22 Delightful Canned Tuna Recipes

If you grew up on canned tuna like I did, you know that it can be pungent and lacking in flavor. Canned tuna is such a healthy option, and it’s high in protein, and it’s cheap! There are nothing but good reasons to eat it. However, it’s easy to get into a rut with it – not knowing how to make it other than mixing it with a bit of mayo for a sandwich. These 22 canned tuna recipes will show you variety, and flavor, as well as how easy meals can be with a can of tuna. You won’t feel like you’re eating canned tuna with any of these recipes. They’re packed with healthy nutrients so not only are you getting protein and omegas from the tuna, you’re getting essential vitamins and minerals from the whole meal. Let’s dive into the (easy) culinary world of canned tuna! 

1. Hawaiian Spicy Tuna Rice Bowls

This is more than just canned tuna on a bowl of rice. The flaky tuna is mixed with a savory and spicy homemade soy sauce that will remind you of the popular Spicy Tuna sushi roll. And the best part, as long as the rice is cooked, this is a no-cook recipe! If the rice isn’t cooked, grab some microwave rice for an easy no-cook lunch or dinner. 

2. Tuna Chickpea Meal Prep Lunch

These tuna chickpea bowls are the healthy, meal prep lunch you’ve been searching for. They are packed full of protein, as most canned tuna recipes are, and it doesn’t need to be heated. So your co-workers won’t hate you for heating up your fish in the breakroom. The chickpeas add a good dose of fiber – it’s a fantastic, easy, healthy recipe. 

3. Stuffed Zucchini Boats

These stuffed zucchini boats are a great way to get in a high-protein snack, lunch, or dinner without also taking in a bunch of carbs. One serving is 26 grams of protein and just 8 carbs! The canned tuna is mixed with celery, onion, dill, and fresh lemon juice, so the flavor is bright and fresh. Perfect for spring or summer when you don’t want a heavy meal. 

4. Canned Tuna Recipes: Southwest Tuna Salad

Southwest Tuna Salad is going to be your new favorite tuna salad. Tuna salad traditionally is mayo heavy and if you don’t like mayo, then this version is perfect for you. There’s an option to make it without mayo, and it’s just as delicious. The southwest flavor makes this tuna salad perfect to pair with tortillas or chips as a healthy protein dip. 

5. One Pot Tuna Noodles

Egg noodles make recipes easy. One pot recipes are easy. And canned tuna makes recipes easy. This recipe uses all three of those things – so you know it’s going to be a breeze to whip up. In under 20 minutes, you can have this pasta dish done and on the table. It’s creamy, while also being light and healthy. 

6. Canned Tuna Recipes: Baked Meatballs

Tuna meatballs are a blend of canned tuna fish, fresh vegetables, and savory herbs. They’re light in flavor and make the perfect healthy snack or a delicious addition to a salad or bed of greens. This is a great recipe to start with if you don’t actually like canned tuna because it gives a whole new flavor. 

7. Air Fryer Tuna Cakes

This air fryer canned tuna recipe is so easy and barely makes any mess at all. The air fryer keeps things neat and tidy since you don’t need to use oil to fry the tuna cakes. It also helps save you some calories! These are simply flavored, with just 8 ingredients needed, but you’re welcome to spice them up in your own way. 

8. Canned Tuna Recipes: Lemony Pasta

This easy canned tuna pasta recipe is loaded with basic pantry ingredients and will surely become one of your favorite spaghetti recipes. This pasta dish is creamy and light and made with canned tuna, fresh lemon, extra virgin olive oil, butter, Parmigiano-Reggiano, garlic, and red chili pepper. The hint of heat pairs perfectly with the butter and oil. 

9. Mediterranean Tuna Pie

Yes, canned tuna can be made into a delicious, savory pie! This gluten-free, easy Mediterranean diet tuna bake recipe is super simple to make – just prep some vegetables, mix everything together in a bowl, and bake. You can use your favorite veggies if you don’t like the ones listed. It makes a great high-protein, meal prep lunch or dinner. 

10. Canned Tuna Recipes: Easy Casserole Muffins

Tuna Casserole Muffins are a fun way to bring back fond tuna casserole memories. They are made with a can of tuna and a few other ingredients. You can make them ahead of time and store in the fridge for a quick on-the-go lunch option, or even an afternoon snack that will hold you over until dinner. 

