. Butter the bread generously on the outside and cook the melts over medium heat. Pressing down with a spatula while cooking also helps create a crispy crust and prevents the filling from seeping out. It's all about technique, darling!

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