10+ Canned Tuna Recipes: Easy Meal Ideas for Every Taste

Canned tuna is a versatile ingredient that can transform a simple meal into something tasty and satisfying. With just a few pantry staples, you can create delicious dishes that are quick to prepare and easy on the budget.

Whether you’re looking for lunch, dinner, or a quick snack, canned tuna can be a great choice.

From classic tuna salad to creative casseroles, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this staple. You can experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make the most of what you have at home.

Dive into the world of canned tuna recipes and discover how it can simplify your cooking while still delivering great taste.

1) Tuna Noodle Casserole

Tuna noodle casserole is a classic comfort food. It’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights. You can use simple ingredients like canned tuna, egg noodles, and a creamy sauce.

First, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions.

In a separate bowl, mix canned tuna, cream of mushroom soup, and some peas.

Combine everything and pour it into a baking dish.

Top the casserole with crispy breadcrumbs or fried onions for a tasty crunch.

Bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and golden brown. This dish is sure to please the whole family!

Ingredients

• 2 cups egg noodles
• 1 can (15 ounces) tuna, drained
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs or fried onions

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the egg noodles according to package directions.
3. In a bowl, combine tuna, soup, and peas.
4. Mix in the cooked noodles and half the cheese.
5. Pour into a baking dish and top with remaining cheese and breadcrumbs.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly.

2) Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Salad is a delicious and simple dish. It combines canned tuna with fresh ingredients for a tasty meal. This salad is perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner.

You can use pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and olives. A tangy olive oil dressing adds great flavor. Feel free to toss in some feta cheese for extra taste!

This recipe is gluten-free if you use the right pasta. It’s a great way to enjoy a healthy meal that’s also filling.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) medium pasta shells
• 1 can (about 5 oz) tuna, drained
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, tuna, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!

3) Tuna and Avocado Salad

Tuna and avocado salad is a healthy and quick meal option. The creamy texture of the avocado pairs well with flaky tuna. It’s perfect for lunch or as a light dinner.

Start by mashing ripe avocados in a bowl.

Add drained canned tuna and mix well. You can also include chopped veggies like tomatoes or cucumbers for extra flavor.

A squeeze of lemon juice adds freshness. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve it on its own, on toast, or in lettuce wraps for a great crunch.

Ingredients

• 1 can (5 oz) tuna in water, drained
• 1 large avocado, peeled and mashed
• ½ tomato, diced
• ½ cucumber, sliced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mash the avocado.
2. Add the drained tuna and mix until combined.
3. Stir in the diced tomato and sliced cucumber.
4. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
5. Serve immediately or chill before serving.

4) Spicy Tuna Sushi Rolls

Making spicy tuna sushi rolls at home is simple and fun. You can use canned tuna for a quick option. With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy a tasty sushi dish.

Start by mixing the canned tuna with sriracha sauce.

Add a splash of rice vinegar for tanginess. Feel free to adjust the spice level by using more or less sriracha.

Next, prepare sushi rice and lay it on a bamboo mat.

Place the tuna mixture and some chopped scallions on the rice. Roll it up tightly, and your sushi is ready to slice.

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Ingredients

• 1 can of tuna, drained
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 cup sushi rice, cooked
• 2 sheets of nori
• 2 tablespoons scallions, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix tuna, sriracha, and rice vinegar.
2. Place sushi rice on a bamboo mat.
3. Lay a sheet of nori on top.
4. Spread the tuna mixture and scallions on the rice.
5. Roll tightly and slice into pieces. Enjoy!

5) Herbed Tuna and White Bean Salad

This Herbed Tuna and White Bean Salad is a quick and tasty dish. It’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner. You’ll enjoy its fresh flavors and easy preparation.

Start with canned tuna and combine it with white beans. Add fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, and some chopped onion for extra flavor. This salad is both nutritious and filling.

You can serve it on a bed of greens or with toasted bread. It’s a great way to enjoy the benefits of fish and beans in one meal.

