Mediterranean Tuna and Artichoke Melts
Elevate your lunch game with these Mediterranean Tuna and Artichoke Melts. This delicious panini combines the rich flavors of tuna packed in olive oil, coarsely chopped artichoke hearts, and the vibrant zest of roasted red peppers and kalamata olives. The unique addition of roasted garlic mayonnaise brings a creamy texture, while slices of fresh tomato and gooey provolone and mozzarella cheeses melt into a heavenly sandwich. Perfect for a quick lunch or a casual gathering, these melts are sure to impress your family and friends.
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tuna in olive oil
1 (6 ounce) can (drained)
Artichoke hearts
1 (6 ounce) jar (packed in oil, drained & chopped coarsely)
Roasted red pepper
1/8 cup (sliced)
Kalamata olives
1/3 cup (pitted and sliced thinly)
Lemon zest
1 teaspoon (minced)
Dried oregano
3/4 teaspoon (dried)
Fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Salt and pepper
to taste
Roasted garlic
1/2 head
Mayonnaise
1/4 cup
Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon
Lemon juice
1 teaspoon
Light rye bread
4 slices
Tomato
1 (sliced thinly)
Provolone cheese
4 slices
Mozzarella cheese
8 slices
Olive oil
as needed (for brushing)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the canned tuna (with the olive oil), coarsely chopped artichoke hearts, sliced roasted red peppers, kalamata olives, minced lemon zest, dried oregano, chopped parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine and set aside.
2
In another bowl, mix the roasted garlic (squeeze out the cloves from the bulb) with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and creamy.
3
Spread the roasted garlic mayonnaise generously on all four slices of light rye bread. On two slices, lay down slices of provolone cheese, followed by a thick layer of the tuna-artichoke mixture, fresh tomato slices, and finally top with mozzarella cheese. Cover each with one of the remaining slices of bread to create sandwiches.
4
Preheat your panini grill, barbecue, or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Brush the tops of each sandwich lightly with olive oil. Place the sandwiches on the grill with the oiled side down. Brush the tops again with olive oil. Close the grill or, if using a skillet, flip the sandwiches after the bottom is nicely browned and toast the other side.
5
Grill until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted, about 4-5 minutes total.
6
Remove the sandwiches from the grill and let them sit for a minute before slicing diagonally. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mediterranean Tuna and Artichoke Melts?
They are elevated panini sandwiches featuring tuna packed in olive oil, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, olives, and melted cheeses on light rye bread.
What kind of tuna is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using one 6-ounce can of tuna packed in olive oil for the richest flavor.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 2 servings.
What type of bread should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 slices of light rye bread.
What makes the mayonnaise special in this recipe?
The mayonnaise is mixed with roasted garlic, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice for a creamy, zesty flavor.
How do I prepare the artichoke hearts?
Use a 6-ounce jar of artichoke hearts packed in oil, then drain and chop them coarsely.
Which cheeses are used in these melts?
The sandwiches use 4 slices of provolone cheese and 8 slices of mozzarella cheese.
How long do I cook the sandwiches?
Grill the sandwiches until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted, which takes about 4 to 5 minutes total.
Can I make this without a panini grill?
Yes, you can use a barbecue or a cast iron skillet over medium heat as an alternative.
What olives are used in this recipe?
The recipe specifies 1/3 cup of pitted and thinly sliced kalamata olives.
How do I prepare the roasted garlic for the sauce?
Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out from the bulb before mixing them with the mayonnaise.
Do I need to oil the bread?
Yes, brush the tops of the sandwiches lightly with olive oil before and during grilling for a perfect toast.
What herbs are included in the tuna mixture?
The filling includes 3/4 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley.
What is the correct way to layer the sandwich?
Spread the garlic mayo, then add provolone, the tuna-artichoke mixture, fresh tomato slices, and top with mozzarella.
Should the tuna be drained?
The ingredients list says drained, but the instructions suggest combining the tuna with its olive oil for extra moisture.
Is there any citrus in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 teaspoon of minced lemon zest and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.
What type of peppers are added to the tuna?
The recipe uses 1/8 cup of sliced roasted red peppers.
How should I slice the sandwiches?
It is recommended to let them sit for a minute and then slice them diagonally before serving.
What heat setting should I use for the skillet?
If using a skillet or grill, maintain medium heat to ensure the bread toasts without burning before the cheese melts.
How many slices of tomato are needed?
The recipe calls for one tomato, sliced thinly, to be distributed between the sandwiches.
Can I use fresh oregano?
While the recipe calls for dried oregano, you can substitute fresh oregano, though you may need to adjust the quantity.
Is salt and pepper needed?
Yes, both the tuna mixture and the garlic mayonnaise should be seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
How much mayonnaise is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of mayonnaise as the base for the spread.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 17 ingredients in total, including seasonings and oil for brushing.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as a sandwich or panini, perfect for lunch or casual gatherings.
Can I use different olives?
While kalamata olives provide a specific Mediterranean flavor, you can substitute with other pitted olives if preferred.
Do I need to use the whole head of garlic?
The recipe calls for 1/2 a head of roasted garlic.
Is this a quick meal?
Yes, one of the tags for this recipe is quick meal, making it ideal for busy schedules.
What is the texture of the tuna filling?
The filling is chunky and vibrant due to the chopped artichokes, sliced peppers, and olives.
How much Dijon mustard is required?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard for the garlic spread.