Crispy Tuna Wrap

Featured in: Fresh Seafood Recipes from Coast to Coast

Turn your favorite sandwich into a portable snack with this Tuna Melt Wrap! Creamy tuna salad—made with mayo, onion, celery, pickle relish, and mustard—joined with melty cheese in a tortilla. Heat it in a pan till crispy outside, gooey inside. This super-easy, one-serving meal is perfect for fast lunches or quick dinners when you’re in a rush. Use fridge staples and switch up the cheese or seasonings to make it your own.
Chef with a smile, ready to cook and serve.
Updated on Thu, 20 Mar 2025 17:33:38 GMT
A sandwich with meat and vegetables. Pin it
A sandwich with meat and vegetables. | yummygusto.com

The tuna melt wrap brings together melty cheese and flaky tuna in a quick, satisfying meal that's ready in minutes. The tortilla gets nice and crisp on the outside while keeping all that gooey, cheesy goodness safe inside. You can whip this up for dinner on busy nights or pack it for lunch - it'll still taste amazing hours later.

I first tried making these when I got bored with everyday sandwiches. The tortilla keeps everything in place better than sliced bread, and grilling it adds such a nice crunch. Even folks who usually say no to canned tuna ask for seconds once they've tried these wraps.

Essential Tuna Mix Ingredients

  • Canned tuna: Gives you light protein with a mild taste that works great with everything else.
  • Mayonnaise: Makes everything stick together and adds a smooth, rich touch.
  • Chopped pickles: Cut through the richness with tangy crunch that balances the cheese and mayo.
  • Dijon mustard: Adds zippy flavor that makes this way better than plain tuna salad.
  • Diced onion: Brings punchy flavor and a bit of crunch in every bite.
  • Chopped celery: Adds fresh crunch and subtle flavor that works well with tuna.
  • Salt and pepper: Bring out all the flavors and let you adjust to your own taste.
  • Large flour tortillas: Create the perfect foldable wrapper that gets crispy when cooked.
  • Shredded cheese: Turns into that stretchy, gooey goodness that holds everything together.

Making The Perfect Wrap

Getting Your Tuna Ready:
Press the lid against your canned tuna in the sink to squeeze out all the water. Empty the dry tuna into a bowl and break it up with a fork. Mix in mayo and mustard until everything's coated and creamy. Stir in your finely chopped pickles, onion, and celery so they're spread all through the mix. Add some fresh ground pepper and just a touch of salt - remember, tuna's already a bit salty. Give it a taste and tweak until it's just right.
Putting It All Together:
Lay out a big flour tortilla on your counter. Scatter shredded cheese across half the surface to make a base that'll melt and hold things together. Scoop about half your tuna mix onto the cheese, keeping it toward the middle rather than spreading it all the way to the edges. Leave about half an inch empty around the sides so nothing leaks out when cooking. The cheese below and above the tuna will melt into the perfect glue that keeps everything in place.
Folding It Up Right:
With your filled tortilla sitting horizontally in front of you, fold the sides in about an inch to trap the filling. Then grab the bottom edge closest to you and fold it up over the filling while keeping those sides tucked in with your fingers. Keep rolling forward with gentle pressure to make a nice tight cylinder. When you're done, the seam should be on the bottom, all ready for cooking.
Making It Crispy:
Warm up a heavy non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Drop in some butter or olive oil and let it coat the pan. Put your wrap in with the seam facing down so the weight of the filling naturally seals it shut. Press it down lightly with a spatula to make good contact with the pan. Let it cook without moving it for about three minutes until the bottom turns golden and crispy. Carefully flip it with a wide spatula and cook the other side the same way, until the cheese inside is all melty and the outside is nicely browned and crunchy.
A stack of three wraps with meat and vegetables. Pin it
A stack of three wraps with meat and vegetables. | yummygusto.com

I really love the pickles and mustard in this wrap. They add a tangy kick that cuts through the richness and makes everything more interesting than a basic sandwich. My husband likes when I toss some red pepper flakes into the tuna for a bit of heat throughout. Even our picky teenagers, who normally run from anything with canned fish, ask for these wraps regularly.

Tasty Side Dish Ideas

This wrap goes great with many sides to round out your meal. For something light, try a simple green salad with lemon dressing that won't fight with the wrap's flavors. A classic bowl of tomato soup makes a perfect match that plays up the grilled cheese vibes. When it's hot outside, some salt-sprinkled cucumber slices offer a cool contrast to the warm, crunchy wrap. No matter which side you pick, everything comes together fast, making this perfect for those crazy weeknights when you're short on time.

