Lunch: Kicked-Up Tuna Melts

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Tuna, Lemon, Basil

Health benefits of Kicked-Up Tuna Melts

Tuna is great for a high protein diet as it has 33 grams of protein within its housing, with no pesky carbohydrates to worry about. In addition to this, tuna contains B vitamins and vitamin D, both of which are vital to fighting back against PCOS. Lemons can help to prevent oxidative damage to the body, which women with PCOS are often susceptible to. Lemons are also rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and other antioxidants. They can potentially support the immune system and have other health benefits. Lemons also have a low glycemic index, so they should not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar when consumed in natural form. Basil is an excellent stress reliever, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Ingredients

4 (5-ounce) cans solid white tuna packed in water, drained
2 stalks celery heart (with leaves), chopped
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon nonpareil capers, drained
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, plus more for spreading
1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons anchovy paste
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled between your fingers
8 slices rustic white bread or other dense white bread
8 thin slices tomato, optional
4-ounces sliced brie or provolone cheese
1 tablespoon each olive oil and butter
Salad (hearts of palm, avocado, tomato and torn fresh basil leaves), for serving, optional

Instructions

Combine the tuna, celery, red onion, capers, mayonnaise, Dijon, anchovy paste, lemon juice, pepper, salt, and oregano in a medium bowl and stir until thoroughly combined.
Preheat a nonstick pan over medium heat.
Dress two pieces of the bread with half of the tuna mixture, half of the sliced tomatoes, if using, and half of the cheese. Cover with two additional slices of bread.
Add half of the butter and half of the olive oil to a hot pan. When hot, add 2 sandwiches and cook until browned on both sides, about 2 minutes each side. Repeat with the remaining bread and tuna mixture. Serve hot, with a side salad of hearts of palm, avocado, tomato, and torn fresh basil leaves, if desired.