Curried Tuna Melts
Creamy curried tuna melts combine tender tuna with a hint of curry, sweet raisins, crunchy celery, and green onion for a flavorful open-faced sandwich. Perfect for quick lunches or casual dinners, they melt cheese over toasted English muffins for a satisfying, easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
- 1 (7 oz.) can tuna, drained and broken in chunks ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons raisins ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon curry powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 English muffins, split and lightly buttered ⓘ
- 4 slices Cheddar or American cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine tuna, celery, raisins, and green onion in a small bowl.
- In a measuring cup, stir together mayonnaise, lemon juice, curry powder, and salt.
- Fold the mayonnaise mixture into the tuna mixture.
- Toast English muffins and immediately spoon the tuna mixture onto the muffins.
- Top each with a slice of cheese.
- Broil for 2 to 3 minutes or until the cheese melts.
- Serve hot, garnished with celery leaves.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try adding diced apples or pickles to the tuna mixture for extra crunch. If you prefer a spicier version, incorporate some diced jalapeños. You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter option. Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, and feel free to experiment with different cheese types like pepper jack for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These Curried Tuna Melts are perfect served alongside a fresh green salad or a bowl of soup for a complete meal. For a delightful brunch option, pair with a fruit salad or serve as part of a light lunch spread. They also make excellent appetizers, especially when cut into smaller portions. Browse more American recipes for additional serving ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover tuna mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the tuna mixture on a toasted muffin and broil for a few minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted. Avoid reheating the entire sandwich in the microwave, as it may become soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Curried Tuna Melts contains roughly 305 calories, with 7g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value) and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1966mg per serving (85% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh tuna can be grilled or seared and then flaked to use in this recipe. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly before mixing it with the other ingredients, and adjust the seasoning as fresh tuna may have a different flavor profile compared to canned.
What can I substitute for the mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a healthier option, Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for mayonnaise. It adds creaminess while reducing calories. You can also use avocado or a vegan mayo alternative to maintain the texture without the traditional ingredients.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of Curried Tuna Melts, you can replace the tuna with chickpeas or mashed white beans. Season them with curry powder and mix in the other ingredients for a similar flavor profile, while keeping the dish hearty and satisfying.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).