Canned tuna is a versatile, budget-friendly ingredient that’s perfect for quick and delicious meals. Packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, it’s a pantry staple that can be transformed into a variety of dishes. If you’ve got a can or two of tuna sitting in your cupboard, here are seven of the most popular recipes you can try.
1. Classic Tuna Salad
A timeless favorite, tuna salad is incredibly easy to make and perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or served over a bed of greens. Here’s how to prepare it:
Ingredients
- 1 can of tuna (drained)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 celery stalk (diced)
- 1 small red onion (finely chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Combine the tuna, mayonnaise, and mustard in a bowl.
Mix in the celery and onion until well combined.
Season with salt and pepper, then serve as desired.
2. Tuna Pasta Salad
Tuna pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser at potlucks and picnics. It’s a filling, flavorful dish that’s ready in minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 can of tuna (drained)
- 2 cups cooked pasta (like rotini or elbow macaroni)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup frozen peas (thawed)
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Toss the cooked pasta with mayonnaise and Greek yogurt in a large bowl.
Add the tuna and frozen peas, stirring gently to combine.
Sprinkle with dill, season with salt and pepper, and refrigerate before serving.
3. Tuna Melt Sandwich
This warm, cheesy sandwich transforms tuna into a comforting meal that’s ideal for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 can of tuna (drained)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon celery (finely minced)
- 6 slices of bread
- 3 slices of cheese (cheddar or Swiss work well)
- Butter for toasting
Instructions
Mix the tuna with mayonnaise, finely minced celery and garlic powder in a bowl.
Spread the tuna mixture onto one slice of bread, then top with cheese and the second slice of bread.
Butter the outside of the bread and grill the sandwich in a skillet over medium heat until golden and the cheese has melted.
4. Tuna Casserole
This comforting, baked dish is a classic for good reason. It’s hearty, creamy, and perfect for feeding the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 can of tuna (drained)
- 2 cups cooked egg noodles
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, mix tuna, cooked egg noodles, frozen peas, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and half of the cheese.
Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and top with the remaining cheese.
Mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
5. Spicy Tuna Patties
For a quick, protein-packed meal, tuna patties are a great option. They’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Ingredients
- 1 can of tuna (drained)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
Instructions
Combine tuna, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic powder, and chili flakes in a bowl.
Form the mixture into small patties.
Heat olive oil in a skillet and fry the patties for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
6. Tuna Stuffed Avocado
This low-carb, healthy recipe combines creamy avocado with flavorful tuna for a quick snack or light meal.
Ingredients
- 1 can of tuna (drained)
- 2 ripe avocados (halved and pitted)
- 1 stalk of celery, diced
- 1 tbsp red onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
In a bowl, mix tuna with mayonnaise, celery, red onion paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Scoop the tuna mixture into the avocado halves.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
7. Tuna Mayo Rice Bowl Recipe
This quick and satisfying canned tuna mayo rice bowl combines creamy tuna with rice for a delicious meal. It’s easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
- 1 (5-ounce) can tuna, well drained
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 cup cooked white rice (preferably short- or medium-grain)
- Toasted white or black sesame seeds, furikake, or chopped scallions, for topping (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tuna Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, toasted sesame oil, and soy sauce. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Step 2: Assemble the Rice Bowl
In a serving bowl, place the cooked white rice as the base. Next, spoon the tuna mixture over the rice, spreading it evenly.
If desired, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, furikake, or chopped scallions on top for added flavor and texture.
Enjoy your tuna mayo rice bowl warm or at room temperature!
Canned tuna is an incredibly flexible ingredient that can be used in everything from warm casseroles to refreshing salads. These seven recipes are some of the most popular ways to enjoy tuna, offering a mix of classic comfort foods and healthy options. Keep a few cans of tuna in your pantry, and you’ll always have the foundation for a quick, nutritious meal.
