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 is canned tuna so bad? ›

    That's because, while canned tuna, especially light varieties, has relatively low average levels of mercury, individual cans can sometimes have much higher levels. “From can to can, mercury levels can spike in unpredictable ways that might jeopardize the health of a fetus,” says James E.

    Why is tuna not recommended? ›

    The tuna sandwich is a lunchbox staple. But several species of tuna — like other large ocean fish — contain higher-than-average amounts of mercury, a highly toxic metal that can cause severe health effects.

    Who should not eat canned tuna? ›

    The FDA recommends that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding avoid fish high in mercury. Intake of albacore canned tuna should be no more than 4 ounces (113 grams) per week ( 22 ).

    What is the canned tuna scandal? ›

    Fisheries inspectors had found that StarKist tuna, processed by a New Brunswick plant, had spoiled, and declared that it was “unfit for human consumption.” A St. Andrews, New Brunswick plant had processed the tuna, and the forced destruction of a million cans of tuna would likely cause the plant to close down.

    What is the most unhealthy tuna? ›

    They found popular albacore tuna had the highest mercury levels, while light varieties had relatively low mercury, on average, though results varied from can to can.

    What is the safest brand of 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.

    Can I eat 2 cans of tuna a day? ›

    Canned light tuna contains the least amount of mercury, and the FDA suggests limiting yourself to no more than 12 ounces a week, or no more than three 5-ounce cans.

    When should you not eat tuna? ›

    Certain populations are especially susceptible to mercury and should limit or completely abstain from tuna. These include infants, young children and women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant. Mercury exposure can impact embryo development and may lead to brain and developmental issues.

    When should you not eat canned tuna? ›

    Mercury is odorless and invisible to humans. Once in the body, however, it can act as a neurotoxin and interfere with the brain and nervous system. Exposure to mercury can be especially harmful to small children and people who are pregnant.

    Can I freeze canned tuna? ›

    Freezing Canned Tuna

    While canned tuna can technically be frozen, it is not recommended, as it can affect the texture and taste of the fish,” Best says. Instead, only eat canned tuna fresh from the can, and keep freezing tuna applicable to just filets and raw fish, instead.

    Should you rinse canned tuna? ›

    Canned foods in particular usually contain high levels of sodium. One way to reduce your salt intake with canned food, like tuna for example, is washing. Studies show that rinsing reduces the amount of sodium in canned tuna by 80%.

    Do you rinse canned tuna before eating? ›

    Rinse sodium-containing canned foods, such as beans, tuna, and vegetables before eating. This removes some of the sodium. Canned fish is often packed in oil or water. Canned fish packed in oil is higher in beneficial fats and provides more energy, or calories per serving.

    What can I add to tuna instead of mayo? ›

    When you're ready to elevate your next lunch or dinner, here are 12 delicious substitutes for mayo in your tuna salad.
    1. Greek yogurt. Maslova Valentina/Shutterstock. ...
    2. Avocado. Irina Rostokina/Shutterstock. ...
    3. Hummus. Tempura/Getty Images. ...
    4. Olive oil. Maryia_K/Shutterstock. ...
    5. Dijon mustard. ...
    6. Ranch dressing. ...
    7. Sour cream. ...
    8. Cottage cheese.
    Jan 24, 2024

    Is tuna fish in a can real tuna? ›

    Most canned tuna is albacore or skipjack tuna, which are pretty abundant species of fish. It wouldn't make much sense for a high profile company, like Starkist, to start stuffing random fish into cans and trying to pass it off as tuna.

    Should I stop eating tuna because of mercury? ›

    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 the safest 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.

    Is mercury in tuna overblown? ›

    Levels of mercury in tuna have remained nearly the same for the past 50 years despite drops in atmospheric mercury emissions. Researchers say it may take decades and very strict environmental policies to start nudging those levels down.

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