21 Best Canned Tuna Recipes
This collection of top canned tuna recipes is a must-have for creating effortless meals, speedy lunches, weeknight dinners, and appetizers for any gathering. Canned tuna is a versatile and affordable pantry staple, bursting with flavor, that can elevate your cooking game.
Post includes recipes that are suitable for gluten free, low carb, and keto diets. Weight Watchers points included in some recipes
Love tuna and need inspiration for some easy canned tuna recipes? Then look no further than this post which gives you plenty of recipes.
The humble canned tuna is a really good choice for easy meals for busy weeknights, dinners, lunches, and more.
And while fresh tuna has its place (looking at you, ahi tuna and tuna steak), the canned equivalent is one that should be one of those must-have pantry staples.
And to get even more from your pantry items, check out my Canned Chicken Recipes, Canned Green Beans Recipes, and Canned Corn Recipes.
Why Cook With Canned Tuna
- This is a budget friendly option, and it is easy to keep a few cans in your pantry within arms reach.
- Great for having on hand for easy meal prep for a quick and easy dinner.
- It is easy to substitute into fresh tuna recipes where the recipe calls for flaky fish.
- In some instances, you can easily substitute canned tuna for salmon, like in a tuna salad or tuna pasta, and more.
Notes For Canned Tuna
There are many differences in the canned foods product you buy. You get choices like flaky tuna or chunky tuna, fish packed in oil or water or tomato sauce, smoked fish, and more.
I prefer different versions depending on the final recipe. I suggest you try out a few to see which you like best.
So, are we ready to cook up the best canned fish recipes?! Then read on to find out more about…
The Best Recipes For Canned Tuna
Click on the links in blue to be taken to the recipes with canned tuna.
1. Tuna Noodle Casserole
Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a classic dish with a homey, nostalgic feel that the whole family will love.
Especially as this hearty Tuna Casserole is budget friendly, delicious, and easily feeds a crowd.
And you can’t go wrong with an easy dish that combines your well-loved canned, frozen, and dried goods link crunchy breadcrumbs with buttery egg noodles and aaaaaaaaall the cheese.
Great for meal prep and prep ahead for busy weeknights.
2. Air Fryer Fish Patties (Use Tuna)
If you love Air Fryers then this easy peasy Air Fryer Fish Patties recipe is for you.
Whilst these are made with canned salmon, you can easily swap out the salmon for canned tuna.
They are golden brown and super crispy on the outside, whilst managing to stay tender and flaky inside.
Bonus is you can whip up these in less than 15 minutes using ingredients you already own so a great quick dinner. Serve it with a dip or two and tomatoes and sliced avocado and you are good to go.
3. Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad
Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad is a really budget-friendly pantry recipe that’s easily whipped up and very adaptable with the ingredients you already have at home!
The addition of bell peppers and fresh herbs like dill really make this recipe stand out.
Quick and easy, so it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or bringing along to potlucks and picnics and lunch on the go.
Better yet, this can be made on the stovetop or your trusted Instant Pot.
4. Tuna Potato Salad
Check out this tuna potato salad recipe!!!
It’s a complete meal that’s perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. You’ll love the mix of baby potatoes, green beans, tuna, radishes, and red onion, all tossed together with a delicious dill buttermilk dressing.
5. Fennel Cucumber Bites With Creamy Tuna
Prepare to savor this effortless canned tuna appetizer that’s crunchy, creamy, and packed with salty and naturally sweet flavors.
Fresh European cucumber and raw fennel provide a delicate sweetness and anise-like flavor that perfectly complements the soft Brie cheese mixed into the tuna. You’ll get a hearty Mediterranean topping that’s simply irresistible.
Don’t wait any longer. Try this appetizer today and taste the goodness!
6. Tuna Mac And Cheese
Elevate your simple homemade mac and cheese by adding canned tuna.
It’s a delicious recipe that’s simple but effective, and I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t like Mac and Cheese!
Best of all, you don’t even need to go shopping – this comforting and warming meal is made entirely from pantry ingredients. What a win!
7. Tuna Paté
Looking to add some MEGA taste to your canned tuna???
Then you need to make this homemade tuna pate! It’s an incredibly easy recipe that only takes 10 minutes to make.
Give your tinned tuna a new life and impress your taste buds. Your mouth will thank you!
8. Tuna And Ricotta Frittata
Looking for a practical and delicious high-protein keto meal that’s great any time of day? Look no further than this creamy and custardy tuna frittata!
Filled with ricotta cheese and packed full of flavor it’s a sophisticated canned tuna recipe that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Plus, it’s practical for on-the-go meals and can even be enjoyed cold. Don’t believe us? Give it a try and taste the deliciousness for yourself!
