Keto Tuna Melt
This open-faced keto tuna melt swaps bread for a sturdy almond flour base, piled with creamy mayo-bound tuna and bubbling melted cheddar. At just 4.2g net carbs per serving and ready in 25 minutes, it's a fast, satisfying low-carb lunch that keeps you full for hours.
Head of Nutrition · June 18, 2026
Nutrition per serving
Per serving · makes 2. Values are estimates; brands vary.
A diner classic made keto: flaky tuna salad bound in creamy mayo, piled onto a quick almond-flour base and broiled under a blanket of sharp cheddar until golden and bubbling.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, well drained
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 stalk celery, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup blanched almond flour
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1
Make the bread base: microwave the mozzarella in a bowl for 60 seconds until melted, then stir in the almond flour, egg, and baking powder to form a dough. Press into two oval flatbreads on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400F for 8-10 minutes until golden and firm.
- 2
While the base bakes, drain the tuna thoroughly and flake it into a bowl. Mix in the mayonnaise, Dijon, celery, red onion, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
- 3
Divide the tuna salad evenly over the two baked bases, mounding it slightly toward the center.
- 4
Top each with a generous half cup of shredded cheddar.
- 5
Return to the oven and bake 4-5 minutes, then broil 1-2 minutes until the cheddar is fully melted and bubbling with golden spots. Let rest 2 minutes before serving.
Tips & notes
- Swap cheddar for Swiss or Gruyere for a classic deli flavor, or add a pinch of smoked paprika to the tuna for extra depth.
- Store leftover tuna salad and baked bases separately in the fridge for up to 3 days; assemble and broil fresh to keep the base crisp.
- For dairy-free, use a melty almond-based cheese and a coconut flour base (reduce to 1/3 cup coconut flour, as it absorbs more).
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Frequently asked questions
- How many carbs are in keto tuna melt?
- Each serving has 4.2g net carbs (7.5g total carbs minus 3.3g fiber), 538 calories, 38g protein, and 40g fat. This recipe makes 2 servings.
- Can I make this without an almond flour base?
- Yes. You can serve the cheesy tuna melt over thick tomato slices, halved bell peppers, or a bed of greens to lower carbs further, or use store-bought keto bread if you prefer a quicker assembly.
- Is canned tuna keto-friendly?
- Absolutely. Tuna canned in water is zero-carb, high in protein, and rich in omega-3s, making it one of the most convenient and budget-friendly keto staples.
