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

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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.

    Tuna Noodle Casserole

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    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

    Herbed Tuna and White Bean Salad

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    TMB Studio

    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

    Tuna Burgers

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    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

    Tarragon Tuna Salad

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    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.

    Herbed Tuna Sandwiches

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

    Asparagus Tuna Noodle Casserole

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    Taste of Home

    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!)

    Comforting Tuna Patties

    Taste of Home

    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

    Asparagus Nicoise Salad

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    Taste of Home

    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

    Tuna Potato Supper

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    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

    Slow-Cooker Tuna Noodle Casserole

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

    Garlic Bread Tuna Melts

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    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

    Tuna Mushroom Casserole

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    Taste of Home

    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

    Tuna Melt on Cornbread

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

    Tuna-Filled Shells

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    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

    Tuna Noodle Cups

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    Taste of Home

    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

    Crunchy Tuna Wraps

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    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

    Snappy Tuna Melts

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    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

    Crunchy Tuna Salad with Tomatoes

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    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

    Modern Tuna Casserole

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    Taste of Home

    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

    Tuna Crescent Ring

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    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

    Creamy Tuna-Noodle Casserole

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

    Mediterranean Tuna Salad

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    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

    Orzo-Tuna Salad with Tomatoes

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    Taste of Home

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

    Broccoli Tuna Casserole

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    Taste of Home

    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

    Crunchy Tuna Salad with Tomatoes

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    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

    Cilantro-Avocado Tuna Salad Sandwiches

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    Taste of Home

    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

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

    Quick Nicoise Salad

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    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

    Tuna and White Bean Lettuce Wraps

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    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

    Snappy Tuna Melts

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    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

    Pressure-Cooker Tuna Noodle Casserole

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    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

    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 is canned tuna not healthy? ›

    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.

    What to avoid in canned tuna? ›

    Skipjack and canned light tuna, which are relatively low in mercury, can be eaten as part of a healthy diet. However, albacore, yellowfin and bigeye tuna are high in mercury and should be limited or avoided.

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

    Olive-oil packed or bust

    There's some dissension in the test kitchen about this, but I say, “Go olive-oil-packed or just buy chicken.” If your tuna is in water, all the flavor of your tuna is in that water. Oil-packing, on the other hand, seals in flavor and gives you some luxurious fat to work with.

    What is the healthiest 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.

    What canned tuna has the lowest mercury levels? ›

    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 ...

    Is StarKist tuna real tuna? ›

    Ingredients. Our “Light” tuna is primarily skipjack or yellowfin. Our “White” tuna is albacore tuna. All StarKist Tuna and salmon are wild caught fish.

    Can I eat tuna every day? ›

    Although mercury is a toxic chemical, it's usually not present in tuna in large enough quantities to cause serious issues. Canned tuna's health benefits seem to outweigh any small negative effect of its mercury concentration. In general, eating canned tuna once or twice a week is safe.

    What is the least fishy canned tuna? ›

    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.

    When should you not eat tuna? ›

    If you are pregnant, avoid canned tuna altogether.

    You can get omega-3 fatty acids from other seafood that are low in mercury, such as oysters, salmon, and sardines.

    Can I eat tuna straight from the 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.

    How many cans of tuna is safe to 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.

    Can dogs eat tuna? ›

    Is canned tuna good for dogs? Yes, you can feed your dog canned tuna, as long as you do so in moderation and only infrequently, and you choose the version that's packed in fresh water instead of oil or salted water. It's also important to check the label and make sure there is no extra salt added to the canned tuna.

    Is tuna in olive oil healthy? ›

    Tuna in olive oil is a food that can be recommended for all, from childhood into old age. This includes athletes, players and sportspeople in general. High-quality tuna's actions are beneficial to our vital bodily functions.

    Which is better, tuna in a can or pouch? ›

    Different tuna brands, whether pouched or canned, will provide varying nutrition. Some will be lower in sodium, while others will be higher in fats due to being packaged in oil. However, usually, a pouch of tuna contains more tuna meat than canned. This is due to the additional weight of water in the canned variety.

    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.

    Is canned tuna actually tuna? ›

    A: Tunas belong to the fish species “Thunnus.” There are many species of tuna, but only three that are commonly found in cans or pouches: skipjack, yellowfin and albacore. Skipjack and yellowfin are considered “light meat” tunas and albacore is “white meat” tuna.

    Is canned tuna considered processed meat? ›

    Processed foods: When ingredients such as oil, sugar or salt are added to foods and they are packaged, the result is processed foods. Examples are simple bread, cheese, tofu, and canned tuna or beans. These foods have been altered, but not in a way that's detrimental to health.

    How do tuna get mercury in them? ›

    Once in a lake or river, mercury is converted to methylmercury by bacteria and other processes. Fish absorb methylmercury from their food and from water as it passes over their gills. Mercury is tightly bound to proteins in all fish tissue, including muscle.

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