Tuna Melt
Lemony, herby tuna salad with crunchy celery and pickles, topped with sharp cheddar and griddled on sourdough until golden and bubbly.
By Priya Hollis, Head of Shop & Product
Published October 28, 2025
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 16 min
- Total
- 31 min
- Servings
- 4
- Level
- Easy
A tuna melt is a lunch counter classic that deserves more respect, and the upgrade starts with the tuna salad. Oil-packed tuna is richer and more tender than water-packed, and a good amount of crunch from celery, red onion and chopped dill pickles keeps every bite lively. Lemon juice, dijon and fresh dill brighten it all.
Sharp cheddar goes on both sides of the tuna, so it melts into the bread and holds the sandwich together. A few slices of ripe tomato add a juicy, fresh contrast if you have good ones.
Cook it low and covered so the cheese melts before the bread over-browns. Serve with a cup of soup or a handful of chips and a pickle spear for the full diner experience.
- Bright herby tuna salad
- Sharp cheddar on both sides
- Diner-style lunch classic
Ingredients
Directions
In a bowl, flake the tuna with a fork into small pieces.
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