24 Recipes That Start with Canned Tuna (2024)

If you've ever opened your kitchen cabinet only to find a lonely can of tuna, fear not. You can still have a delicious dinner on the table in no time with these top-rated tuna recipes. From tuna casserole to tuna salad and tuna patties, there's no shortage of meals to make with canned tuna. Canned tuna is affordable, non-perishable, and a high-quality source of protein with very little fat. Keep reading for 24 of our most delicious recipes that start with canned tuna.

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Best Tuna Casserole

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This is an easy-to-throw-together meal made with non-perishable ingredients, so you can make it anytime. Reviewer Becky Alsing says, "This is by far the best tuna casserole I've had, and as easy as the classic. I often substitute canned salmon for tuna, or use canned asparagus as the main veggie."

02of 24

Barbie's Tuna Salad

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Lunch or dinner comes together in just 10 minutes with this flavorful tuna salad (made with curry powder for a little sweet and savory flavor). Recipe creator TANAQUIL says, "The secret ingredients are the curry and Parmesan cheese! Odd combinations, but this makes a terrific tuna sandwich!"

03of 24

Easy Tuna Casserole

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This classic tuna casserole recipe makes great leftovers. Reviewer JAZZYMADDY says, "This was extremely wonderful - my new comfort food!"

04of 24

Tuna Noodle Casserole from Scratch

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If you prefer to toss the can and go for homemade instead, this is the recipe for you. "No canned soup mix in this recipe! Mushrooms, onions, celery, and peas all go into this comfort casserole," says recipe creator MVANWINKLE.

05of 24

Best Tuna Melt (New Jersey Diner Style)

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"If you order a tuna melt in a New Jersey diner, you'll get something very similar to this," says recipe creator COOKINGIRLLJ. "My method of topping the tuna salad with cheese FIRST, then tomato and more cheese, keeps the toppings from sliding off the bread."

06of 24

Tasty Tuna Burgers

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You know what lasts a lot longer (and is a whole lot cheaper) than ground beef? Canned tuna. Reviewer SCREWLEWSE says, "My family is out of cash and we have canned tuna specially for these hard times, so making this recipe was perfect. It took 30 minutes to make from start to finish along with cooking baked potatoes. Everyone absolutely loved this recipe and the cost is so low even paupers like me can live like kings."

07of 24

Easy Tuna Patties

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These tuna patties are good enough to be enjoyed on their own or on a bun. Reviewer jonjen says, "These were very good. They didn't fall apart when I cooked them like most fish cakes. We had them with tartar sauce on buns. I'm going to add some Old Bay next time for extra flavor."

08of 24

Spaghetti with Tuna and Capers

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Tuna in olive oil, capers, thinly sliced red onions, and crushed red pepper flakes combine with spaghetti and fresh parsley. "With a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious meal!" says Kim's Cooking Now, the recipe submitter. "My husband came up with this recipe while we are on 'stay at home' orders due to the Coronavirus pandemic. It was quick, easy, and delicious!"

09of 24

Tuna Macaroni Salad

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To make this simple and refreshing summertime salad, allow the macaroni to marinate in the dressing overnight and toss the remainder of the ingredients in when you're ready to enjoy it. "The pasta just BURST with flavor due to marinating it overnight," says reviewer KMCARR.

10of 24

Tuna Fish Salad

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This is a classic version of tuna fish salad that can be a meal or light snack (when served on a cracker). Ingredients like celery and onion give it a nice crunch to balance out the rich mayonnaise. "I loved the crunchiness of it! Terrific sandwich," says reviewer Johnsgirl78.

11of 24

Spicy Tuna Fish Cakes

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Cayenne pepper gives these fish cakes a kick. Recipe creator Raquel Teixeira says, "Who needs crab and a deep fryer to enjoy these tasty delights? Tuna works great and a light pan searing does the job of cooking up this tasty treat without all the fat! Serve with hot sauce or mayonnaise."

12of 24

Pesto Tuna Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

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"It may seem kind of a weird combination, but the sun-dried tomatoes gave the tuna salad a nice sweetness and added an interesting texture," says recipe creator DC Girly Girl.

