*By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by Bumble Bee Seafoods and am eligible to prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.

I made this recipe for the nights you don’t have time, energy, or ingredients to cook with. That was me every night this week. I got back from 10 days out of town last Sunday, and hadn’t had time to meal prep or grocery shop. I ended up buying a rotisserie chicken and salad mix  Monday morning for lunches at work. I also picked up greek yogurt, almonds, and apples for snacking. I cooked something fast and easy every night this week- rotisserie chicken quesadillas and grilled vegetables, blueberry banana protein shakes, and these pesto tuna melts.

I had a few cans of tuna on hand since Bumble Bee Seafood generously provided me with samples for this recipe! Here’s some interesting information from the company:

-A researcher at the Harvard School of Public Health stated that “seafood is likely the single most important food one can consume for good health”.

-Canned seafood is a convenient, affordable, nutritious and delicious way to make sure you and your family are eating enough seafood.

Bumble Bee® Solid White Albacore Tuna in Water, the kind used in this recipe, boasts:

-An Excellent Source of Protein

-High in Selenium and Niacin

-A good source of Vitamins B6 and B10

-Free from Saturated Fat

After following a recipe I googled for a tuna salad sandwich that Colby wasn’t crazy about a few weeks ago, I asked him what would make a perfect tuna melt. He informed me that (1) toasted bread, (2) something crunchy like apples in the mix, and (3) gooey cheese are all necessary components. This recipe is a fun twist on a classic tuna melt that still honors all the key features of a great tuna melt!

  
Ingredients: (serves 1)

1 slice whole wheat bread

1 five oz can Bumble Bee® Solid White Albacore in Water, drained 

1 tablespoon diced red bell pepper

1 tablespoon finely diced red onion 

2 tablespoons prepared pesto

1 teaspoon mayonnaise (optional)

salt and pepper to taste

2 slices tomato

1 slice mozzarella or provolone cheese

Preparation:

1. Toast the whole wheat bread. While the bread is toasting, combine tuna, bell pepper, onion, pesto, and mayonnaise in a bowl with a fork. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

2. Spread the tuna mixture evenly over toasted bread. Top with tomato slices and cheese.

3. Broil the sandwich for 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Cut in half and enjoy!

  
This sandwich is filling and easy to make! Canned tuna is such a life saver when I don’t have other protein sources on hand. I hope you enjoy this Italian twist on a classic sandwich.