25 Super Easy Canned Tuna Recipes

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These easy canned tuna recipes will make planning meals for the week a breeze. From simple salads to protein-rich pasta and casseroles, there’s something to please every palate – guaranteed

Tuna melt and sweet potato patties recipes.

Whipping up delicious, protein-packed meals doesn’t need to be complicated.

That’s right – these tasty canned tuna recipes are all about keeping things simple while packing a serious nutritional punch.

Whether you’re looking for delicious meal prep salads, wraps, or guilt-free low-carb dinners, I’ve got you covered.

And hey, stocking up on canned tuna is a great way to keep your grocery budget down, too!

25 Super Easy Canned Tuna Recipes

Canned Tuna Pasta

A plate full of canned tuna pasta.

This canned tuna pasta is a tasty midweek meal option that quickly gets you in and out of the kitchen.

Not only is the tuna packed with healthy fatty acids, but the capers bring a salty tang to each bite that I love.

Throw in the savory base and herby parsley, and it’s easy to see why this is a total crowd-pleaser.

Nicoise Salad with Tuna

Nicoise salad with tuna topped with boiled eggs.

Can’t quite swing a trip to Paris? No worries.

This Nicoise salad’s zesty lemon dressing and summery palette will transport you straight to the streets surrounding the Eiffel Tower.

Trust me when I say that the potatoes, beans, tomatoes, lettuce, and olives provide an awesome array of flavors and textures to savor!

Oh, and there’s totally enough for lunchtime leftovers.

Chickpea Tuna Salad

A bowl full of chickpea tuna salad.

This chickpea tuna salad is one of my go-to recipes when I’m desperate for crunch, protein, and minimal prep time.

Canned chickpeas and tuna are central to this recipe, but crispy bell peppers, bold arugula, and salty feta will bring your bowl to life.

A simple vinaigrette made from lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil is the perfect finishing touch.

Rice Salad

A bowl of rice salad with black olives, chopped cherry tomatoes, and parsley.

This cold rice salad is an ideal grab-and-go work lunch loaded with flaky tuna, crisp veggies, and tender whole grains.

The corn and peppers bring plenty of color to the mix, while the tuna is the protein powerhouse that keeps you full until dinner.

And honestly, I love those colors!

Thai Tuna Patties with Cilantro Cabbage Slaw

Sliced burger bun with thai tuna patties and cilantro cabbage.

In my book, burger night is always a good idea, and these 10-minute miracle patties are a great change from beef.

They get fresh flavor from cilantro, heat from cayenne pepper, and a generous dose of spice from ginger and garlic.

And the crunchy, tangy slaw? It’s the cherry on top (literally!).

Mediterranean White Bean Tuna Salad Toasts

Mediterranean white bean tuna salad toasts in a chopping board.

Switch up your typical lunchtime routine with these crunchy white bean tuna salad toasts!

You’ll substitute olive oil for mayo in this Mediterranean-inspired recipe, and the pickles give the whole dish tons of sweet flavor.

But my favorite part? It has to be the slices of crisp sourdough!

Baked Tuna Pasta Shells

Baking dish with baked tuna pasta shells.

Who doesn’t love tuna pasta? I know I do!

This delicious dish combines ricotta cheese, canned tuna, lemon zest, and parsley to create a flavor sensation that’s baked to perfection.

The pasta gets beautifully crispy, but the filling is indulgent, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying (ideal for cooler nights!).

Tuscan Tuna White Bean Salad

A plate with tuscan tuna white bean salad.

Protein overload, Mediterranean flavors, and a balanced nutritional profile? Now, that’s what I call a stellar light lunch!

Chunks of tuna and white beans are tossed with peppery arugula, crumbly feta, and juicy tomatoes for the ultimate textured bite.

Better yet, the dressing is a simple mix of olive oil and lemon (which is ready in seconds!).

Tuna Sandwich

A hand holding sliced tuna sandwich.

I love a classic tuna sandwich, and this creamy, herby recipe keeps things simple without sacrificing taste.

The dill and Dijon bring a powerful punch of flavor, while the celery and green onion offer the perfect dose of crunch and freshness.

Adding dill pickles (and their juice!) gives the tuna a tang and sweetness that I can’t get enough of!

Tuna Cakes

A batch of tuna cakes in a plate.

These tuna cakes pair high-protein canned tuna with a splash of lime, zesty cilantro, and zippy hot sauce for the ultimate Southwest bite.

Plus, prep is mess-free, and they’re on the table in 30 minutes flat – score!

Tuna Wrap

Four tuna wraps in a dish.

I’ll always pull out this satisfying tuna wrap when I’m looking for an easy but filling lunchtime staple.

It’s loaded with colorful and crunchy veggies like green onion, romaine lettuce, and red cabbage for plenty of texture.

But the protein-packed tuna and dill-pickle-and-Dijon mayo give these wraps their signature tang!

Tuna Noodle Casserole

Tuna noodle casserole in a rectangular dish.

This tuna noodle casserole is a slight labor of love, but it gets oodles of flavor from a creamy cheese sauce.

Making the sauce from scratch gives the entire dish a glorious, homemade taste, while a dash of Worcestershire sauce brings a savory edge.

Frozen peas and tons of tuna make this a well-balanced, surprisingly nutritious meal that kids and adults will adore.

Tuna Avocado Boats

Tuna avocado boats in a plate.

Are you trying to find a way to cut the carbs and work more veggies into your diet without feeling deprived? 

