The Tuna Melt Wrap is everything you love about the classic tuna melt—warm, cheesy, savory tuna salad—but wrapped up in a soft tortilla and pan-grilled to crispy, melty perfection. It’s fast, satisfying, and ideal for lunch, a light dinner, or even a savory snack.
Packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and melty cheese, this wrap is both comforting and nutritious. It comes together in under 15 minutes and is endlessly customizable based on your favorite ingredients or what’s in your fridge.
Ingredients Overview
This simple wrap relies on a few pantry staples plus a skillet or panini press. Here’s a closer look at what you need:
Tuna
Canned tuna in water or oil both work. Drain well before using. Tuna provides lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and satiety.
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Use high-quality albacore or chunk light tuna for best flavor.
Mayo or Greek Yogurt
Classic tuna melts use mayo for creaminess, but Greek yogurt is a great lighter option with extra protein.
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You can also use mashed avocado or a combo of yogurt + mustard for a tangy twist.
Celery or Pickles (Optional)
Add crunch and contrast to the soft tuna filling. Finely chopped celery, red onion, or dill pickles work well.
Cheese
Melty cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss make the wrap ooze with deliciousness when grilled.
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Use 1 or 2 slices per wrap, or shredded cheese for even coverage.
Tortilla or Wrap
Use a large 10-inch tortilla (whole wheat, spinach, tomato, or regular flour) for wrapping ease and structure.
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Low-carb or gluten-free wraps work, too.
Seasonings
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Salt & pepper
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Optional: lemon juice, garlic powder, Dijon mustard, paprika
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Tuna Salad
In a bowl, combine:
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1 can tuna (5 oz), drained
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2 tbsp mayo or Greek yogurt
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1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
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1 tbsp finely chopped celery or pickles (optional)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Squeeze of lemon juice (optional)
Mix until well combined and creamy.
2. Assemble the Wrap
Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. In the center, layer:
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1 slice of cheese (or 2–3 tbsp shredded)
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Half the tuna salad
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Optional: baby spinach, sliced tomato, or red onion
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Another slice of cheese (optional)
Fold like a burrito: fold sides inward, then roll tightly from bottom up.
3. Grill the Wrap
Heat a nonstick skillet or panini press over medium heat. Lightly spray with oil or butter the outside of the wrap for extra crispness.
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Place the wrap seam-side down and press gently.
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Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted.
4. Slice & Serve
Let it cool slightly, then slice in half diagonally and serve warm with your favorite sides.
Tips, Variations, and Substitutions
Tips for Best Results
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Drain tuna well to avoid soggy wraps.
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Grill seam-side down first to help seal the wrap.
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Use two layers of cheese for full melt and wrap structure.
Variations
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Spicy Tuna Melt Wrap: Add sriracha or chopped jalapeños to the tuna mixture.
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Mediterranean-Style: Use hummus, feta, olives, and arugula in place of mayo and cheddar.
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Avocado Tuna Wrap: Mash avocado into the tuna instead of mayo.
Substitutions
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No mayo? Use mashed avocado, hummus, or Greek yogurt.
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No cheese? Try dairy-free slices or nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version.
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Low-carb? Use lettuce leaves or a low-carb tortilla.
Serving Ideas & Occasions
Easy Lunch
Make ahead and grill at lunchtime for a fresh, melty sandwich alternative.
After-Workout Meal
Tuna is rich in lean protein and omega-3s—perfect for muscle recovery.
Weeknight Dinner
Pair with soup, salad, or roasted veggies for a low-effort, high-protein dinner.
Meal Prep
Make tuna salad in advance and store separately. Assemble and grill when ready to eat.
Nutritional & Health Notes
High Protein
One wrap provides around 25–30g protein, depending on ingredients—great for satiety and energy.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Tuna and olive oil-based mayo or avocado offer omega-3s and monounsaturated fats.
Lower in Carbs (with adjustments)
Use a low-carb wrap or skip the tortilla entirely and make a tuna melt lettuce wrap.
FAQs About Tuna Melt Wraps
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes—prepare the tuna salad up to 3 days ahead. Assemble and grill the wrap just before serving for best texture.
2. What’s the best cheese for tuna melts?
Cheddar is the classic choice, but Swiss, provolone, mozzarella, or pepper jack all work well.
3. Can I use other proteins?
Absolutely. Try canned salmon, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even hard-boiled eggs for variation.
4. Is it better hot or cold?
Tuna melt wraps are best served warm and crisp from the skillet, but you can enjoy a cold version if you skip the cheese or use cold slices.
5. Can I freeze tuna wraps?
Not recommended—the texture of mayo-based tuna and tortillas can change when frozen and thawed.
6. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes—skip the cheese or use plant-based alternatives. Also sub mayo with hummus or avocado.
7. What can I serve with it?
Great pairings:
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Side salad
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Soup (like tomato or veggie)
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Sweet potato fries
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Pickles or slaw