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Grilled tuna melt sandwich with melted cheese and dill pickles, served on toasted sourdough with chips and a pickle spear.

Tuna Melt with Pickles

This Tuna Melt with Pickles is everything a grilled sandwich should be—melty, tangy, crunchy, and packed with flavor. Easy to make, endlessly comforting, and ready in under 20 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Course Sandwich
Cuisine American
Servings 2 sandwiches
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Skillet or Griddle
  • Spatula
  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients
  

Tuna Mixture

  • 2 cans tuna drained, preferably solid white albacore in water
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp dill pickles finely chopped (or use relish)
  • 2 tbsp red onion finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, optional
  • salt and pepper to taste

Sandwich Assembly

  • 4 slices bread sourdough, rye, or your choice
  • 4 slices cheese cheddar, provolone, or your favorite meltable cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter for grilling the bread

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, mix drained tuna with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped pickles, red onion, parsley (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until just combined and still slightly chunky.
  • Lay out 4 slices of bread. Spread the tuna mixture evenly onto two slices, top each with 2 slices of cheese, then cover with the remaining bread slices.
  • Butter the outer sides of the bread slices generously.
  • Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Grill sandwiches for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
  • Remove from heat, slice diagonally, and serve with chips, a pickle spear, or a light salad.

Notes

The tuna mixture can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. For extra tang, add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños. Reheat leftovers in a toaster oven for best results.
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