Well, these tuna boats are my JAM!

They pair ripe avocados (loaded with healthy fats!) with tasty tuna, tomatoes, red onion, and fresh lime juice.

The result is a zingy, palate-pleasing lunch that’ll keep you full for hours.

Tuna Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Rows of tuna pastry pinwheels.

I love whipping up these pinwheels as an appetizer for potlucks and garden parties, as they taste fantastic at room temperature.

Puff pastry, basic seasonings, cheddar cheese, tuna, herbs, and onion combine to make a flavor sensation with every bite!

Just remember to slowly roll the pastry and trim the ends to avoid your filling from leaking out (trust me!).

Tuna Melt

Two slices of tuna melt sandwiches.

I’m always down for a tuna melt, and this is one of the canned tuna recipes that brings just the right amount of cheesy goodness and crunch.

Simply top your sandwich bread with cheese and an easy-peasy tuna salad before baking to perfection in the oven.

Trust me, the crunchy celery stalks, red onion, and bell pepper in the filling will 100% tickle your taste buds.

Tuna Lettuce Wraps

A batch of tuna lettuce wraps in a plate.

Trying Whole30? Need some inspiration for your next round of the keto diet? 

Well, I’ve got you covered with these tuna lettuce wraps.

The tuna salad is sprinkled with crunchy, fresh veggies, and substituting mayo for Greek yogurt gives it an extra burst of healthy tang.

Oh, and did I mention the burst of flavor from the pesto and hummus? Delightful!

French Style Tuna Salad

French style tuna salad in a bowl.

I’ll switch things up with this tarragon and mustard-loaded lunch if I’m not feeling a Nicoise salad.

It’s ready in 10 minutes and gets a fantastic zest from a combination of Dijon and whole-grain mustards.

The French vibes come from cornichons (essentially tiny pickles) and champagne vinegar, which instantly lift the dressing.

Sweet Potato Tuna Patties

Sweet potato tuna patties in a chopping board with dressing.

Sweet potato is a vitamin A powerhouse, so I’m always looking for creative ways to work it into my diet.

These crispy and flavorful tuna patties are perfect as a light meal and work beautifully with a simple lettuce salad or shoved inside burger buns.

Breadcrumbs are responsible for the crunch, while white and green onions bring an unbeatable savory flavor without excessive calories!

Tuna Macaroni Salad

Tuna macaroni salad in a bowl.

Mac and cheese is out, and this macaroni salad is SO in with its flaky tuna, creamy dressing, and pleasant chewiness.

The tuna is an excellent source of lean protein, while a combination of mayo and sour cream creates the tangiest sauce imaginable.

But the relish is the cherry on top – it brings just the right amount of zippy sweetness that pulls the dish together!

Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad

A bowl of tuna pasta salad.

I get that slaving over a hot stove can be tricky if you’re trying to host a party.

Luckily, this healthy (and delicious!) tuna pasta salad is an ideal make-ahead dish that tastes even better straight out of the fridge.

Red onion gives the pasta a sharp bite, while the tomatoes, celery and cucumber add an irresistible crunch.

A simple drizzle of balsamic vinegar and olive oil is all you need to complement the tasty tuna without overpowering it.

Tuna Pasta

A bowl of tuna pasta.

Are you looking for speedy, fresh, and bright-flavored canned tuna recipes? Well, you’re in luck!

This quick and easy dinner pairs canned tuna in olive oil with fresh arugula, basil, tomatoes, and a tasty olive tapenade.

As it’s a one-pot dish, everything combines and simmers beautifully without much work!

Cheesy Avocado Bagel Tuna Melts

A batch of avocado bagel tuna melts with slice avocado on top.

Skip the old-school cream cheese bagels for breakfast and indulge in a gooey, melted tuna one instead!

These bagels are the epitome of comfort food but stay healthy by substituting mayo with Greek yogurt.

Combining cheddar cheese, fresh basil, arugula, and heirloom tomatoes adds sharpness and sweetness that you’re bound to love!

Lentil Greek Salads with Dill Sauce

Lentil greek salad with dill sauce in 3 prep dish.

A Greek salad that gets extra protein from tuna and lentils? Now that sounds like my idea of meal prep heaven!

Now, juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, pepperoncini, and kalamatas form the base here.

But you don’t want to miss the ridiculously creamy dill yogurt sauce, which brings a burst of freshness and zest to each bite!

Tuna Sushi Stacks

Tuna sushi stacks topped with fruits and veggies.

These tuna sushi stacks combine a cucumber mango salad with a delightful sriracha mayo sauce to create a flavor sensation!

The tuna packs protein, while the red onions and avocado bring unique textures.

Oh, and don’t forget about the sweet white rice, which pulls everything together and gives the dish a classic Japanese feel. 

Sushi Bake with Canned Tuna

Sushi baked with canned tuna topped with slice avocado.

I can’t get enough of sushi, and this simple recipe is loaded with pantry staples for those quiet nights in.

Not only is it on the table in just 20 minutes, but the creamy avocado and oozy cream cheese topping are to die for!

And for an extra fragrance hit, a sesame oil drizzle is all you need!

More Tuna Recipes

Which ones are your favorite Canned Tuna Recipes? Let me know in the comments!

25 Super Easy Canned Tuna Recipes

These easy canned tuna recipes will make planning meals for the week a breeze. From simple salads to protein-rich pasta and casseroles, there's something to please every palate – guaranteed.
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Author: Sara Trezzi

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