Ah, tuna melts—those gooey, cheesy sandwiches that are a staple in many a comfort food lineup. But what if I told you, instead of bread, you nestled that savory mixture inside a ripe, juicy tomato? It’s like a summer picnic on your plate, even if it’s snowing outside. Trust me, this twist will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about tuna.
Steps
- Set your broiler to high and move the oven rack to the second highest position. Place halved tomatoes on a baking sheet and season them with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, mix together slightly drained tuna, light mayo, chopped celery, chopped red onion, and red wine vinegar to create the tuna salad.
- Spoon about 1/4 cup of the tuna salad onto each tomato half and place a slice of cheddar cheese on top.
- Broil the assembled tomatoes for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the cheese has melted. Take them out of the oven and enjoy right away.
Ingredients
- 1 can (5 oz) solid white tuna in water, slightly drained
- 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped celery
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- 2 ripe tomatoes, cut in half
- 4 slices Cheddar cheese, totaling 2 1/2 oz
Nutritional Values
Calories: 542 kcal | Carbohydrates: 23 g | Protein: 51 g | Fat: 15 g | Saturated Fat: 12 g | Cholesterol: 124 mg | Sodium: 837 mg | Fiber: 4 g
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of cheese for the Tomato Tuna Melts?
- Absolutely! Feel free to substitute cheddar with your favorite cheese, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack, to suit your taste preferences.
- What can I use instead of mayo in the tuna salad?
- You can replace mayo with Greek yogurt or mashed avocado for a healthier twist without losing the creamy texture.
- How can I prevent the tomatoes from becoming too soft during cooking?
- Broiling the tomatoes instead of baking them helps maintain their firmness, ensuring they don’t become overly mushy.
- Are there any other variations of this recipe I can try?
- Yes! You can experiment with adding chopped herbs like basil or parsley, or mix in some spices like paprika for an extra kick.
- Can I prepare Tomato Tuna Melts in advance?
- It’s best to prepare and consume them immediately to enjoy the freshness and firmness of the tomatoes. However, you can make the tuna salad ahead of time and assemble the melts when ready to serve.
Tips
- When preparing the tomatoes, ensure they are firm and ripe to avoid them becoming too soft during broiling, making the dish easier to handle and eat.
- Slightly drain the tuna before mixing it with the other ingredients to prevent the salad from becoming too watery and to maintain a firmer texture.
- Position the oven rack second from the top before broiling to ensure the cheese melts evenly and quickly without overcooking the tomatoes.
- Serve the tuna melts immediately after broiling for the best taste and texture, as the cheese will be perfectly melted and the tomatoes will retain their firmness.
Equipment
- Broiler-safe baking tray – Necessary for broiling the tomatoes with tuna and cheese.
- Small mixing bowl – For combining the tuna salad ingredients.
- Chef’s knife – To finely chop celery and red onion as well as halve the tomatoes.
- Cutting board – For chopping the vegetables and preparing the tomatoes.