13of 24

One Pot Tuna Casserole

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This take on tuna casserole requires no baking! All the ingredients are tossed together in one pot and cooked over the stove. Reviewer ROARK says, "Made this last night and it was great! I love to cook, but sometimes there's no time to get fancy. This was filling and very tasty."

14of 24

Darra's Famous Tuna Waldorf Salad Sandwich Filling

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24 Recipes That Start with Canned Tuna (13)

This 20-minute recipe combines two classic salads in one: tuna salad and Waldorf salad. Reviewer Crystal S says, "The unusual combination of ingredients threw me off when reading through the list, but they absolutely worked together beautifully! I added dried cranberries the second time I made this and it was a nice addition."

15of 24

Avocado and Tuna Tapas

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"I was hesitant to make this at first but I was hungry, had all the ingredients at hand, and really didn't feel like eating fast food," says reviewer ait0shi. "This is soo good." Use ingredients you have on hand to create these quick and easy tapas.

16of 24

New Wife Tuna Salad

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Reviewer Chris K in Wisconsin says, "I'm surely not a new wife, but after 39 years of marriage, my husband said this was the best tuna I ever made!"

17of 24

Cheesy Tuna Melts

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"A great quick snack for hungry people in a hurry. Crisp muffins, creamy tuna salad and bubbly melted cheese on top," says recipe creator Sal.

18of 24

Cold Tuna Macaroni Salad

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This tuna and macaroni salad makes a great side dish or stand-alone dish that people can easily serve themselves (so you don't have to worry about putting together lunch each day). Reviewer LINDA MCLEAN says, "My mom always made this dish for us on a warm summer evening and now I make it for my family. I serve it on a plate lined with crisp lettuce and place sliced tomato and sliced hard boiled eggs around it."

19of 24

Tuna Melts

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This tuna melt is served on French bread for a filling dinner fix! Reviewer CookinBug says, "I've never tried mozzarella on a tuna melt before, but it was awesome."

20of 24

Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad

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This savory macaroni salad is perfect for feeding a crowd. Reviewer EFFIEBUG says, "This has become my holy grail macaroni salad recipe. I took it to a church supper a couple of months ago, and it was a big hit!"

21of 24

Pasta With Tuna Sauce

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"Easy, healthy, and quick for a busy family. Followed another poster's suggestion of adding broccoli for extra veggie serving... worked well," says reviewer NovelCook. This easy pasta sauce can be made with ingredients you likely have on hand.

22of 24

BBQ Tuna Fritters

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"A fun way to make canned tuna taste less like canned tuna. These thin tuna patties are tasty enough to be eaten plain or in a pita pocket with lettuce and tomato," says recipe creator emily. Amp up your tuna patties with barbeque and hot pepper sauce.

23of 24

Mediterranean Tuna Capellini

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Tuna, cannellini beans, and capellini pasta in a bright lemon juice, zest, and olive oil sauce. "Not far from Tampa, Florida, is a waterfront city rich with Greek influence called Tarpon Springs. This is a dish based on a dish I once tried at a local eatery," says thedailygourmet, the recipe submitter. "It really gives a Mediterranean taste."

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Tuna Noodle Casserole with Bechamel Sauce

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"With tuna casserole, bechamel eliminates the need for a canned cream soup," says Diana71. "Its thick, creamy texture clings to the pasta and adds tremendous flavor overall. The amount used in this recipe keeps the entire casserole light but still filling."

24 Recipes That Start with Canned Tuna (2024)

FAQs

How to make canned tuna more interesting? ›

Simply combine tuna and avocado, and then fold in some diced tomatoes, celery, parsley, and lemon juice — you can eat it right out of the avocado skin.

Can you freeze canned tuna? ›

“While canned tuna can technically be frozen, it is not recommended, as it can affect the texture and taste of the fish,” Best says. Instead, only eat canned tuna fresh from the can, and keep freezing tuna applicable to just filets and raw fish, instead.

What is canned tuna best in? ›

If, however, you're making a dish that calls for olive oil—or you're snacking on tuna—you might want to reach for canned tuna packed in the fat. "As a longtime seafood chef, I prefer my tuna packed in olive oil for richness, mouthfeel, and moisture," Langley says.

