Description
This Ultimate Vegan Jackfruit Tuna Melt Sandwich delivers everything you love about a classic deli melt—crispy golden bread, creamy savory filling, and perfectly melted vegan cheese—without any seafood. Made with flaky young green jackfruit, white beans, lemon, and kelp granules, it mimics traditional tuna salad with incredible texture and flavor. A comforting, protein-rich plant-based lunch or dinner that even omnivores will love.
Ingredients
Jackfruit “Tuna” Base
-
1 can young green jackfruit (in water or brine), rinsed & drained
-
1/2 tsp olive oil
-
1/4 onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tsp kelp granules
-
1/2 tsp dried tarragon
-
Salt, to taste
Salad Binder
-
1 cup cooked Great Northern white beans
-
1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise (Vegenaise or similar)
-
2 tbsp pickled relish
-
1 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard
-
Juice of 1 lemon
Sandwich Assembly
-
4 slices sourdough or whole wheat bread
-
Handful greens (spinach, lettuce, or pea shoots - optional)
-
1 medium tomato, sliced
-
2/3 cup shredded vegan cheese (cheddar or mozzarella-style)
-
Olive oil spray, as needed
Instructions
-
Shred the Jackfruit
Rinse the jackfruit thoroughly. Use a fork or your hands to shred it into a flaky, tuna-like texture. Finely chop any firm core pieces. -
Sauté the Jackfruit
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant. Add jackfruit and cook until moisture evaporates. Stir in kelp granules, dried tarragon, and salt. Remove from heat. -
Prepare the Salad Base
In a bowl, mash the white beans with a fork, leaving some texture. Mix in vegan mayo, relish, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. -
Combine & Adjust Seasoning
Fold the cooked jackfruit into the bean mixture. Taste and adjust salt or lemon as needed. -
Assemble the Sandwiches
Preheat the broiler. On two bread slices, layer greens, tomato, and a generous scoop of jackfruit salad. On the remaining slices, evenly distribute vegan cheese. -
Broil the Cheese
Place bread under the broiler for 2–4 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles. Watch closely. -
Pan-Fry for Crispiness
Close sandwiches. Heat a skillet over medium-low, lightly spray with oil, and toast sandwiches on both sides until golden and gooey. Serve immediately.
Notes
- The jackfruit salad can be made up to 24 hours ahead for deeper know.
- Great Northern beans provide the best creamy texture, but cannellini beans work as a substitute.
- Medium-low heat ensures a crispy exterior without burning the bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch / Dinner
- Method: Sautéed, Broiled, Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: Vegan / Plant-Based
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