Switch It Up Your Way

The basic recipe can be changed up in so many ways to match what you like or have on hand. If you're into Mediterranean flavors, mix some chopped olives and sun-dried tomatoes into your tuna. Want more veggies? Add some baby spinach or arugula before rolling. If you like heat, throw in some diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce with the tuna. Watching what you eat? Try Greek yogurt instead of mayo and whole grain tortillas for extra fiber. Not a tuna fan? Canned salmon works just as well for something different.

Saving For Later

You can keep these wraps fresh for future meals with some easy tricks. Store uncooked, assembled wraps in the fridge wrapped in parchment paper and they'll stay good up to three days. Want to keep them longer? Wrap each one in foil and put them in freezer containers. Don't forget to write what's inside and the date on each package. Let frozen wraps thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking. Already grilled wraps can be warmed up in a dry pan over medium heat for about two minutes per side to get that crispness back without drying out what's inside.

A sandwich with meat and vegetables on a wooden cutting board. Pin it
A sandwich with meat and vegetables on a wooden cutting board. | yummygusto.com

There's something really wonderful about turning basic pantry stuff into a meal that feels special. This tuna melt wrap has become my go-to for days when I don't feel like cooking but don't want takeout either. The protein-packed tuna with melted cheese hits that comfort food sweet spot while the crispy grilled outside makes it feel like more than just a sandwich. This dish always reminds me that good food doesn't need fancy techniques or weird ingredients when simple things come together in the right way.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare the tuna filling in advance?
Sure can! Make the tuna salad up to 3 days ahead and store it in the fridge. When you're ready, assemble and cook your wrap fresh.
→ What type of cheese melts best in this wrap?
Cheddar and American cheese are top choices for their easy melting, but you can also try Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack.
→ Do I have to use a pan to cook the wrap?
Not at all! A sandwich press, toaster oven, or panini maker can get that warm, melty cheese goodness if you don't want to use a pan.
→ How can I make this wrap gluten-free?
Just swap the regular tortilla with a gluten-free version that meets your needs.
→ What extras can I mix into the tuna salad?
Jazz it up with diced pickles, fresh dill or parsley, capers, a bit of lemon juice, or a splash of hot sauce!

Crispy Tuna Wrap

This speedy Tuna Melt Wrap combines creamy tuna with melty cheese, wrapped in a crunchy tortilla. A tasty 15-minute fix for lunch or dinner.

Prep Time
7 Minutes
Cook Time
8 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Sandra

Category: Ocean Flavors

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 1 Servings (1 wrap)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Filling Essentials

01 1/2 teaspoon of any mild-flavored oil (canola, vegetable, etc.)
02 A large tortilla or wrap (around 10 inches wide)
03 One can of tuna (5-ounce size), drained well
04 2 spoons of mayo
05 1 teaspoon of your favorite mustard
06 1 spoon of sweet pickle relish
07 1 tablespoon each of diced onion and celery
08 Salt and pepper for extra flavor
09 1/4 to 1/2 cup of shredded cheese or 1-2 slices of cheese

Instructions

Step 01

Squeeze out all the liquid from the tuna and toss it into a mixing bowl. Add in the mayo, relish, mustard, diced veggies, and give it all a good stir. Sprinkle some salt and pepper until it tastes just right.

Step 02

If your tortilla is stiff, stick it on a microwavable plate covered with a damp paper towel. Zap it for 15-20 seconds until it's soft and easy to fold.

Step 03

Spread out the tortilla on a clean counter or plate. Sprinkle shredded cheese (or lay down cheese slices) over one half, leaving about an inch around the edges uncovered. Pile the tuna mix right on top of the cheese, keeping the same bare edge all around.

Step 04

Tuck in the left and right sides first to close the ends. Then, fold the edge nearest you over the filling and roll it up tightly like a burrito, tucking the sides in as you roll.

Step 05

Heat a skillet with a bit of oil on medium-low. Place the wrap seam-side down and let it cook for 3-4 minutes without moving it, pressing gently with a spatula. Flip and repeat till the other side is golden brown and the cheese is melty.

Step 06

Take it off the heat and slice it in half if you want (a serrated knife works great for this). Eat it while it's warm and cheesy!

Notes

  1. You get all the goodness of a tuna melt in a handy wrap! It’s got a crunchy outside, gooey cheese, and creamy tuna filling, all done in just 15 minutes.
  2. Pick a cheese that melts nicely. Cheddar and American are solid picks.
  3. Got leftovers? Wrap them up and pop them in the fridge for a few days. You can enjoy them cold or warm them back up in a pan on medium-low heat for a couple of minutes on each side.

Tools You'll Need

  • A mixing bowl (small size works fine)
  • A skillet or frying pan
  • A good spatula
  • Measuring spoons for accuracy
  • Optional: A serrated knife to cut it

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Fish (from the tuna)
  • Dairy (in the cheese)
  • Gluten (from the tortilla)
  • Eggs (found in mayo)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 691
  • Total Fat: 38.9 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 64 g