If you have tuna in the pantry, you need this list of the best canned tuna recipes. Some links in this article are affiliate links that earn me a commission if you purchase through them.
I always have canned tuna on hand. It’s one of those pantry staples that I love to play with, and I know I’m not alone.
Growing up, my mom made creamed tuna on toast or tuna noodle casserole for my dad at least once a week.
Me? I preferred tuna salad as a kid, but as an adult, I love mixing it up even more.
This list of the best canned tuna recipes runs the gamut from your classic favorites to simple pasta dishes to unique dishes that let you branch out. You’ll never be bored with these ideas.
First, canned tuna is inexpensive and a quality protein that will last in your pantry. If you need a last minute meal, it’s simple to prepare.
Tuna contains EPA and DHA, sources of Omega-3s that we all try to eat. Canned tuna also contains selenium, vitamin D, and B vitamins, plus it’s a lean protein.
And of course, it tastes good. Whether you mix it with just mayo for a quick and basic tuna salad or dress it up for a salad nicoise or in a pasta dish, it pairs well with many flavors.
That said, like any food, enjoy it in moderation. Tuna contains some mercury (as do all fish), but generally there’s no reason to completely avoid it.
Note that I am not a doctor, nor a dietitian, and I am not providing any medical advice. All this is readily google-able.
Should I use tuna canned in water or in oil?
In general, I prefer tuna canned in water. The exception to this is dishes like salad nicoise that use the oil and flavor from it in the dish.
Tuna canned in water retains more of its nutrients, and is slightly lower in fat and calories. Keep in mind that when you drain the oil, you drain most of the fat and calories.
That said, it’s your cooking and your preference. If you love tuna canned in oil, use it – and vice versa. Generally, I base my decision on what the recipe requires.
Most in this list of the best canned tuna recipes call for tuna in water, but some use tuna canned in oil. If you don’t see a specific request, assume the recipe author means tuna canned in water, as it’s more common.
What kind of tuna should I buy?
Don’t buy chunk lite tuna. That’s my biggest recommendation.
Yes, it’s cheaper, but it’s mushier and generally doesn’t taste as good. Tuna is already relatively inexpensive, so spring for a solid white albacore tuna. It tastes and looks better than the alternative.
Keep in mind that much of the tuna on the market is fished in a way that captures other creatures from turtles to sharks to albatrosses, which are endangered. If you can, look for tuna with the Marine Stewardship Council seal on them.
This seal verifies that the tuna is caught using safer methods. As an added bonus, these fish tend to be younger and contain less mercury, so it’s a win all around.
Enjoy 35+ of the Best Canned Tuna Recipes
Ready? Grab your can opener, pop open a can, and let’s get cooking!
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Zesty Parmesan Tuna Salad
Try a more flavorful version of tuna salad in sandwiches or on top of salad with this zesty parmesan tuna salad. It's the perfect way to update a classic.
This tuna and tomato pasta is a favorite. While the combination may not be one you immediately jump to, the tuna and tomato pair well with capers in this incredibly simple pasta dish. Everyone who's ever tried it raves about it and asks for the recipe.
Need dinner ready in under 30 minutes? Mediterranean Canned Tuna Pasta Toss is for yo. It has so many fresh flavors and plenty of protein with the tuna.
There’s tuna salad, and then there’s Greek Tuna Salad! This classic American sandwich filler gets a decidedly Mediterranean twist with feta, lots of vegetables and fresh basil.
Change up your usual tuna salad and make this fresh and delicious Mediterranean tuna salad. It's great on greens, in a wrap, or just on the end of a spoon.
Sushi is one of my favorite foods. If you want a quick fix or can't do raw fish, try this DIY version with canned tuna instead. It tastes delicious and is far cheaper than the real thing.
I love a good Nicoise salad, but when you take the concept behind it and put it into an omelet? Oh my wow. This is such a delicious and fun dinner to make. It's easy and inexpensive, but it's elegant enough for a dinner party.
Looking for new, scrumptious ways to eat canned tuna? Try these delicious tuna melt mini quiches and you’ll be hooked. Made with good-quality solid tuna and a few other simple ingredients, these bite-sized mini quiches are easy to make and pack a lot of punch.
You will love this tuna burger, flavored with lemon, parsley and capers and topped with an easy, spiced aioli tartar sauce. Transform your canned tuna into a scrumptious tuna brunch burger or spectacular dinner with just a few easy steps.
If you’re looking for a simple, creamy tuna pasta bake recipe made with pantry ingredients, this is the one. It's a perfect comfort food, especially as the weather turns cooler.
Skinny tuna pasta is an easy, weeknight dish made with canned tuna and fresh veggies in a light cream sauce. Use any noodles to make it allergy-friendly. Serve this tuna pasta warm or chilled.
This tuna pasta bake is a comfort food classic. The pasta is super filling and satisfying, the tuna and tomato sauce is full of goodness. And then just top it all topped off with oodles of melted cheese.
Canned tuna melts into this red sauce for a delicious and filling meatless dish. Serve it over spaghetti for a traditional dish or any favorite pasta shape for more fun.
This is hands down one of my favorite classic dishes. Make a quick, easy, and healthy salad nicoise using planned leftovers and canned tuna, along with a homemade champagne vinaigrette dressing. It's perfect for a quick lunch or light supper.
Growing up, this was my dad's favorite meal. A delicious tuna noodle casserole from scratch is quick and easy to make, and a nice meatless option for dinner.
Try this super easy to make open-faced tuna crab melt with a can of tuna and a few other ingredients. Meatless meals are easy, and if you don't want to use crab, double up on the tuna for a true classic.
Creamed tuna on toast is a traditional easy meal. This recipe lightens it up with peas, ghee, and coconut milk. This makes it a fit for the paleo diet without losing the delicious flavor.
While you're probably used to cold tuna salad, this warm version is a comforting, quick, nutritious, and budget friendly recipe idea, perfect for the changing seasons. Grab a fork and dig in, or enjoy it in a sandwich or with some chips and dip.
Potato Salad with Creamy Green Sauce and Tuna Fillets
This creamy, dreamy potato salad with tuna is all I want to eat for the rest of the year. The avocado and herb green sauce could make pretty much anything taste good, but it's even better with potatoes and tuna, and fresh cherry tomatoes.
You'll love this take on a popular Chilean dish, Palta Reina. The avocados make a beautiful presentation, and the best part is that it requires no cooking.
This is how to enjoy delicious sushi at home in about 30 minutes. Perfectly seasoned bowls of sushi rice topped with fresh veggies, chives, avocado, sesame seeds, and tuna. Add even more sushi flavor with spicy, creamy sushi sauce, or wasabi soy sauce.
Want to spice up your canned tuna and do something totally different? These spicy tuna hand rolls will remind you of your favorite sushi place, and they're simple to make with almost entirely pantry ingredients.
These tasty tuna potato puffs are made with puff pastry that is stuffed with a spiced solid white albacore tuna and potato hash. They make a perfect appetizer for any get together.
Mediterranean couscous tuna bowls make for a quick 15 minute no-cook meal packed with flavor. This recipe uses canned tuna and mostly pantry ingredients to make the most flavorful lunch or dinner.
This crispy tuna patties recipe is a super quick, easy, and healthy dinner idea. Adding a touch of mayo keeps these tuna cakes tender on the inside, yet crunchy and delicious on the outside.
If you're looking for something new, try these! Crispy fried rice balls with tuna are a delicious crowd pleasing Japanese appetizer perfect for parties. Serve them with a homemade sweet and hot Orange Wasabi Sauce.
Which of these best canned tuna recipes will you try first?
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