• This delightful gluten free tuna melt is bursting with springtime flavors of blueberry and lemon paired with goat cheese and walnuts that take this sandwich to the next level. 

Growing up in the soggy Willamette Valley of Oregon, I craved sunny weather by the time Spring rolled around. Much to my dismay, I wouldn’t see much of that beautiful sunshine and blue sky until summertime.

Since I couldn’t control the weather, I’d surround myself with everything spring, warm and happy to cheer up a bit. This included Youtube videos of sunshiny places, a “happy lamp,” which mimics sun rays, and bright springtime recipes.

This tuna melt is perfect this time of year. If it’s still chilly where you live and you too are ready for a fresh new season, what’s better than a warm, toasty blueberry tuna sandwich? Let’s take a closer look at why it’s great and how to make it.

Why You’ll Love it

• It’s a quick and simple recipe.
• You’ll love how the warm blueberry and lemon zing brighten up the creamy tuna salad filling.
• The walnuts add a perfect subtle crunch.
• Warm goat cheese elevates the sandwich and pairs well with the lemon, blueberries and walnuts.
• It’s perfect for your springtime luncheon or ladies get together.

What’s in this Tuna Melt?

• Gluten Free Bread – I recommend your favorite gluten free white bread.

• Butter – To assist the bread in grilling up nicely.

• • Change it up: Your favorite non-dairy buttery spread is another option.

• Tuna Fish – I use canned tuna and break it apart before adding the other ingredients.

• Mayonnaise – A must have with any tuna sandwich for added creaminess.

• Lemon Zest – The zest of one medium lemon adds the perfect amount of zing to the sandwich.

• Goat Cheese – Use crumbled goat cheese. This pairs well with the lemon, blueberry, and walnuts.

• • Change it up: Sliced sharp white cheddar is another great option that pairs well with the other ingredients.

• Walnuts – Chop the walnuts finely. This adds nice texture to the sandwich filling.

• • Change it up: Pecans are another option if that’s what you have on hand.

• Blueberries – Use fresh blueberries if possible. Make sure to dry them well after rinsing before adding them to the tuna mixture.

• Salt & Pepper – Add salt and pepper to taste. You don’t need much.

How to Make the Sandwich

1. Preheat panini press or countertop grill. *** Although these appliances are best for the job, a skillet can be used in a pinch.

2. In a medium to large bowl, add tuna fish and break apart the meat.

3. Add mayonnaise, lemon zest, walnuts, goat cheese and blueberry and gently stir together until ingredients are well combined. *** Mixing it together gently avoids smashing the blueberries.

4. Butter one side of each slice of bread.

5. Stack bread slices in twos with buttered sides facing each other.

6. Distribute tuna mixture evenly on the top (non-buttered side) of each stack of bread.

7. Place the top slice of bread with the tuna mixture on the grill (or in a skillet) and add the second slice to the top of the sandwich, with buttered sides facing the grill.

8. Place the lid to the panini press or grill down on the sandwich and cook until bread is golden brown (usually about 3 – 5 minutes).  *** If using a skillet, cook both sides until golden brown, regularly pressing on the sandwiches with a spatula. This ensures the sandwich ingredients are heated through.

• Slice in half, serve and enjoy!

What to serve with the Tuna Melt

• Salad – A fresh green salad is a great option to serve on the side. I recommend a lightweight citrus dressing or a champagne vinegarette.
• Potato Chips – Another option is a simple, salted potato chip *** Avoid flavored chips so the sandwich remains the star of the show.
• Sparkling Water – Add a squeeze of lemon to sparkling water for a refreshing beverage alongside the tuna melt.
• Wine – A nice white wine like a sauvignon blanc also pairs well with this sandwich.

Making Ahead & Storing Leftovers

The tuna salad filling can be made ahead of time. Only cook sandwiches that will be consumed immediately as the whole grilled sandwich does not reheat well. Whether you make it ahead of time or have some leftover, the prepared tuna mixture should be consumed within 24 hours.

Hope you enjoyed making this fun and unique springtime sandwich with me!

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