Ingredients

• 1 can of tuna, drained
• 1 can of white beans, rinsed
• 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the tuna and white beans.
2. Add red onion and parsley.
3. Squeeze lemon juice over the mixture.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Toss everything together and serve.

6) Tuna Melt Sandwiches

Tuna melt sandwiches are a delicious and easy meal. They combine creamy tuna salad with melted cheese and toasted bread. This classic dish makes use of canned tuna, which saves time and effort.

To make your tuna melt, start by mixing canned tuna with mayonnaise, diced pickles, and a bit of seasoning.

Choose your favorite cheese, like American or cheddar, for melting.

Butter the bread slices and add the tuna mixture, then top with cheese.

Cook in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown. Flip, and cook until the cheese is gooey.

Ingredients

• 1 (5 oz) can tuna, drained
• 3-4 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 dill pickles, minced
• 2 slices of bread
• 2 slices of cheese (American or cheddar)
• Butter for spreading

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix tuna, mayonnaise, and pickles in a bowl.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place the tuna mixture on unbuttered side of one slice.
4. Top with cheese, then cover with the other slice.
5. Cook in a skillet over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
6. Flip and cook until cheese melts and bread is toasted.

7) Tuna Burgers with Lemon Zest

Tuna burgers with lemon zest are a fresh and tasty meal. The lemon adds a bright flavor that enhances the tuna. You’ll enjoy how easy they are to make.

Start by mixing canned tuna with breadcrumbs, an egg, and some chopped onions. Then, add lemon zest for a zesty kick. Shape the mixture into patties.

Next, cook them in a hot skillet until golden brown. Make sure to flip them carefully to avoid breaking. Serve your tuna burgers on a bun with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

• 1 (5-ounce) can tuna, drained
• 1 egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ⅓ cup minced onion
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking oil

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine drained tuna, egg, breadcrumbs, minced onion, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
2. Shape the mixture into patties.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F / 180°C).
4. Cook patties for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
5. Serve on buns or with sides.

8) Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Tuna and tomato pasta is a simple dish that you can whip up in no time. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. With just a few ingredients, you can create a flavorful meal.

Start by cooking your pasta according to the package directions.

While it’s cooking, you can prepare the sauce.

In a pan, combine canned tuna and diced tomatoes with some garlic and olive oil.

Let everything simmer for about 10 minutes. When the pasta is done, mix it with the sauce.

You can add herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor.

Serve it warm, and enjoy your tasty tuna and tomato pasta!

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (any type)
• 1 can tuna (about 5 oz)
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
4. Stir in the tuna and diced tomatoes.
5. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce.
7. Mix well and add salt, pepper, and herbs if desired.
8. Serve warm.

9) Tuna-Stuffed Bell Peppers

Tuna-stuffed bell peppers make a tasty and healthy meal. You can use fresh vegetables to make it even better. This dish is simple to prepare and packed with flavor.

Start by choosing colorful bell peppers. They are not only pretty but also add a nice sweetness.

You can stuff them with a mix of canned tuna, herbs, and cheese.

Bake the stuffed peppers at 375°F (190°C) until they are tender. This usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes. As they roast, the cheese melts and creates a delicious topping.

Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers
• 2 cans of tuna, drained
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup diced vegetables (like onion and celery)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.

In a bowl, mix the tuna, cheese, vegetables, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper.

Stuff the mixture into each bell pepper.

5. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish.
6. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the peppers are tender.

10) Tuna Patties with Mustard

Tuna patties are a simple and delicious meal you can make at home. They are packed with flavor and can be enjoyed as a snack, in a sandwich, or alongside a salad.

To make these patties, combine canned tuna, Dijon mustard, eggs, and breadcrumbs in a bowl. You can add chopped parsley for extra taste.

Shape the mixture into patties and cook them in a skillet until golden brown.

You will enjoy the tangy flavor of mustard mixed with the tuna. This dish is quick to prepare and is perfect for busy days.

Ingredients

• 2 cans tuna
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Drain the tuna and place it in a bowl.
2. Add mustard, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix well and shape into patties.
4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. The temperature should be about 350°F or 175°C.
5. Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown.