26 Canned Tuna Recipes That Are Surprisingly Awesome (2024)

food

26 Canned Tuna Recipes That Are Surprisingly Awesome (1)

By Alexia Dellner

Published Apr 6, 2020

Additional reporting by

Hannah Loewentheil

We know what you’re thinking: Canned tuna isn’t exactly the sexiest ingredient on the planet. But it is incredibly versatile, not to mention packed full of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and probably sitting in the back of your pantry right now. Here are 26 exciting canned tuna recipes that go way beyond salads and casseroles (although we’ve got plenty of tasty options for those, too).

RELATED

12 Meals You Can Make with a Can of Tomatoes

1. Cheesy Avocado Bagel Tuna Melts

Made with not one but two types of cheese. (Plus avocado, tomatoes and arugula, oh my.)

PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

2. 15-minute Mediterranean Couscous With Tuna And Pepperoncini

A mouthwatering recipe using things you probably already have in your pantry. If only all meals were this easy.

Get the recipe

3. Picante Tuna Salad Tacos

Fish tacos are delicious but kind of a pain to make. Not these guys, however. Canned tuna is mixed with crunchy vegetables, jalapeño and cilantro for a salad that’s great on its own but especially tasty when stuffed into a tortilla.

4. Spicy Tuna Roll Bowl

Don’t mind us—we’re just going to pretend we’re eating this in Hawaii while drinking from a coconut and taking in the ocean view.

RELATED

15 Seafood Recipes You Can Make in 30 Minutes or Less

5. Tuna Pasta Bake

Your grandma’s tuna casserole gets a flavorful twist in this cheesy, tomato-based version that’s seasoned with tons of fragrant herbs.

6. Italian Orzo Tuna Salad

Everything you think you know about tuna salad is wrong. Don’t believe us? Try this mayo-free version that’s fresh, zesty and just the right amount of crunchy.

RELATED

9 Delicious Ways to Replace Carbs with Zucchini

7. Paleo Tuna Cakes

Crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside fish cakes paired with a red pepper sauce. We’ll take six, please.

8. Lentil Greek Salad With Dill Sauce

An excellent (not to mention ridiculously easy) way to use up two pantry staples in one delicious meal.

9. Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake

Now that’s what we call comfort food. (But don’t worry—some vegetables are hidden in there.)

ARAN GOYOAGA/CANNELLE ET VANILLE

10. Aran Goyoaga’s Niçoise Salad

It’s a classic for a reason. But food photographer Goyoaga elevates this crowd-pleaser by adding fried capers and dill. Classy.

Get the recipe

11. Spicy Tuna Spiralized Spring Vegetable Salad

Spiralized turnips and cucumbers are tossed in a chili-garlic sauce for a healthy dish that’s ready in just ten minutes.

12. Five-minute Spicy Tuna Rolls

Introducing the easiest one-bite snack for keto lovers (and everyone else).

RELATED

8 Things a Real Sushi Lover Would Never Do

13. Watermelon Radish Tuna Tostadas

Who says canned tuna can’t be sophisticated? Don’t skimp on the Trader Joe’s “Everything but the Bagel” seasoning—it really takes this pretty snack up a notch.

14. Tuna Pasta Salad

A creamy dressing that’s not at all gloopy, thanks to lemon juice, fresh dill and pickle relish.

15. Healthy Tuna Bake With Butternut Squash

Delicious with pasta, rice, a hunk of crusty bread or just eaten on its own straight out of the pan. (No judgement.)

16. Tuna Egg Salad

This zesty salad belongs stuffed into a pita or enveloped by a tortilla.

RELATED

16 No-Cook Meals for When It's Too Damn Hot to Use the Oven

17. Dill Tuna And Chickpea Appetizer Bites With Lemon Caper Mayo

These adorable bites are gluten- and dairy-free and can be enjoyed hot or cold. See? We told you canned tuna was versatile.

18. Tuna Salad And Chickpea Stuffed Avocado

Tuna, avocado and chickpeas—what’s not to love? Not to mention that these little avocado boats are freakin’ adorable.

19. Tuscan Tuna Sandwich

Take a trip to Tuscany without leaving your couch with this hearty sandwich that’s packed full of Mediterranean flavors—briny olives, sun-dried tomatoes, crunchy veggies and feta cheese.

20. Tuna Hotdish

This tuna casserole is ready and on the table in just eight minutes. (It’s also paleo-friendly, if that’s your thing.)

21. Cajun Tuna Casserole

Made with a few of our favorite things: bacon, cheese, red peppers and plenty of spice.

23. Tuscan Tuna Melts

Our go-to sandwich gets a serious upgrade thanks to sun-dried tomatoes, Manchego cheese, arugula leaves and pickled onions.

24. Temaki Sushi

Made with creamy roasted sesame dressing, avocado and baby butterhead lettuce for a low-carb dish that tastes as good as it looks.

25. Tostada De Atun

Once you’ve got the basics, make this dish your own by adding whatever you have lying around the kitchen (diced mango, sliced jicama or corn kernels would all make great additions).

26. Cuban-style Tuna Meal-prep Bowls

Who would have thought that plantain chips and tuna were a match made in heaven?

