Crispy Tuna Wrap

Featured in Meals That Make the Table Happy.

This crispy tuna wrap reimagines a classic sandwich into a hand-held, cheesy meal. Combine a creamy tuna salad of mayo, onion, mustard, celery, and relish, then add cheese, roll in a tortilla, and toast until golden. It's crunchy outside, melty inside, and ready in no time. Pantry ingredients and customizable options make it a go-to choice when craving something quick.
A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Updated on Sat, 22 Mar 2025 22:24:11 GMT
A toasted wrap filled with tuna and cheese. Pin it
A toasted wrap filled with tuna and cheese. | mecooking.com

Wrapping tuna and melted cheese in a crispy tortilla gives you a quick meal that's both tasty and filling. The outside gets nice and crunchy while the inside stays warm and gooey. You can whip this up for dinner when you're short on time or pack it for lunch - it won't get mushy like regular sandwiches do.

These wraps became my go-to when I got tired of making ordinary sandwiches. The tortilla holds everything together way better than sliced bread, and grilling it adds an amazing crunch. Even folks who usually say no to tuna from a can often ask for seconds after they've given these a try.

Tasty Tuna Mix Essentials

  • Canned tuna: Gives you healthy protein with a mild taste that works well with everything else.
  • Mayonnaise: Makes everything stick together and adds a smooth, rich flavor.
  • Chopped pickles: Cut through the rich cheese and mayo with their tangy zip.
  • Dijon mustard: Kicks up the flavor with some zing that makes this better than plain tuna salad.
  • Diced onion: Adds little bursts of bold flavor and a bit of crunch in every bite.
  • Chopped celery: Brings a fresh snap and light taste that goes nicely with the fish.
  • Salt and pepper: Bring out all the flavors and let you make it just right for your taste buds.
  • Large flour tortillas: Work as the perfect wrapper that turns golden and crispy when cooked.
  • Shredded cheese: Melts into stretchy goodness that holds everything in place.

How To Build Your Wrap

Making The Tasty Filling:
Push your tuna can lid down in the sink to squeeze out all the water. Empty the dry tuna into a bowl and break it apart with a fork. Mix in mayo and mustard until everything looks creamy. Toss in your finely cut pickles, onion, and celery, making sure they're spread out evenly. Sprinkle in some fresh black pepper and just a touch of salt - remember the tuna's already a bit salty. Give it a taste and add more of anything that's needed.
Putting It All Together:
Lay your flour tortilla flat on the counter. Sprinkle cheese across half of the tortilla to make a base that will melt and help keep things closed. Scoop half your tuna mix onto the cheese, keeping it in the middle rather than spreading it everywhere. Leave about half an inch empty around the edges so nothing squishes out when cooking. Adding cheese both under and over the tuna makes everything stick together nicely when melted.
Rolling It Up Right:
With your tortilla lying sideways in front of you, fold the left and right sides in about an inch to trap the filling. Pick up the bottom edge closest to you and fold it over the filling while keeping those sides tucked in with your fingers. Keep rolling forward, pressing firmly but gently to make a tight tube. When you're done, the wrap should feel snug with the open edge underneath, ready for cooking.
Getting It Golden And Crispy:
Warm up a heavy non-stick pan on medium-low until it's warm but not smoking hot. Drop in some butter or olive oil and let it coat the pan. Place your wrap with the seam facing down so the weight of the filling naturally keeps it closed. 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 brown. Carefully flip it with a wide spatula and cook the other side until the cheese inside is all melty and the outside is nicely crisp.
A stack of three wraps with meat and vegetables. Pin it
A stack of three wraps with meat and vegetables. | mecooking.com

For me, it's the pickles and mustard that really make this wrap stand out. They bring a zingy flavor that cuts through the richness and adds depth to what could be just a basic sandwich. My husband loves when I mix some red pepper flakes into the tuna for a bit of heat. Even our picky teens who normally turn up their noses at canned fish ask for these wraps all the time.

Building A Full Meal

These wraps go great with lots of different sides to round out your meal. If you want something light, toss together a green salad with lemon dressing that won't overpower the wrap's flavors. A cup of tomato soup makes a classic partner that plays up the grilled cheese vibes. In summer, some salted cucumber slices offer a cool contrast to the hot, crunchy wrap. No matter which side you pick, the whole meal comes together fast - perfect for those nights when you don't have much time to cook.

Mix It Up Your Way

You can easily switch things up to match what you like or need in your diet. If you enjoy Mediterranean flavors, try mixing chopped olives and sun-dried tomatoes into your tuna. Want more veggies? Add some baby spinach or arugula before you roll everything up. If you like things spicy, throw in some diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce. Looking for a healthier version? Swap the mayo for Greek yogurt and use whole grain tortillas for extra fiber. Not a tuna fan? Canned salmon works just as well for something different.

Saving Some For Later

You can store these wraps really well for future meals. If you've made them but haven't cooked them yet, wrap each one in parchment paper and keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Want to save them longer? Wrap each one in foil before putting them in freezer containers. Don't forget to write what's inside and the date on each package. Thaw frozen wraps in the fridge overnight before cooking them. If you've already grilled your wraps, you can warm them up again in a dry pan over medium heat for about two minutes on each side to make them crispy again without drying out the filling.

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

There's something really rewarding about turning basic pantry stuff into something that feels special. This tuna melt wrap has become my go-to when I'm too tired to cook but don't want takeout. The protein-packed tuna and gooey cheese make it satisfying comfort food, while the crispy grilled outside makes it feel like more than just another sandwich. It's a good reminder that you don't need fancy techniques or weird ingredients to make great food - just thoughtful combinations of simple things.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How far ahead can I prep the tuna mix?
You can mix up the tuna filling, cover, and chill it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble the wrap and cook fresh when ready to eat.
→ Which cheese melts best in this wrap?
Cheddar or American give the creamiest melt, but you can switch it up with Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack for extra flavor.
→ Any way to make this without using a pan?
You can use a panini maker, sandwich press, or even toss it in a toaster oven to heat it until crispy and gooey.
→ How can I make this gluten-free?
Just swap out the regular tortilla with a gluten-free wrap. Several store-bought options are perfect for this tweak.
→ What are some extras I can add to the tuna filling?
Get creative! Throw in diced pickles, fresh herbs, capers, hot sauce, or a splash of lemon juice to elevate the flavors.

Crispy Tuna Wrap

In 15 minutes, enjoy a creamy tuna mix with gooey cheese wrapped in a pan-seared tortilla. Perfect to fix an easy mid-day hunger pang.

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

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 1 Servings (1 wrap)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Filling and Wrap Components

01 A large 10-inch flour tortilla or similar-sized wrap
02 One can of tuna (5 ounces), fully drained
03 2 tablespoons of your favorite mayo
04 1 tablespoon of sweet pickle relish
05 1 tablespoon of celery, finely minced
06 1 tablespoon of onion, diced small
07 1 teaspoon of mustard (pick your favorite type)
08 1/4 to 1/2 cup of shredded cheese or 1-2 slices
09 A pinch of salt and some black pepper
10 1/2 teaspoon of neutral cooking oil (vegetable, canola, etc.)

Instructions

Step 01

In a small bowl, combine the drained tuna with mayo, celery, onion, relish, and mustard. Stir it all up until smooth. Sprinkle in salt and pepper, tasting as you go.

Step 02

If your tortilla feels stiff, pop it onto a plate, cover it with a damp paper towel, and microwave it for 15-20 seconds until bendable.

Step 03

Spread out a tortilla on your work surface. Add the shredded cheese or cheese slices across half of it but leave an inch or so space along the edges. Spoon the tuna mix over the cheese, keeping the same edge clear.

Step 04

Bring the left and right edges of the tortilla inward to cover the filling. Lift the closest edge and roll it over the filling. Keep rolling forward while tucking in the sides to make a snug wrap.

Step 05

Heat some oil in a pan on medium-low. Lay the wrap in the pan with the seam side down. Let it toast for 3-4 minutes, pressing gently with a spatula. Flip it over and cook the other side until crispy and the cheese melts.

Step 06

Take it out of the pan, slice it in half with a serrated knife if you like, and dig in while it's still nice and melty!

Notes

  1. This handheld option features creamy tuna salad and gooey cheese wrapped in a crunchy tortilla. It's done fast, in about 15 minutes.
  2. Use any good melting cheese—cheddar and American work especially well for this.
  3. Store leftovers in the fridge wrapped up for 3-4 days. Eat them cold or warm them in a pan for a couple of minutes per side.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowl (small)
  • Frying pan or skillet
  • Spatula for flipping
  • Measuring spoons for accuracy
  • Optional: serrated knife for cutting

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes fish (tuna)
  • Contains dairy (cheese)
  • Has gluten (flour tortilla)
  • Contains eggs (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