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.

01of 24

Best Tuna Casserole

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24 Recipes That Start with Canned Tuna (1)

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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24 Recipes That Start with Canned Tuna (4)

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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24 Recipes That Start with Canned Tuna (5)

"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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24 Recipes That Start with Canned Tuna (10)

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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24 Recipes That Start with Canned Tuna (12)

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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24 Recipes That Start with Canned Tuna (19)

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."

24of 24

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

What can I mix with a can of tuna? ›

To keep it hot, mix a can into pasta sauce as you heat it; we love tuna in a classic tomato sauce, but you can also go simple with a no-cook sauce, combing tuna with olive oil, capers, olives, and herbs for a salsa verde approach. Or you can stir it into mac-and-cheese for a creamy, tuna casserole.

How to make canned tuna good? ›

My general go to tuna combos are:
  1. tuna and mayo with or without pickles or celery.
  2. tuna and mayo with curry powder and chopped celery and dried or fresh fruit.
  3. tuna and broccoli dressed in mayo or olive oil and garlic.
  4. tuna and white beans and celery and /or parsley dressed in olive oil and vinegar.
Jun 26, 2018

How healthy is canned tuna? ›

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 is the healthiest 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.

Is it safe to mix tuna and eggs? ›

The answer is YES and you should. Tuna and egg salad is basically a combination of classic tuna salad and classic egg salad. It's made with canned tuna, hard-boiled eggs, and the most delicious and tangy sauce to really bring it all together into one dish.

Should I rinse canned tuna before using? ›

In dishes where you aim for a fresh, clean taste, like in salads or light pasta dishes, rinsing tuna can help achieve the desired flaky texture and light flavor profile. It removes the oil or brine that might otherwise weigh down the dish or clash with delicate dressings and ingredients.

Do you rinse canned tuna before eating? ›

By rinsing canned tuna, you essentially wash away some of the flavors and textures that come with it. If your tuna is packed in oil, rinsing it could mean saying goodbye to some of that moist, rich taste. And if it's water-packed tuna you're dealing with, a rinse will leave it more bland and flaky.

Can dogs eat tuna? ›

Is canned tuna good for dogs? Yes, you can feed your dog canned tuna, as long as you do so in moderation and only infrequently, and you choose the version that's packed in fresh water instead of oil or salted water. It's also important to check the label and make sure there is no extra salt added to the canned tuna.

What can I put in tuna besides mayo? ›

When you're ready to elevate your next lunch or dinner, here are 12 delicious substitutes for mayo in your tuna salad.
  1. Greek yogurt. Maslova Valentina/Shutterstock. ...
  2. Avocado. Irina Rostokina/Shutterstock. ...
  3. Hummus. Tempura/Getty Images. ...
  4. Olive oil. Maryia_K/Shutterstock. ...
  5. Dijon mustard. ...
  6. Ranch dressing. ...
  7. Sour cream. ...
  8. Cottage cheese.
Jan 24, 2024

Which is healthier tuna in water or oil? ›

Oil vs Water

Tuna packed in water will contain fewer calories and less fat but also allows for the loss of omega 3 fatty acids to occur. Water-packed also dilutes the natural juices and flavors contained within the fish and can lead to a more rounded and less refined taste.

Can I safely eat a can of tuna everyday? ›

Adults can typically consume two to three 4-ounce servings of light tuna each week but if you choose albacore tuna, you should limit your consumption to only one 4-ounce serving per week. MedicalNewsToday offers even more precise recommendations for tuna consumption based on body weight.

Is Subway tuna good for you? ›

A six-inch tuna sub has 530 calories, 31 grams of fat and 7 grams of saturated fat thanks to all the mayonnaise. A footlong ham sub has almost 600 calories and more than a day's worth of sodium. Extras like soups and cookies will add hundreds of calories to your meal, so stick to the sandwiches.

How many cans of tuna can you eat in a day? ›

Since tuna is relatively high in mercury, one can per day would bring you to the FDA suggested maximum amount of mercury. Having more than that on occasion may not be a problem, but you are at risk of getting low dose sustained mercury poisoning.

What can I mix tuna with other than mayo? ›

When you're ready to elevate your next lunch or dinner, here are 12 delicious substitutes for mayo in your tuna salad.
  1. Greek yogurt. Maslova Valentina/Shutterstock. ...
  2. Avocado. Irina Rostokina/Shutterstock. ...
  3. Hummus. Tempura/Getty Images. ...
  4. Olive oil. Maryia_K/Shutterstock. ...
  5. Dijon mustard. ...
  6. Ranch dressing. ...
  7. Sour cream. ...
  8. Cottage cheese.
Jan 24, 2024

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

What can I eat with tuna instead of bread? ›

Low-Carb: If you want to omit the bread, serve the tuna salad in a scooped out red bell pepper, hollowed out cucumber, or use an iceberg lettuce wrap. Herbs: If you want to add fresh herbs, parsley or chives can be added.

What can I mix with tuna instead of mayo reddit? ›

Use plain yogurt instead of mayo, a squirt of mustard , add some boiled eggs chopped , a little sweet pickle relish, celery ,onion, salt , pepper, little green pepper if like , toast keto bread, lettuce , and tomato on bread tablespoon or more of tuna salad.

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