30 Canned Tuna Recipes That Prove This Staple Is Delicious25 Canned Tuna Recipes That Are Actually Amazing (2024)

Home Recipes Ingredients Tuna Canned Tuna

30 Canned Tuna Recipes That Prove This Staple Is Delicious25 Canned Tuna Recipes That Are Actually Amazing (1)Rashanda CobbinsUpdated: Jan. 05, 2023

    Keep these canned tuna recipes in your back pocket to pull out on a busy day.

    1/30

    Tuna Noodle Casserole

    Families are sure to love the creamy texture and comforting taste of this traditional tuna casserole that goes together in a jiffy. I serve it with a green salad and warm rolls for a nutritious supper. —Ruby Wells, Cynthiana, Kentucky

    Go to Recipe

    2/30

    TMB Studio

    Herbed Tuna and White Bean Salad

    This is a quick and delicious salad that can be made special for guests—or yourself—by grilling fresh tuna steaks instead of using canned. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida

    Go to Recipe

    3/30

    Tuna Burgers

    My family members were so accustomed to typical beef burgers that they were hesitant to try these when I first made them. Any skepticism disappeared after just one bite. —Kim Stoller, Smithville, Ohio

    Go to Recipe

    4/30

    Tarragon Tuna Salad

    It’s surprising how a few herbs can brighten up tuna salad. Made with reduced-fat mayonnaise, this version gets its zip from mustard. It makes a terrific light lunch or Sunday brunch dish. —Billie Moss, Walnut Creek, California

    Did you know that you can put tuna salad in sushi? Try it out with this canned tuna sushi recipe.

    Go to Recipe

    5/30

    Herbed Tuna Sandwiches

    A delightful combination of herbs and reduced-fat cheese makes this simple tuna sandwich a standout. —Marie Connor, Virginia Beach, Virginia

    Go to Recipe

    6/30

    Taste of Home

    Asparagus Tuna Noodle Casserole

    I updated a traditional tuna casserole using fresh asparagus and asparagus soup. This is so different and so delicious. Use frozen asparagus when fresh is not in season. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

    (Check out more of our best tuna noodle casserole recipes!)

    Go to Recipe

    7/30

    Taste of Home

    Comforting Tuna Patties

    My grandmother and mother made these tuna patties on Fridays during Lent. I'm not the biggest fan of tuna, but it's perfect in this dish. These patties are even good cold the next day, if there are any leftovers. —Ann Marie Eberhart, Gig Harbor, Washington

    Go to Recipe

    8/30

    Taste of Home

    Asparagus Nicoise Salad

    I’ve used my Nicoise as an appetizer or a main-dish salad, and it’s a winner every time I put it on the table. Here’s to a colorful, make-ahead salad! —Jan Meyer, St. Paul, Minnesota

    Go to Recipe

    9/30

    Tuna Potato Supper

    Tuna lovers will find this to be a real treat. My husband and I enjoy it as a nice change from the ordinary baked potato. Add a salad for a simple lunch or dinner. —Rosella Peters, Gull Lake, Saskatchewan

    Go to Recipe

    10/30

    Slow-Cooker Tuna Noodle Casserole

    We tweaked this family-friendly classic to work for the slow cooker. It's easy, wholesome and totally homemade!—Taste of Home Test Kitchen

    Go to Recipe

    11/30

    Garlic Bread Tuna Melts

    There's something extra comforting about a tuna melt on a chilly day. Take it up a few notches with garlic, cheese and tomatoes. —Aimee Bachmann, Bellevue, Washington

    Go to Recipe

    12/30

    Taste of Home

    Tuna Mushroom Casserole

    I love to serve this dressed-up version of a tuna casserole. The green beans add nice texture, color and flavor. The first time I made this dish, my uncle asked for seconds even though tuna casseroles are not usually his favorite.—Jone Furlong, Santa Rosa, California

    Go to Recipe

    13/30

    Tuna Melt on Cornbread

    Try our rendition of an open-faced tuna melt. Serve it on cornbread for a quick lunch or dinner. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

    Go to Recipe

    14/30

    Tuna-Filled Shells

    Hot tuna's a hit when you mix it with sizable pasta shells and a cheesy sauce. Dill also complements the fish nicely in this cream comfort food. It's a great change of pace from the traditional tuna casserole. —Connie Staal, Greenbrier, Arkansas

    Go to Recipe

    15/30

    Taste of Home

    Tuna Noodle Cups

    Older kids can get a jump on preparing dinner by stirring up these miniature tuna casseroles. Or serve them for brunch with fresh fruit, a tossed salad and rolls. —Marlene Pugh, Fort McMurray, Alberta

    Go to Recipe

    16/30

    Crunchy Tuna Wraps

    Packed with protein-rich tuna and fresh, crunchy veggies, these colorful wraps have sensational flavor—and they're good for you, too. —Edie Farm, Farmington, New Mexico

