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.

    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

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    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

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    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

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    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.

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    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

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    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!)

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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 actually in canned 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.

    What is the difference between a jar and a can of tuna? ›

    Generally, you'll find jarred tuna in all the same varieties as canned, although jarred tuna tends to be moister than many tins and comes in bigger pieces. When tuna is vacuum-sealed in a pouch, it doesn't contain any added water, so you may find it tastes fresher.

    Is it OK to eat a tin of 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.

    Is it bad to eat a tin of tuna every day? ›

    Although tuna can be a healthy, high-protein lunch or snack, it is generally not recommended to eat tuna every day.

    How do you jazz up canned tuna? ›

    To keep it hot, mix a can into pasta sauce as you heat it; we love tuna in a classic tomato sauce, but you can also go simple with a no-cook sauce, combing tuna with olive oil, capers, olives, and herbs for a salsa verde approach. Or you can stir it into mac-and-cheese for a creamy, tuna casserole.

    What is the healthiest canned tuna to eat? ›

    The FDA recommends consuming fish lower in mercury. 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.

    Is StarKist tuna really tuna? ›

    Every pouch is hand-inspected. All StarKist® Tuna is wild caught. We do not use farm-raised tuna.

    What are the black specks in canned tuna? ›

    (I) Formation of black iron sulfide in canned tuna was found to depend upon the presence of ferrous iron.

    Is canned tuna 100% tuna? ›

    Believe it or not, this part of the label actually tells you what species of fish you're eating. “White” tuna is 100% albacore (Thunnus alalunga). “Light” tuna is either yellowfin (Thunnus albacares), skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis), Bigeye (Thunnus obesus) or a combination of the three.

    What is the white stuff in my can of tuna? ›

    What are the white and black bits in canned tuna fish called? Most often these are skin fragments. I know it sounds gross, but the wonderful thing about canning fish is that there can be less waste in that the skin and bones become soft and easier to eat.

    What is the safest brand of canned tuna to eat? ›

    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 it better to buy 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 brands of tuna should you avoid? ›

    The National Fisheries Institute (NFI) is blasting a new study from US consumer advocacy group Consumer Reports recommending consumers limit their consumption or avoid canned tuna sold by leading brands Bumble Bee, Starkist and Chicken of the Sea, Safe Catch and Wild Planet because of mercury levels in the fish.

    Is it healthy to eat tuna from can? ›

    Yes, tuna is a great choice for a heart-healthy eating plan. It contains little to no saturated fat and plenty of unsaturated fatty acids. This includes omega-3 fatty acids, which support a healthy heart and cardiovascular system.

    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.

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