Classic Tuna Melts
- Serves
- 4 servings
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Cost
- $11.50
- Nutrition
- 620 cal · 32g protein
- quick
- budget
- kid-favorite
- comfort-food
- skillet
🍳 1 pan · Picky-eater safe bet: plain bread or a bun
Classic Tuna Melts is a weeknight dinner that serves 4 and is on the table in about 25 minutes, for around $12 in groceries. You'll need 1 pan, and the 10 ingredients below are everyday supermarket items. Cooking for a picky eater? Plain bread or a bun works on its own for the one who won't try the rest. Add it to your week and the whole grocery list lands in your Instacart cart in one tap.
Goes with: Garlicky green beans (10 min)
Contains: Dairy · Eggs · Gluten · Fish— based on the ingredients; brands vary, so check labels.
Cookware you'll need
Set these out before you start — it saves hunting through drawers mid-recipe.
- 12-inch nonstick skilletDon't have one? Amazon →
- ColanderDon't have one? Amazon →
- Salad spinnerDon't have one? Amazon →
- 8-inch chef's knifeDon't have one? Amazon →
- Large cutting boards (set of 2)Don't have one? Amazon →
- Silicone spatula & turner setDon't have one? Amazon →
Our kitchen essentials list · As an Amazon Associate, DinnerDrop earns from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients
- 3 cans canned tuna
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 2 count celery
- 8 slices sourdough bread
- 8 slices cheddar cheese
- 3 tbsp butter
- ½ jar dill pickles
- 1 count lemon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Steps
- Drain the tuna and mix with mayo, finely diced celery, a squeeze of lemon, salt, and pepper.
- Butter one side of each bread slice. Flip 4 slices butter-side down and top each with cheese, tuna salad, and another slice of cheese.
- Close with the remaining bread, butter-side up.
- Cook in a skillet over medium-low heat, 2 sandwiches at a time, 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and the cheese melts.
- Slice in half and serve with pickles.
- Picky eaters can have a plain grilled cheese: just the bread, butter and cheddar, no tuna salad.
- Make ahead: mix the tuna salad up to 1 day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge.
On the side: Garlicky green beans (10 min)
12 oz green beans
- Trim the green beans. Cook in a skillet with a splash of olive oil over medium-high heat, 6 to 8 minutes, until bright and just tender.
- Stir in a minced garlic clove for the last minute and season with salt.
Nutrition per serving
- Protein
- 32 g
- Carbohydrates
- 36 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
- Sugar
- 1 g
- Fat
- 36 g
- Saturated fat
- 14 g
- Sodium
- 1,640 mg
Estimated from the ingredients and amounts in this recipe; brands and portions vary. Not medical or dietary advice.
Photo: DinnerDrop