Our childhood tuna melts were the ultimate quick dinner for parents. Here, they’re all grown up (yet still equally enjoyed by kids) with sharp Asiago cheese, juicy tomatoes, and dark greens. This complete meal can be served with whole grain or gluten-free toast to soak up the juices or enjoyed as is for a grain-free option.
Asiago Tuna Melts on Tomato Spinach Beds
Ingredients
- 4 cups (1 L) packed, prewashed baby spinach
- 4 large field tomatoes, halved crosswise, seeds scooped out to create bowls
- 2 - 6 oz (170 g) cans wild tuna packed in water, drained
- 2 Tbsp (30 mL) mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp (15 mL) plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
- 1 Tbsp (15 mL) lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp (15 mL) capers, finely chopped, or 1 dill pickle, finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp (1 mL) ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) grated Asiago cheese or grated aged cheddar
- 2 Tbsp (30 mL) minced fresh chives
Nutrition
Per serving:
- calories246
- protein27g
- fat11g
- saturated fat4g
- trans fat0g
- carbohydrates9g
- sugars5g
- fibre3g
- sodium267mg
Directions
01
Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C).
02
On large baking sheet lined with parchment paper, make 8 rough piles of spinach; top each pile with a tomato half, flesh side up.
03
In medium bowl, flake tuna into small pieces; add mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, capers or pickle, and pepper. Top each tomato half with tuna mixture, slightly compacting. Sprinkle cheese over tuna mixture.
04
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until cheese is melted, tuna and tomatoes are hot, and spinach is wilted. Sprinkle with chives and serve warm with toasted bread to soak up juices, if desired.
Allison Day, RHN
Allison Day, RHN, is a nutritionist, blogger, and cookbook author. Her cookbooks, Whole Bowls and Purely Pumpkin (Skyhorse Publishing, 2016), are out now. She is currently working on her third cookbook, Modern Lunch (Appetite by Random House).
READ THIS NEXT
SEE MORE »
Strawberry Carpaccio
This simple dessert celebrates the glory that is the summer strawberry. Don’t feel you have to stick to strawberries here; swapping them for ripe peaches would also make for a stunning ending to any meal. What to gild the lily with? Add a dollop of whipped coconut cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. Flower power Orange blossom water (also known as orange flower water) is produced by water distillation of the blossoms of a bitter orange tree. Just like rose water, a little goes a long way. So, take care and use just a drop or two, tasting as you go so as not to overwhelm but rather to complement the other flavours in a dish.
Greek Turkey Burger Bites
Ever thought about making burgers as an appetizer or as a potluck meal for friends and family? Try making your favourite burger into bite-sized portions. They might be small in size, but they won’t be small in flavour. These burgers also pair well with a Greek salad for a delicious mid-week lunch or dinner. Fresh is best Squeeze fresh lemon on patties while cooking to give them the fresh zing of citrus.
Italian Portobello Mushroom Burger with Artichoke Tapenade
What worldwide vacation is complete without a stop in Italy? Dad won’t miss the meat in this flavourful mushroom alternative complete with Italian spices and a zesty vegetable tapenade. Portobellos have a uniquely “meaty” texture and act as a sponge to lock in loads of flavour. This meaty plant-based burger is sure to become a favourite—even with any meat-lovers in your life. Custom-made! Don’t be afraid to customize your burger buns to fit your patties. If your bun’s too big, trim off excess and save the trimmed bits of bread, but don’t discard. Instead, cut into small cubes; drizzle with some olive oil, sea salt, and seasonings of choice; bake at 350 F (180 C) for 10 to 15 minutes, and you’ll have delicious homemade croutons for use in soups and salads throughout the week.
Asian Shrimp Burger with Bean Sprout Slaw and Fresh Mango
Next stop, Asia! This shrimp burger combines classic Asian flavours with unique toppings for rich umami flavour with the saltiness of the ocean. Whether served on a bun or over rice in a more traditional Asian-style meal, try some unique miso yogurt or wasabi mayo dressing for a fabulous flavour bomb. Keep those burgers juicy Place raw patties on a plate or tray, and cover and freeze or refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes to keep them together and to lock in moisture.