11. Black Bean Ranch Healthy Tuna Salad

This tuna salad is much more exciting than your classic tuna salad recipe, and it’s not all that bad for you! It uses light ranch dressing instead of mayo and adds black beans for some fiber and protein. This healthy tuna salad features the distinct flavors of black beans and ranch, and sunflower seeds add a satisfying crunch.

12. Avocado Tuna Melt

This canned tuna recipe takes the classic tuna melt to a whole new level. It’s dressed up with creamy avocado, bright tomato, toasted whole grain toast, and savory muenster cheesy. It’s amazing when it’s hot and melty (as it should be!) It takes just 15 minutes to make, so it’s a fantastic lunch option. 

13. Canned Tuna Recipes: Macaroni Salad

This Tuna Macaroni Salad is made with macaroni noodles, mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and parsley. It’s a classic macaroni salad that can be served as the main entree, or as a side dish. It keeps things simple, but creamy and tasty! 

14. Crispy Chipotle Tuna Tostadas

Crispy chipotle tostadas are probably not what you think of when you have a can of tuna to use up, but it’s absolutely scrumptious. These crispy chipotle tuna tostadas are perfect if you’re looking for a weeknight meal, a 30-minute meal, a meal on a tight budget, or just something that’s healthy but tasty. You’ll love them! 

15. Canned Tuna Recipes: Easy Pesto Pasta

This pesto pasta is beautiful and easy to make. It’s a great dish to make if you don’t love tuna, but are willing to eat it to get in your protein without a lot of fat. The pesto is strong enough to be the main flavor, so you don’t have to worry about the tuna overpowering the pasta. It’s just a delightful, high-protein addition. 

16. Spicy Tuna Wraps

Think spicy tuna sushi roll, but in a wrap, with added vegetables, and you’ve got this delicious spicy tuna wrap. It’s easy to make and doesn’t require any cooking. You can easily add your favorite wrap fillings if you’re not a fan of cucumber and carrots. It’s a great option for an ​​on-the-go hand-held lunch. 

17. Tuna Melt Quesadilla

If you’re in the mood for something more decadent or fun than a simple spicy tuna wrap, make this tuna melt quesadilla instead. It uses sriracha and cream cheese to keep the tuna spicy, but creamy. Tuna melt quesadillas can be made in just 10 minutes, and they are packed with flavor. 

18. Canned Tuna Recipes: Burgers

This recipe for tuna burgers is quick to make and requires only a handful of ingredients. It’s a healthier option than your classic beef burgers. They also taste great the next day, so it’s the perfect recipe for meal-prepping lunch for the week. Tuna is full of omega-3 fatty acids and protein, so it’s a great healthy choice for a main meal.

Tuna Risotto Pie

19. Canned Tuna Recipes: Risotto Pie 

This is another savory pie that is perfect for a meal-prep lunch or dinner. It can also be used for a dinner party because the presentation is stunning. Tuna Risotto Pie would make a fantastic spring or summer entree for an evening dinner party if you want to keep things light and healthy for your guests. It cuts easily while firm enough to stand on its own. 

20. Smoked Tuna Dip

Smoked tuna dip is an easy recipe to make and is low carb, gluten-free, and can be made dairy-free as well. This easy canned tuna recipe takes only a few minutes to make and is great for freezing. Add more hot sauce, cayenne, or red pepper flakes for a spicier dip or even add in chopped bacon.

21. Tuna Caesar Salad

This Tuna Caesar Salad recipe has just five ingredients, and each serving is under 250 calories. It’s a classic Caesar salad with crispy romaine lettuce, savory parmesan cheese, and crunchy croutons, but with the fun (and yummy) twist of adding canned tuna rather than chicken. It’s light, refreshing, and heart-healthy. 

22. Canned Tuna Recipes: Apple Tuna Salad

This recipe combines a classic tuna salad with a classic chicken salad. It’s got the creaminess and sweet kick from fruit that chicken salad is known for. But it’s made with healthy canned tuna instead of chicken. It’s a great light lunch, or tea time snack when served with crackers or croissants. 

Whether you’re looking to keep things light and healthy, or just quick and easy, canned tuna recipes should be your new go-to. They are flavorful, healthy, easy to make, and simply delicious. 

And I’ll leave you with one of our favorite canned tuna recipes–lemon dill tuna cakes!