When it comes to finding cheap meal ideas, canned tuna is always in the top 5.
Canned tuna is a great base for many recipes, which is why I chose to create an entire post on only recipes using canned tuna!
What can I make with canned tuna?
There are plenty of different ways you can spice up canned tuna to make a meal for your family to enjoy. The recipes below will have tuna as the main ingredient!
1. Avocado Tuna Melt
Tuna melts are good, but a tuna melt with avocado is better! This healthy and easy to make dish is great for a nutritious meal when you are short on time! The whole meal comes together in less than 10 minutes and is satisfyingly cheesy and delicious!
2. Old Fashioned Tuna Casserole
This old-fashioned tuna casserole is an easy comfort meal to make. This tuna casserole recipe is family friendly and a great way to use up extra canned tuna.
3. Chickpea Salad with Tuna
This delicious and satisfying Chickpea Salad with Tuna is a healthy, high-protein meal or snack that comes together in just 10 minutes. This wholesome chickpea salad recipe (or revithosalata in Greek) is sprinkled with feta and fresh dill and drizzled with a lemony dressing for a perfect make-ahead lunch or snack.
4. Tuna Rice Casserole
Tuna Rice Casserole is an easy cheesy lightened up casserole perfect for those who love tuna noodle casserole or tuna melts. A delicious, comforting meal that is easy to make ahead! Bonus points: this dinner recipe is gluten-free, Low-FODMAP, and easy on the digestive system.
5. Tuna Macaroni Salad
Tuna macaroni salad is a great twist on the classic macaroni salad. This perfect summertime cold salad is great for BBQ, picnic, and potluck! It’s so easy to make, throw together delicious macaroni, savory tuna chunks, peas, celery, red onion, boiled egg with creamy, zesty sauce to bind it all together.
6. Baked Sweet Potatoe Tuna Cakes
These tuna cakes are surprisingly delicious and actually very easy because they’re made in the oven!
7. Mediterranean Tuna Patties
Mediterranean Tuna Patties Recipe are perfect for Lent and Easter. These tuna cakes mix together some of your favorite Mediterranean ingredients. Albacore tuna is combined with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, red onion, garlic, fresh parsley, za’atar and feta cheese and packed into tuna cakes. The cakes are pan-fried in a skillet and serve alongside tzatziki sauce. These are the perfect lunch, dinner or even a healthy snack!
8. Crispy Chipotle Tuna Tostadas
These tuna tostadas are the perfect family-friendly weeknight meal! They’re healthy, easy to make, and you probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
9. Mom’s Best Tuna Salad
Nostalgic, comforting and packed with protein, my Mom’s simple and delicious Tuna Salad made with egg and dill pickles is a family favorite. Not only is it healthy, it’s also versatile! Perfect for filling sandwiches, adding protein to a mixed green salad, or for scooping up with crackers, this is a recipe you’re sure to play on repeat.
10. Tuna Salad Without Celery or Egg
This easy tuna salad recipe comes together in minutes, uses basic ingredients that you likely have on hand and doesn’t even call for celery!
11. Tuna Pesto Pasta
The best easy tuna pesto pasta dish! It’s a simple weeknight meal made with spaghetti, pesto, garlic, tuna and Parmesan made silky with starchy pasta water.
It’s so easy, yet uber delicious. No one will know it’s made with only 5 ingredients!
12. Low Carb Tuna Salad
Our Low Carb Tuna Salad with no mayo is a super easy recipe for your Tuna Salad Sandwich, Tuna Breakfast, or Tuna Mini Bites. This Fully Keto, Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, and Diabetic Friendly Healthy Tuna Salad can even go with one of our Keto Pasta Recipes.
13. Spicy Tuna Wrap
The filling of this spicy tuna wrap is moist, loaded with vegetables, tuna. And finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Every single bite would declare a state of absolute deliciousness.
14. Spaghetti with Tuna
My Spaghetti with Tuna is an easy and elegant dish that will make you look at canned tuna in a whole new way! Incorporating healthy, Mediterranean ingredients, this colorful dish is elegant enough to serve at a dinner party but easy enough to make for a weeknight meal.
15. Tuna Tomato Pasta
Tuna tomato pasta is a delicious healthy and easy recipe that only takes 20 minutes to make. With just a few basic ingredients it’s budget friendly too!
FAQ’s on canned tuna recipes
Q: What are some easy canned tuna recipes?
A: There are plenty of simple canned tuna recipes that you can make at home. Some popular options include tuna salad, tuna melt sandwiches, and tuna pasta salad. You can also use canned tuna in casseroles, soups, and wraps.
Q: How long does canned tuna last?
A: Canned tuna can last for a long time if stored properly. Unopened cans can last up to 5 years, while opened cans can last up to 3-4 days if refrigerated. It’s important to check the expiration date on the can before using it.
Q: Can I substitute canned tuna for fresh tuna in recipes?
A: Yes, you can substitute canned tuna for fresh tuna in many recipes. However, keep in mind that canned tuna is usually cooked and has a different texture than fresh tuna. It also has a milder flavor, so you may need to adjust the seasoning in your recipe accordingly.
Q: Is canned tuna healthy?
A: Canned tuna can be a healthy source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. However, some canned tuna products may contain high levels of mercury, so it’s important to choose low-mercury options and consume it in moderation.
Q: What are some creative canned tuna recipes?
A: If you’re looking for some unique canned tuna recipes, try making tuna cakes, tuna burgers, or tuna-stuffed avocados. You can also use canned tuna to make sushi rolls or as a topping for homemade pizzas. The possibilities are endless!
Final thoughts on recipes made with canned tuna
There you have 15 of the best recipes to make with canned tuna. Canned tuna is a great pantry item to stalk up on as it has a long shelf life.
An opened can of tuna can last about 1 – 2 days in the fridge.
Enjoy these delicious tuna recipes!
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