Description
This Avocado Tuna Melt Bagels recipe is a quick and delicious way to enjoy a nutritious open-faced sandwich loaded with creamy avocado, flavorful tuna salad, fresh tomatoes, and melted cheddar cheese, all perfectly toasted on a bagel. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an ideal light lunch or snack with a zesty touch of lemon and a hint of spice.
Ingredients
Scale
Bagel Base
- 2 Bagels, halved and toasted
Tuna Salad
- 2 cans (6.5 oz each) tuna, drained
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 spring onion or green onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely diced
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 1 avocado, sliced into strips
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced into circles
- 4 pinches cheddar cheese, grated
- Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare Tuna Salad: In a bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, finely diced spring onion, fresh parsley, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and lemon juice. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste, then mix until well combined to create a creamy tuna salad.
- Assemble the Bagels with Avocado and Tomato: Lay the toasted bagel halves on a flat surface. Arrange avocado slices in a circular pattern on each bagel half, followed by a circle of tomato slices on top, creating layers of fresh toppings.
- Season and Oil: Lightly season the avocado and tomato layers with salt and black pepper, then drizzle each bagel half with a small amount of extra virgin olive oil to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Add Tuna Mixture and Cheese: Spoon generous amounts of the prepared tuna salad atop each arranged bagel. Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese evenly over the tuna layer to prepare for melting.
- Broil to Melt Cheese: Place the assembled bagels under a broiler on high heat. Broil until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, usually about 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Final Touch and Serve: Remove from the broiler and serve immediately with an extra squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for brightness and garnish.
Notes
- Use freshly toasted bagels for the best texture and flavor in your melts.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount or omit to control the spiciness.
- Broiling time can vary, so keep a close eye to prevent cheese from burning.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt as a substitute.
- Leftover tuna salad can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American
