Diner-Style Tuna Melt

Name: Diner-Style Tuna Melt
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cans (5 ounces / 142 g each) tuna, drained; 3 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 celery stalk, finely diced; 1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion; 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice; Pinch each of salt and pepper; 4 slices rye or sourdough bread; 2 slices cheddar; 2 teaspoons softened butter

A crisp, buttery tuna melt with tangy tuna salad and melted cheddar on toasted bread. A comforting diner classic ready in about 15 minutes.

By Tasty Nest Recipes Editorial TeamPublished October 16, 2026

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18 min total 2 sandwichesEasy

Tuna melt on toasted bread with melted cheese, served with a side of coleslaw — Photo: ozmafan · CC BY 2.0. Illustrative photo; your results may look different.

About this recipe

A tuna melt takes a humble tuna salad sandwich and turns it into something warm, crispy and indulgent. The bread is griddled in butter, the cheese melts into the tuna, and every bite is crunchy and gooey at once.

The tuna salad here is simple but well seasoned, with crunchy celery, a little red onion and a squeeze of lemon to keep it bright against the rich cheese.

Equipment you'll need

Large skillet
Mixing bowl

Tips for success

Drain the tuna well so the filling does not make the bread soggy.
Cover the pan for a minute after flipping to help the cheese melt.
Make the tuna salad up to 2 days ahead and keep it refrigerated.

Substitutions and variations

Use Swiss, provolone or pepper Jack instead of cheddar.
Make it open-faced: top toasted bread with tuna and cheese and broil until bubbling.
Replace half the mayo with Greek yogurt.

Storage

To store: Refrigerate leftover tuna salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Assembled melts are best eaten immediately.

Recipe