Is it OK to eat egg and tuna together? ›

Tuna and egg salad is a favorite around here for lunches. It's high-protein, flavorful, and so easy to whip up.

Why should you not eat canned tuna every day? ›

Certain types of tuna are high in mercury, which can have harmful effects on health in high amounts or in certain populations. For most healthy adults, it's recommended to consume at least 2 servings of fish per week, which can include tuna.

Can dogs eat tuna? ›

It's generally safe to feed your dog small amounts of cooked tuna as an occasional treat, but it should not be a regular part of their diet. Never give tuna to dogs that are small, young, or have any health problems.

Why does tuna make me happy? ›

Fatty fish like salmon and albacore tuna are rich in two types of omega-3s — docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) — that are linked to lower levels of depression ( 5 , 6 , 7 ).

Why can you not refrigerate canned tuna? ›

Processing, Not Preservatives

The tuna ends up vacuum-sealed and sterilized in the can due to this process, and that's what gives it its shelf life and the ability to remain safe to eat while stored at room temperature.

Can I eat expired canned tuna? ›

A good rule of thumb for canned seafood, such as canned salmon or canned tuna, is that it can be safely kept in a cool dark pantry for 5 years. But really, as long as the seal remains unbroken, a tin can last nearly indefinitely.

Is canned tuna healthy? ›

1. Is canned tuna fish good for you? Yes, canned tuna is a healthful food rich in protein and contains many vitamins and minerals such as B-Complex vitamins, Vitamins A and D as well as iron, selenium and phosphorus. Tuna also contains healthy omega 3 essential fatty acids DHA and EPA.

What kind of tuna does Subway use? ›

SubwayTunaFacts.com proclaims up top that "Subway tuna is real tuna." The chain continues, "That's right. The truth is, Subway uses wild-caught skipjack tuna regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A favorite among sub lovers, our tuna is and has always been high-quality, premium, and 100 percent real."

Is StarKist tuna real tuna? ›

All StarKist® Tuna is wild caught. We do not use farm-raised tuna.

What's the healthiest brand of canned tuna? ›

For tuna varieties, skipjack earns the Best Choice label from the FDA, while yellowfin and albacore receive the Good Choice label. The FDA suggests avoiding bigeye tuna, which has the highest levels of mercury. Before consuming canned tuna, it is best to consult with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

What can I mix with tuna other than mayonnaise? ›

What can I put in on tuna instead of mayo? Instead of mayonnaise, you can make tuna salad dressing with plain yogurt or whipped silken tofu. You can also add lemon vinaigrette (¼ cup olive oil, 2 tbsp. lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard, fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives and salt and pepper to taste).

What else can I mix with tuna besides mayonnaise? ›

12 Delicious Substitutes For Mayo In Your Tuna Salad
  • Greek yogurt. Maslova Valentina/Shutterstock. ...
  • Avocado. Irina Rostokina/Shutterstock. ...
  • Hummus. Tempura/Getty Images. ...
  • Olive oil. Maryia_K/Shutterstock. ...
  • Dijon mustard. Stepanek Photography/Shutterstock. ...
  • Ranch dressing. RebeccaDLev/Shutterstock. ...
  • Sour cream. ...
  • Cottage cheese.
Jan 24, 2024

What is a healthy way to eat canned tuna? ›

Healthy tuna recipes
  1. Tangy tuna burgers. A star rating of 4.6 out of 5. ...
  2. Spinach omelette. A star rating of 2.8 out of 5. ...
  3. Tuna & butterbean salad. A star rating of 4.5 out of 5. ...
  4. Storecupboard tuna bean salad. ...
  5. Spicy tuna quinoa salad. ...
  6. Tuna Niçoise protein pot. ...
  7. Healthy tuna pasta. ...
  8. Asparagus & tuna salad.

What is a good drink with tuna? ›

Raw tuna: Chilled sake or a very dry white (e.g. Chablis) Seared tuna: A light red (e.g. Chinon) or Spanish rosé Grilled tuna: Syrah or Barbera. Canned tuna: Dry Italian white (e.g. Verdicchio) or Provençal rosé

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