RELATED

30 Black Bean Recipes to Make for Every Meal

26 Canned Tuna Recipes That Are Surprisingly Awesome (27)

Alexia Dellner

Executive Editor

Alexia Dellner is an executive editor at PureWow who has over ten years of experience covering a broad range of topics including health, wellness, travel, family, culture and...

read full bio

26 Canned Tuna Recipes That Are Surprisingly Awesome (28)

Hannah Loewentheil

Freelance PureWow Editor

From 2015-2017 Hannah Loewentheil held the role of Editor covering entertainment, food, travel and all things nyc.

read full bio

26 Canned Tuna Recipes That Are Surprisingly Awesome (2024)

FAQs

What can I eat with tuna to lose weight? ›

Tuna and Avocado Toast

The simple combination of tuna and avocado is easy to prepare, and the taste will excite your taste buds for more. Besides tuna's low calories, it is a source of healthy carbs and fibres, making the dish a definite addition to the weight loss diet.

How do you eat canned tuna if you don't like it? ›

1. Add a little moisture to the mix
  1. Oil. Olive, truffle, and even toasted sesame (which I use in my recipe below) are just a few drool-worthy examples. ...
  2. Mustard. If tang is your thang, a sharp Dijon will mask any sort of fishiness. ...
  3. Hot sauces, vinegars, and salad dressings. ...
  4. Hummus. ...
  5. Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Jun 28, 2021

Do you rinse canned tuna before eating? ›

Rinse sodium-containing canned foods, such as beans, tuna, and vegetables before eating. This removes some of the sodium. Canned fish is often packed in oil or water.

What can I add to canned 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

What can I mix with a can of tuna? ›

  • Tuna Cakes: Add Eggs, Herbs & Breadcrumbs. Antonis Achilleos. ...
  • One-Pot Pasta: Add Pasta, Olives & Lemon. Joy Howard. ...
  • Tuna Melt: Add Greek Yogurt, Veggies, Cheese & Bread. Joy Howard. ...
  • Niçoise Salad: Add Potatoes, Hard-Boiled Eggs, Green Beans & Dressing. ...
  • Tuna Salad Spread: Add Avocado, Greek Yogurt, Herbs & Spices.
Aug 19, 2022

What spices complement tuna? ›

Organic Paprika (Sweet or Smoked): For a subtle warmth and color, excellent in rubs. Use smoked paprika for a more grilled flavor. Organic Black Malabar Pepper: A classic pairing for a simple seared tuna steak. Organic coriander Powder: Offers a lemony, floral note, excellent for an exotic twist.

What is the most delicious part of the tuna? ›

The most delicious and the most expensive is the Otoro, the part located under the belly and near the gills of the fish. This is the fattest part of the meat, which is loved by diners. Chutoro is the belly of a tuna located at the back of the tail.

Is tuna belly fatty? ›

Harvesting a tuna's belly is easy and this fatty meat tastes incredible. We timed our trip to Sport Fish Panama Island Lodge to coincide with the annual yellowfin bite, and the fishing was off the charts.

Is tuna with mayo OK on a diet? ›

Tuna is a healthy food. But when folks make tuna salad, they tend to go overboard on the mayo adding tons of extra calories and fat. One cup of mayo has a whopping 1440 calories, 160 grams fat, and 24 grams saturated fat. It'll also tack on almost 50 percent of your daily recommended amount of sodium.

Can I eat canned tuna everyday to lose weight? ›

Tuna can be a beneficial addition to a weight loss diet due to its high polyunsaturated fatty acids and protein content. These nutrients contribute to increased fat burning, maintenance of muscle mass, and prolonged satiety.

When should you not eat canned tuna? ›

They felt that because the FDA's data showed potentially dangerous spikes in mercury levels in some individual cans of tuna, pregnant people should steer clear of it altogether. And for the same reason, CR's experts thought that other adults and children should also limit how much they eat.

Can dogs eat tuna? ›

Can dogs have tuna? Yes, you can feed your dog canned tuna, as long as you do so in moderation and infrequently. Choose the version that's packed in fresh water instead of oil or salted water. Also check the label to make sure there is no extra salt added to the canned tuna.

Why does canned tuna not taste like tuna? ›

Tuna usually comes packed in water, vegetable oil, or olive oil and can be either salted or unsalted. In the end, it comes down to taste: Tuna packed in water will be more neutral and, well, watery, while olive oil will have some peppery richness that can complement that tuna.

What seasoning is good with tuna? ›

Organic Dill Weed: Adds a fresh, tangy kick, perfect for tuna salads. Organic Garlic Powder: A universal flavor enhancer for a savory touch. Organic Paprika (Sweet or Smoked): For a subtle warmth and color, excellent in rubs. Use smoked paprika for a more grilled flavor.

Can you add seasoning to canned tuna? ›

Some basic seasonings to use for canned tuna include salt, black pepper, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs like dill, parsley, or cilantro.

How to make tuna taste good without 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. Sugar free iced tea with lemon. Enjoy .

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Amb. Frankie Simonis

Last Updated:

Views: 5762

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (76 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Amb. Frankie Simonis

Birthday: 1998-02-19

Address: 64841 Delmar Isle, North Wiley, OR 74073

Phone: +17844167847676

Job: Forward IT Agent

Hobby: LARPing, Kitesurfing, Sewing, Digital arts, Sand art, Gardening, Dance

Introduction: My name is Amb. Frankie Simonis, I am a hilarious, enchanting, energetic, cooperative, innocent, cute, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.