Tuna Melt

A tuna melt is a warm sandwich that combines a tuna salad (typically canned tuna mixed with mayonnaise and sometimes celery or onion) with melted cheese, often served open-faced or closed between slices of bread and toasted or grilled. It's a classic American comfort food, particularly popular in diners and home kitchens across the United States.

🍳 View the full Tuna Melt recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is generally high in protein from the tuna and cheese, and also contains significant fat from the mayonnaise and melted cheese, with moderate carbs from the bread. A typical serving can range from 400 to 600 calories, providing a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and B vitamins.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	480 kcal
Protein	32 g
Carbs	34 g
Fat	25 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	5 g
Sodium	1100 mg
Potassium	400 mg
Phosphorus	350 mg
Selenium	60 mcg
Vitamin B12	3.5 mcg
Niacin (B3)	12 mg
Calcium	300 mg
Iron	2.5 mg
Zinc	2 mg

Per 1 sandwich (about 220 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

The tuna melt is a quintessential example of mid-20th century American 'convenience cooking,' elevating simple pantry staples like canned tuna into a satisfying hot meal. Nutritionally, it offers a unique combination of lean protein and healthy fats, though its comfort food status often places it in the indulgent category.