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Cheesy Tuna Toasts with Olive Salsa Recipe

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4 from 14 reviews

Cheesy Tuna Toasts with Olive Salsa is a quick and flavorful open-faced sandwich perfect for a light lunch or snack. It features a zesty olive salsa paired with creamy tuna salad and melted mozzarella or sharp cheddar cheese on toasted sourdough or multigrain bread, broiled to golden perfection in just 15 minutes.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 3 servings

Ingredients

Olive Salsa

  • 1/3 cup pitted Castelvetrano olives, roughly chopped
  • 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 Tbsp. finely chopped pine nuts
  • 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp. lemon zest
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp. black pepper
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

Tuna Salad

  • 1 (5-oz.) can albacore or skipjack tuna, drained
  • 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise or plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
  • 1 tsp. Dijon or whole-grain mustard
  • 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh dill
  • 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp. black pepper

Toppings and Bread

  • 1/2 cup freshly grated mozzarella or sharp white cheddar cheese
  • 3 thick slices sourdough or multigrain bread

Instructions

  1. Prepare Olive Salsa: In a medium bowl, combine the roughly chopped Castelvetrano olives, finely chopped fresh parsley, pine nuts, extra-virgin olive oil, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, kosher salt, black pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Stir all ingredients thoroughly until well combined and set aside to let flavors meld.
  2. Preheat Broiler: Position the top oven rack about 6 inches from the heating element and preheat your broiler to the HIGH setting to prepare for toasting the bread with the toppings.
  3. Make Tuna Salad: In a separate bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, Dijon or whole-grain mustard, finely chopped fresh dill, fresh lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  4. Assemble Toasts: Evenly distribute the tuna salad mixture over each slice of sourdough or multigrain bread placed on a foil-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle the freshly grated mozzarella or sharp white cheddar cheese generously on top of each slice.
  5. Broil Toasts: Place the baking sheet under the preheated broiler for about 2 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close watch to prevent burning.
  6. Finish and Serve: Remove the toasts from the oven and immediately spoon a generous amount of the prepared olive salsa on top. Serve warm for a delicious, savory open-faced sandwich.

Notes

  • Use Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise for a lighter tuna salad.
  • Castelvetrano olives are mild and buttery — if unavailable, substitute with green olives but adjust salt accordingly.
  • Watch the toasts carefully while broiling to prevent overcooking or burning the cheese.
  • Pine nuts can be toasted lightly for added crunch and aroma.
  • For a dairy-free option, omit cheese or use a plant-based cheese substitute.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Snacks
  • Method: Broiling
  • Cuisine: American