If you’re looking for a quick, protein-packed lunch that actually tastes great, this is it. I’ve made this Herby Cottage Cheese Tuna Melt over and over again, and it’s quickly become one of my favorite 6-minute meals. Replacing mayonnaise with cottage cheese keeps it light while adding extra protein. And honestly, fresh dill and parsley take protein to a whole new level.
this Healthy tuna melts Made with canned tuna, creamy cottage cheese (no mayonnaise!), fresh dill, parsley and green onions piled on toasted sourdough and topped with melty Muenster cheese. High in protein and great flavor, this open tuna melt can be prepared in just 6 minutes with just 9 simple ingredients and packs a whopping 46g of protein per serving. The best cottage cheese recipe for lunch!
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Tuna Melt
- High in protein: Combining canned tuna and cottage cheese, this tuna melt contains about 40 grams of protein per serving.
- No mayonnaise required. Cottage cheese provides the creaminess of mayonnaise with much more protein and less fat. Don’t miss it!
- Fresh and Herbal: Fresh dill and parsley make this taste much brighter than your average tuna melt. It’s a total game changer.
- Ready in 6 minutes: It takes about 5 minutes to prepare and 1 minute under the broiler. 9 ingredients, one delicious open-faced sandwich.
main ingredients
- Canned tuna: I like to use firm white albacore tuna in the water. Drain the water well to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
- Cottage Cheese: Here, 2% cottage cheese replaces mayonnaise. It adds creaminess and boosts protein without the extra fat. If you love cottage cheese egg salad, you’ll love this same swap with melted tuna.
- Fresh dill and parsley: This is what makes this tuna melt so special! Fresh herbs add flavor and freshness. Here it is better to use fresh rather than dried.
- green onion: It has a slightly crunchy and soft onion flavor without being overpowering.
- Sourdough bread: The thick slices of sourdough are sturdy enough to hold all the toppings and bake to perfection. You could also try using it in cottage cheese wraps for a fun twist!
- Muenster Cheese: Muenster melts beautifully and has a mild, buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with herbed tuna salad.
How to Melt Healthy Tuna
This cottage cheese tuna melts and comes together way too quickly. Mix the tuna salad filling with cottage cheese and fresh herbs, layer it on toasted sourdough, top with muenster and bake until bubbly and golden. Full ingredient quantities and detailed instructions are in the recipe card below!
Tips for the Best Tuna Thaw
- Drain the tuna well: Excess liquid is the biggest cause of tuna melting. Press the tuna against the side of the can or use a fine-mesh strainer to remove as much water as possible.
- Toast the bread first. Starting with already baked sourdough creates a sturdier base that won’t go mushy when added to tuna salad.
- Observe broilers closely. It only takes about a minute to bake, and it can burn quickly while still completely molten. Keep the oven door broken and close by!
- Use thick-cut bread. Thicker slices of sourdough sit better under all the toppings and provide a better crunch.
- Cheese Swap: Muenster is my favorite here, but cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack or provolone would all work great. Use everything you have!
- Bread Exchange: Try whole wheat, rye, English muffins, and gluten-free breads. Try toasting it first.
- Additional fun features: Bagel seasoning, red pepper flakes, capers, or chopped celery are all great additions to tuna salad.
- Air fryer method: Without using the broiler, place the assembled tuna in the air fryer at 400°F for 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish it off: Swap the bread for a tortilla and make a tuna melt in a cottage cheese wrap style.
- Do you love cottage cheese in delicious recipes? Next time try the cottage cheese mac and cheese. It’s creamy and full of protein!
- Meal Prep Tuna Salad: The cottage cheese tuna salad filling can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes weekday lunches super easy. When you’re ready to eat, just spread it on toast and bake.
- Newly assembled: For the best texture, we recommend collecting and grilling the melted tuna just before serving. If you leave it for too long, the bread will become soggy.
- Not Freezer Friendly: We do not recommend freezing this tuna melt because the texture of the cottage cheese and bread will change after thawing. If you like a tuna salad sandwich, it’s best to eat the filling fresh or refrigerated.
no way! Cottage cheese mixed with tuna, herbs, and lemon juice becomes creamy and tangy. It doesn’t have a distinct cottage cheese flavor. This cheese mixes right in and serves as a light, protein-rich alternative to mayonnaise.
This healthy tuna melt packs about 40 grams of protein per serving thanks to the combination of canned tuna, cottage cheese, and Muenster cheese. That’s a lot more protein than a traditional mayonnaise-based tuna melt.
entirely! I enjoy eating Muenster because it has a great melting taste, but you can replace it with cheese that melts well, such as cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese, pepper jack, or provolone. Use whatever you have or prefer.
yes! Instead of baking, place the assembled tuna in the air fryer and cook at 400°F for 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Air fryer usage times may vary, so check carefully.
Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad Filling is great for meal prep. Make one batch and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply spread it on toasted bread, top with cheese, and bake. We do not recommend assembling whole pre-thawed tuna as this may cause the bread to become soggy.
More Tuna Recipes
If you love this healthy tuna melt, try some of my other favorite tuna recipes!
Combine tuna, cottage cheese, green onions, dill, parsley, lemon juice, and salt in a bowl. Stir to combine.
Spread the tuna salad over the toasted sourdough and top with a slice of Muenster cheese.
Place on a baking sheet and bake until the cheese is melted and golden brown, about 1 minute. Watch carefully to avoid burns.
Remove from oven and serve immediately.
- Cheese Swap: Instead of Muenster, you can use any cheese, including cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack, or provolone.
- Drain the tuna well: Press the tuna into the side of the can or use a fine-mesh strainer to remove any excess water. It prevents the tuna from becoming soggy.
- Air Fryer Options: Instead of baking, air fry the assembled tuna at 400°F for 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Meal Preparation Tips: The tuna salad filling can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assembled and baked fresh for the best texture.
calorie: 460 calorie, carbohydrate: 36 g, protein: 46 g, province: 14 g, fiber: 2 g, sugar: 5 g
Nutritional information is automatically calculated and should only be used as estimates.
Photographer: wooden frying pan
