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).
26 Canned Tuna Recipes That Are Surprisingly Awesome
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Published Apr 6, 2020
1. Cheesy Avocado Bagel Tuna Melts
Made with not one but two types of cheese. (Plus avocado, tomatoes and arugula, oh my.)
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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.
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).
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.
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?