9. Kimchi Tuna Melt Quesadilla
How about this for a tasty combination – soft, melty cheese, creamy tuna salad, and a touch of subtle heat from some kimchi, all piled onto a crispy tortilla.
Sounds amazing, doesn’t it?
10. Cheesy Tuna Casserole
Looking for a yummy and easy family dinner that won’t break the bank? Try this Cheeeeesy Tuna Casserole!
Not only is it kid-friendly and delicious, but it also goes from pantry to table in under 30 minutes.
And if you use an oven-safe skillet, clean-up is a breeze – no need for separate bowls or casserole dishes. Just creamy, cheeeeesy comfort food that’s perfect for any night of the week.
11. Spicy Tuna Bowls
Love Spicy Tuna Rolls? Then you’re going to love them in bowl form!
These Spicy Tuna Bowls are loaded with fluffy white rice, tangy pickled carrots, and refreshing cucumbers, all mixed with canned tuna fish and tossed in homemade spicy mayo.
Perfect for meal prep lunches or easy dinners, these bowls are a great way to enjoy all the flavors of your favorite sushi roll.
12. Tuna Stuffed Avocado
Looking for a tasty and refreshing dinner idea that won’t leave you slaving over a hot stove? Try this Tuna Stuffed Avocado!
Packed with zesty cilantro and lime flavors, it’s the perfect dish for those sweltering hot days when you just can’t bear to cook.
You’ll love this quick and easy meal any time of year.
13. Sushi Bake
Want to enjoy the flavors of sushi without having to worry about the rolling process? Try making a Sushi Bake!
This easy-to-prepare Asian casserole is rich and creamy, and it’s even customizable to add a bit of heat if you like it spicy.
This pantry-friendly recipe is perfect for sharing with friends and family at your next gathering. And the best part? It only takes 20 minutes to prepare (excluding rice cooking time).
14. Tuna Croquettes
Get ready to taste the best seafood appetizer ever! These Croquetas De Atún aka Tuna Croquettes are crispy on the outside and incredibly tender on the inside.
Perfect for serving at a party or as a main dish. You can’t go wrong with this versatile and easy-to-make recipe.
15. Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Get ready for these delicious and healthy stuffed zucchini boats! Loaded with flavorful tuna and ooey-gooey cheese, this keto-friendly recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a low-carb dinner option.
Plus, it’s super quick and easy to prepare, so you can enjoy it on those busy weeknights. Best of all, you can have this tasty dish on the table in just under 30 minutes!
16. Tuna Veggie Wrap With Hummus
This Tuna Wrap with Hummus and Veggies is a protein-packed power lunch!
Loaded with a bounty of colorful vegetables and creamy hummus, this wrap is the perfect balance of nutrition and is so delicious!!!
17. Tuna Caesar Salad
Put a tasty spin on the classic Caesar salad with this recipe that adds a satisfying and savory twist – our star ingredient canned tuna!
Perfect for a quick, light lunch or dinner. The combination of crispy lettuce, garlicky croutons, tangy dressing, Parmesan, and hearty tuna makes for a oh so satisfying meal.
18. Tuna White Bean Salad with Artichokes
Say goodbye to your usual boring tuna salad and say hello to this healthy, mayo-free Tuna, White Bean Salad with Artichokes!
It’s a quick and light lunch option that you can make in under 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
The addition of artichokes and white beans elevates the flavors and gives it a delicious twiiiist.
19. Tacos de Atún (Canned Tuna Tacos)
Transform that plain canned tuna in your pantry into a flavorful and budget-friendly meal with these Tacos de Atún!
These scrumptious canned tuna tacos are easy to make and are bursting with flavor, making them the perfect meal for any day of the week.
20. Tuna Jalapeno Poppers
Spice up your snack game with Tuna Jalapeño Poppers!
These bite-sized treats are a step up from your typical jalapeño poppers, with the added goodness of canned tuna.
The creamy mixture of cream cheese, cheese, and jalapeños becomes even more flavorful with the addition of tuna, giving it a meaty and mouthwatering texture you have to try now!
21. Tuna Ragu
Transport your taste buds to Sicily with this easy and flavorful Tuna Ragu with Bucatini!
This pasta dish features a savory tomato-based sauce made with tender tuna, enhanced with a touch of anchovy, garlic, white wine, and fresh herbs.
It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that can be made using pantry staples.
Soooo, which one of these canned tuna fish recipes will you choose to make first?!
For More Fish Recipes
Looking for even more? Then try these delicious fish recipes the whole family will love.
- The Best Canned Salmon Recipes – something for everyone.
- Air Fryer Salmon Patties – quick and easy.
- The Best Air Fryer Fish Recipes – included fresh and frozen.
Thank you for reading my Canned Tuna Recipes post. And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipes, Instant Pot Recipes, Southern Recipes and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog.