    Go to Recipe

    17/30

    Snappy Tuna Melts

    I lightened up a tuna melt by switching mayo to creamy balsamic vinaigrette. Kids and adults both go for this quick meal hero. —Christine Schenher, Exeter, California

    Go to Recipe

    18/30

    Crunchy Tuna Salad with Tomatoes

    On a hot summer day, there's nothing more refreshing than this salad. I grow a few tomato plants in my garden and the fresh-picked taste makes the dish even more of a treat. —Diane Selich, Vassar, Michigan

    Go to Recipe

    19/30

    Taste of Home

    Modern Tuna Casserole

    Tuna casserole was my favorite as a kid, and I found myself craving it as an adult. I reconfigured the recipe to include more vegetables, and the result is perfection. —Rebecca Blanton, St. Helena, California

    Go to Recipe

    20/30

    Tuna Crescent Ring

    This is really easy to throw together, and I often use it when I am too tired to fix anything else. —Julia Bivens, Martinsburg, West Virginia

    Go to Recipe

    21/30

    Creamy Tuna-Noodle Casserole

    When you need supper fast, this tuna noodle casserole makes a super one-dish meal. Cooked chicken breast works well in place of the tuna. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah

    Go to Recipe

    22/30

    Mediterranean Tuna Salad

    In spite of a long list of ingredients, this tuna salad is very quick to prepare. You'll love the fresh flavors. —Renee Nash, Snoqualmie, Washington

    Go to Recipe

    23/30

    Taste of Home

    Orzo-Tuna Salad with Tomatoes

    Stuffed tomatoes provide endless options when you add meat, cheese, rice, veggies – or in this case, orzo. — Jenni Dise, Phoenix, Arizona

    Go to Recipe

    24/30

    Taste of Home

    Broccoli Tuna Casserole

    When I was in the Navy, a co-worker's wife shared this recipe with me. I’ve tweaked it over the years, but it still brings back memories of my "family" away from home. —Yvonne Cook, Haskins, Ohio

    Go to Recipe

    25/30

    Crunchy Tuna Salad with Tomatoes

    On a hot summer day, there's nothing more refreshing than this salad. I grow a few tomato plants in my garden and the fresh-picked taste makes the dish even more of a treat. —Diane Selich, Vassar, Michigan

    Go to Recipe

    26/30

    Taste of Home

    Cilantro-Avocado Tuna Salad Sandwiches

    Lime juice and cilantro in tuna salad – who knew? This recipe for avocado tuna salad came to me as a way to have a protein-packed meal with lots of pizzazz. —Heather Waldorf, Black Mountain, North Carolina

    Go to Recipe

    This recipe is just one of several ways to enjoy a tunacado sandwich!

    27/30

    Quick Nicoise Salad

    Like the French, I pack my classic Nicoise salad with veggies, potatoes, tuna and eggs. Cooking the potatoes and beans together helps the dish come together fast. —Valerie Belley, St. Louis, Missouri

    Go to Recipe

    28/30

    Tuna and White Bean Lettuce Wraps

    Here's a fabulous way to dress up ordinary tuna salad. This easy recipe makes a quick dinner or lunch at the office, and it's good for you. —Heather Senger, Madison, Wisconsin

    Go to Recipe

    29/30

    Snappy Tuna Melts

    I lightened up a tuna melt by switching mayo to creamy balsamic vinaigrette. Kids and adults both go for this quick meal hero. —Christine Schenher, Exeter, California

    Go to Recipe

    30/30

    Pressure-Cooker Tuna Noodle Casserole

    We tweaked this family-friendly classic tuna casserole to work for the pressure cooker. Go for easy, wholesome and totally homemade!—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

    Go to Recipe

    Originally Published: December 31, 1969

    30 Canned Tuna Recipes That Prove This Staple Is Delicious25 Canned Tuna Recipes That Are Actually Amazing (31)

    Rashanda Cobbins

    Rashanda is a former food editor for Taste of Home. While studying for her bachelor’s degree in culinary arts, Rashanda interned in Southern Living’s test kitchen and later spent nearly a decade developing recipes and food content at ConAgra Brands. In her spare time, she loves scoping out local farmers markets and having picnics in the park.

    30 Canned Tuna Recipes That Prove This Staple Is Delicious25 Canned Tuna Recipes That Are Actually Amazing (2024)

    FAQs

    Why should you avoid canned tuna? ›

    The Bottom Line. Mercury exposure is linked to health issues including poor brain function, anxiety, depression, heart disease and impaired infant development. Though tuna is very nutritious, it's also high in mercury compared to most other fish. Therefore, it should be eaten in moderation — not every day.

    What is wrong with eating canned tuna? ›

    Certain types of tuna are high in mercury, which can have harmful effects on health in high amounts or in certain populations. For most healthy adults, it's recommended to consume at least 2 servings of fish per week, which can include tuna.

