tuna melt with avocado

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes

Tuna melts were a staple weekend lunch growing up, simple and always satisfying. Adding avocado was a game-changer I discovered later, bringing a fresh creaminess that complements the richness perfectly. Now, it's my go-to when I need a quick, comforting, and delicious meal.

Why Make tuna melt with avocado?

This Tuna Melt with Avocado isn't just another sandwich; it's a quick route to comfort food bliss. It comes together in minutes using mostly pantry staples, making it ideal for busy weekdays. The addition of avocado boosts the flavor and adds healthy fats, creating a more balanced and satisfying meal than the traditional version.

Key Benefits

• Quick & Easy: Ready in about 20 minutes with minimal prep and cooking.
• Pantry Friendly: Utilizes common ingredients like canned tuna, bread, and cheese.
• Creamy & Delicious: Avocado adds a wonderful creaminess and fresh flavor.
• Healthy Fats: Avocado provides beneficial monounsaturated fats.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable with different breads, cheeses, and mix-ins.

Get ready to elevate your lunch game with this incredible Tuna Melt with Avocado recipe. Combining the classic comfort of a cheesy tuna melt with the creamy goodness of fresh avocado, this sandwich is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend lunch, the Tuna Melt with Avocado delivers flavor and texture in every bite. It's simple to make, utterly delicious, and sure to become a new favorite.

Ingredients

• Canned Tuna: 1 can (5 oz / 142g), drained well (Packed in water or oil, whichever you prefer. Drain thoroughly.)
• Mayonnaise: 1/4 cup (Adjust to your desired creaminess.)
• Celery: 1 stalk, finely chopped (Adds a nice crunch.)
• Red Onion: 1 tablespoon, finely chopped (Optional, but adds flavor.)
• Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon (Adds a subtle tang.)
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste
• Bread Slices: 4 slices (Sourdough, whole wheat, or rye work well.)
• Cheese Slices: 2-4 slices (Cheddar, Provolone, Swiss, or Monterey Jack are great choices.)
• Avocado: 1/2 medium, thinly sliced (Use a ripe but firm avocado.)
• Butter or Olive Oil: 1-2 tablespoons (For grilling the sandwich.)

Instructions

Prepare the Tuna Salad

In a medium bowl, flake the drained tuna with a fork. Add the mayonnaise, chopped celery, red onion (if using), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.

Pro Tip: Avoid overmixing the tuna salad to maintain some texture.

Assemble the Sandwiches

Lay out the 4 slices of bread. Spread butter on one side of each slice, or brush lightly with olive oil. On the unbuttered side of two slices, layer the cheese slices, followed by the tuna salad mixture, and finally the avocado slices. Top with the remaining two bread slices, buttered-side-up.

Pro Tip: Place the cheese closest to the bread for optimal melting.

Grill the Sandwiches

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Carefully place the assembled sandwiches in the hot skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and toasted, and the cheese is melted and gooey.

Pro Tip: Cook over medium-low heat to ensure the cheese melts completely before the bread burns. You can cover the pan briefly to help the cheese melt.

Serve

Remove the sandwiches from the skillet. Slice them in half diagonally, if desired, and serve immediately.

Pro Tip: Let the sandwich rest for a minute before slicing to allow the cheese to set slightly.

Temperature & Timing Guide

Skillet Temperature

Use medium-low to medium heat for grilling. Too high heat will burn the bread before the cheese melts.

• Allows bread to brown evenly.
• Ensures cheese melts thoroughly.

Cheese Melting

Covering the skillet with a lid for a minute or two can help trap heat and melt the cheese more effectively without burning the bread.

Serving Temperature

Best served hot and fresh off the skillet for optimal texture and melted cheese.

Variation Ideas

Spicy Tuna Melt

Add finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the tuna mixture.

Different Cheeses

Experiment with Gruyère, Pepper Jack, or smoked Gouda for different flavor profiles.

Add Greens

Include a layer of spinach or arugula for added nutrients and a peppery bite.

Open-Faced

Serve the tuna melt on a single slice of toasted bread, possibly broiled briefly to melt the cheese.

Use Different Bread

Try it on an English muffin, ciabatta roll, or make it gluten-free with appropriate bread.

Tips for Perfect Results

• Drain Tuna Well: Excess moisture can make the sandwich soggy. Press the tuna firmly to remove as much liquid as possible.
• Choose Sturdy Bread: Use bread slices that can hold up to the filling and grilling process without falling apart.
• Don't Overstuff: While tempting, overfilling the sandwich can make it difficult to cook evenly and eat neatly.
• Butter Evenly: Ensure the outside of the bread is evenly coated with butter or oil for consistent browning.
• Slice Avocado Just Before Use: To prevent browning, slice the avocado right before assembling the sandwich.

Leftovers & Reheating

Store leftover tuna melts tightly wrapped in foil or plastic wrap, or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, reheat in a skillet over low heat, in a toaster oven, or in an air fryer until warmed through and crispy. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it tends to make the bread soggy.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Soup Combo: Pair with a bowl of creamy tomato soup for a classic diner experience.
• Fresh Salad: Serve alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Crispy Sides: Potato chips, sweet potato fries, or onion rings make great crunchy companions.
• Pickles: A side of dill pickles or pickled onions provides a tangy contrast.

Nutrition Information

Nutritional information is an estimate only and may vary based on ingredients used and portion sizes.

• Calories: 650 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 7g
• Sodium: 1100mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of fish?

A: Yes, canned salmon works well as a substitute for tuna in this recipe.

Q: What's the best cheese for a tuna melt?

A: Classic choices include Cheddar, Provolone, and Swiss. Choose a good melting cheese that you enjoy.

Q: Can I prepare the tuna salad ahead of time?

A: Yes, the tuna salad mixture can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Assemble and grill the sandwich just before serving.

Q: How do I prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy?

A: Drain the tuna very well, use sturdy bread, don't let the assembled sandwich sit too long before grilling, and avoid adding overly wet ingredients.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?

A: Absolutely! Just use your favorite gluten-free bread slices.

Q: Is there a lower-fat option?

A: You can use light mayonnaise, tuna packed in water, reduce the amount of cheese, and use olive oil spray instead of butter for grilling.

Ready to Make This Creamy Melt!?

Ready to experience the ultimate tuna melt? This Tuna Melt with Avocado is easy, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Give it a try for your next lunch – you won't be disappointed!

Useful Resources

• Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch – Provides recommendations for sustainable seafood choices, including tuna.
• California Avocado Commission – Offers recipes, tips, and nutritional information about avocados.
• Serious Eats: The Food Lab – Features in-depth articles and techniques for improving cooking skills, including sandwich making.
• King Arthur Baking: Sandwich Guide – Tips and tricks for choosing the right bread and building better sandwiches.