Go Back
Zesty Parmesan Tuna Sandwiches Recipe: Easy Lemon-Dijon Tuna Salad

Zesty Parmesan Tuna Sandwiches

A creamy cold tuna salad sandwich made with Parmesan, lemon, Dijon mustard, celery, onion, and pantry-friendly tuna. Makes four sandwiches in 10 to 15 minutes, with an optional 3 to 5 minute broiled version.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Tuna Filling
  • 2 5-ounce cans Tuna packed in water, thoroughly drained and flaked
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup Finely chopped celery
  • 2 tablespoons Finely chopped onion or green onion
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
For Serving
  • 8 slices Sandwich bread, preferably whole-wheat or sourdough
  • As desired Lettuce or tomato slices

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Drain the tuna very well, pressing out excess water, then flake it into a medium bowl.
  2. Add the mayonnaise, Parmesan, celery, onion, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir just until the mixture is evenly combined.
  3. Taste the tuna mixture and adjust with a little more lemon juice, pepper, or mustard if needed. Remember that Parmesan contributes savory flavor and salt, so taste before adding any additional salt.
  4. Spread the tuna mixture over four bread slices. Add lettuce or tomato if desired, then top with the remaining four slices of bread.
  5. Serve the sandwiches cold, or arrange them open-faced on a baking sheet and broil for about 3 to 5 minutes, until the Parmesan mixture is hot and lightly browned. Toasting the bread first helps prevent sogginess.

Notes

Thoroughly drain and press the tuna so the filling stays creamy rather than loose. Freshly grated Parmesan and fresh lemon juice provide the best flavor. For the optional hot version, toast the bread first and watch the broiler closely.