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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.
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.
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.