26 Canned Tuna Recipes That Are Surprisingly Awesome (2024)

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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?

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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...

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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.

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26 Canned Tuna Recipes That Are Surprisingly Awesome (2024)

FAQs

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

What can I add to canned tuna besides mayo? ›

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. Stepanek Photography/Shutterstock. ...
  6. Ranch dressing. RebeccaDLev/Shutterstock. ...
  7. Sour cream. ...
  8. Cottage cheese.
Jan 24, 2024

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 seasoning tastes good on tuna? ›

Best Organic Individual Spices for Making 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.
Nov 2, 2023

What can you add to tuna to spice it up? ›

If you don't have one of these on hand, just pick a savory spice you enjoy and try adding it to the tuna mixture; anything from garlic powder to coriander, cumin, or sumac will amp up your tuna melt.

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.

What's better with tuna mayo or Miracle Whip? ›

More viscous or fluid products may cause a more 'wet' tuna salad.” Less popular for tuna salad among our experts but still mayo MVPs, Kewpie and Miracle Whip both have distinct flavors that don't work as well with tuna, one more savory (Kewpie) and one sweeter (Miracle Whip).

Can dogs have 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.

Which is healthier chicken or tuna? ›

If your iron levels are solid but you could use some more zinc, potassium, or phosphorus, then chicken is a better choice. In the end, the choice between tuna and chicken boils down to what you need. Whichever you choose, you're guaranteed lots of lean, low-calorie protein, with vitamins and minerals galore.

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.

Why should you rinse canned tuna? ›

Canned foods in particular usually contain high levels of sodium. One way to reduce your salt intake with canned food, like tuna for example, is washing. Studies show that rinsing reduces the amount of sodium in canned tuna by 80%.

What is the least fishy tasting tuna? ›

Albacore is firm and meaty, with a light, mild flavor. Yellowfin and skipjack are a bit softer and have a richer, more intense taste. The choice comes down to personal preference: If you like a less “fishy” tuna experience, go for white tuna; if you want stronger flavor, light tuna is a better choice.

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.

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 .

How healthy is canned tuna? ›

Yes, canned tuna is a healthful food rich in protein and contains many vitamins and minerals such as B-Complex vitamins, Vitamins A and D as well as iron, selenium and phosphorus. Tuna also contains healthy omega 3 essential fatty acids DHA and EPA.

Should you cook tuna or eat right out of can? ›

If you're a fan of canned tuna, you'll be happy to know it's safe and ready to eat straight out of the can since it is pre-cooked for your convenience. Canned tuna is a wonderful seafood option, considering not everyone has access to fresh fish, not to mention it's super affordable.

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