    Does tuna in water taste different than tuna in oil? ›

    From a nutrition standpoint, water-packed tuna provides you with pure protein and a more subtle tuna flavor. Oil-packed tuna, on the other hand, has a softer texture and stronger tuna flavor. Both water-packed and oil-packed are excellent sources of protein and can be found from sustainable, non-GMO brands.

    What canned tuna to avoid? ›

    Out of the two most popular types of canned tuna — chunk light tuna and chunk white tuna — chunk white tuna has the highest levels of mercury. Mercury levels in chunk white tuna, such as albacore, can be up to three times higher than those found in "light" canned tuna products.

    Who should not eat canned tuna? ›

    This may leave you wondering if eating canned tuna is safe, but the FDA says adults should be fine eating one or two servings a week, as long as those who are pregnant or breastfeeding avoid tuna and other fish that may contain mercury.

    What's the healthiest canned tuna? ›

    If you're concerned about limiting the amount of mercury you consume, and if you've eaten no other fish during the week, Consumer Reports says up to 12 ounces a week of Bumble Bee Chunk Light, Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light, Safe Catch Wild Elite, and StarKist Chunk Light tunas are the safer choices among the products ...

    How many cans of tuna can I eat a week? ›

    Canned light tuna is in the “Best Choices” category and it is fine to eat 2 to 3 servings per week. We recommend that you eat a variety of fish. You may wish to try other affordable fish in the “Best Choices” category such as canned salmon or sardines, frozen fish, or fresh fish that are at a reduced price. 3.

    Which is healthier tuna in water or oil? ›

    If you're counting calories and maximizing omega-3 fatty acids, then tuna in water might make a great choice. On the other hand, if moisture, flavor, and vitamin D levels are your focus, then olive oil-packed tuna might be better. Whatever tuna you choose, it's important not to go overboard for this mild-flavored fish.

    Can I eat tuna every day? ›

    Canned tuna typically contains either albacore or skipjack tuna, and cans are usually marked as either “albacore” or “chunk light.” Albacore tuna typically has higher concentrations of mercury than chunk light tuna and should be eaten only once or twice a week. Chunk light tuna is safe to eat two or three times a week.

    Why does canned tuna not taste like tuna? ›

    Canned tuna is boiled in it's own juices, inside the can. It's basically pressure cooked and heat treated during the canning process. This treatment changes not just the flavor but also a bit of the texture.

    Should I rinse canned tuna before using? ›

    In dishes where you aim for a fresh, clean taste, like in salads or light pasta dishes, rinsing tuna can help achieve the desired flaky texture and light flavor profile. It removes the oil or brine that might otherwise weigh down the dish or clash with delicate dressings and ingredients.

    Is it OK to eat canned tuna in water? ›

    Both tuna in oil and tuna in water are very healthful options. While there are subtle differences in nutrition, registered dietitians recommend that you choose the variety that you enjoy most.

    What can I add to tuna instead of mayo? ›

    Since mayo is out, you can substitute a vinaigrette instead. Try finely dicing some red onion and celery, chopping up some capers, and mixing them with the tuna. Drizzle the mixture with some good olive oil and give it a healthy squeeze of lemon and a little salt and pepper.

    What is the safest canned tuna to eat? ›

    For tuna varieties, skipjack earns the Best Choice label from the FDA, while yellowfin and albacore receive the Good Choice label. The FDA suggests avoiding bigeye tuna, which has the highest levels of mercury. Before consuming canned tuna, it is best to consult with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

    How often is it safe to eat canned tuna? ›

    Yes. Canned light tuna is in the “Best Choices” category and it is fine to eat 2 to 3 servings per week. We recommend that you eat a variety of fish. You may wish to try other affordable fish in the “Best Choices” category such as canned salmon or sardines, frozen fish, or fresh fish that are at a reduced price.

    What are the pros and cons of eating canned tuna? ›

    Canned Tuna

    Tuna is not a significant source of sugar or carbohydrates. Health benefits of eating tuna include preventing anemia, reducing the risk of dementia, and supporting healthy blood sugar levels. Like other canned foods, tuna can be high in sodium, so check the label for low sodium or salt-free options.

    References

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Article information

    Author: Jonah Leffler

    Last Updated:

    Views: 5809

    Rating: 4.4 / 5 (45 voted)

    Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Jonah Leffler

    Birthday: 1997-10-27

    Address: 8987 Kieth Ports, Luettgenland, CT 54657-9808

    Phone: +2611128251586

    Job: Mining Supervisor

    Hobby: Worldbuilding, Electronics, Amateur radio, Skiing, Cycling, Jogging, Taxidermy

    Introduction: My name is Jonah Leffler, I am a determined, faithful, outstanding, inexpensive, cheerful, determined, smiling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.