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.

    Tuna Noodle Casserole

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    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

    Herbed Tuna and White Bean Salad

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    TMB Studio

    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

    Tuna Burgers

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    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

    Tarragon Tuna Salad

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    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.

    Herbed Tuna Sandwiches

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    A delightful combination of herbs and reduced-fat cheese makes this simple tuna sandwich a standout. —Marie Connor, Virginia Beach, Virginia

    Asparagus Tuna Noodle Casserole

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    Taste of Home

    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!)

    Comforting Tuna Patties

    Taste of Home

    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

    Asparagus Nicoise Salad

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    Taste of Home

    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

    Tuna Potato Supper

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    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

    Slow-Cooker Tuna Noodle Casserole

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    We tweaked this family-friendly classic to work for the slow cooker. It's easy, wholesome and totally homemade!—Taste of Home Test Kitchen

    Garlic Bread Tuna Melts

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    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

    Tuna Mushroom Casserole

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    Taste of Home

    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

    Tuna Melt on Cornbread

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    Try our rendition of an open-faced tuna melt. Serve it on cornbread for a quick lunch or dinner. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

    Tuna-Filled Shells

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    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

    Tuna Noodle Cups

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    Taste of Home

    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

    Crunchy Tuna Wraps

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    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

    Snappy Tuna Melts

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    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

    Crunchy Tuna Salad with Tomatoes

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    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

    Modern Tuna Casserole

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    Taste of Home

    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

    Tuna Crescent Ring

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    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

    Creamy Tuna-Noodle Casserole

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    When you need supper fast, this tuna casserole with peas, peppers and onions makes a super one-dish meal. Cooked chicken breast works well in place of the tuna. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah

    Mediterranean Tuna Salad

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    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

    Orzo-Tuna Salad with Tomatoes

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    Taste of Home

    Stuffed tomatoes provide endless options when you add meat, cheese, rice, veggies – or in this case, orzo. — Jenni Dise, Phoenix, Arizona

    Broccoli Tuna Casserole

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    Taste of Home

    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

    Crunchy Tuna Salad with Tomatoes

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    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

    Cilantro-Avocado Tuna Salad Sandwiches

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    Taste of Home

    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

    This recipe is just one of several ways to enjoy a tunacado sandwich!

    Quick Nicoise Salad

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    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

    Tuna and White Bean Lettuce Wraps

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    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

    Snappy Tuna Melts

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    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

    Pressure-Cooker Tuna Noodle Casserole

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    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

    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? ›

    Certain types of tuna are high in mercury, which can have harmful effects on health in high amounts or in certain populations. For most healthy adults, it's recommended to consume at least 2 servings of fish per week, which can include tuna.

    What to avoid in canned tuna? ›

    Skipjack and canned light tuna, which are relatively low in mercury, can be eaten as part of a healthy diet. However, albacore, yellowfin and bigeye tuna are high in mercury and should be limited or avoided.

    Why does canned tuna not taste like tuna? ›

    Another thing to consider is that tinned fish usually comes packed in either water or oil, and oil-packed tinned fish generally has a stronger, slightly fishier flavor.

    Who should not eat canned tuna? ›

    Canned tuna makes for an easy and cheap meal, but this pantry protein source may contain dangerous levels of mercury, a neurotoxin especially harmful to pregnant people and young children.

    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.

    What happens if you eat too much tuna? ›

    It isn't a myth – tuna does contain mercury.

    “If enough mercury is consumed, you'll start to see signs of chronic mercury poisoning.” These symptoms can include: Memory loss. Irritability.

    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.

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

    Fish is a very healthy protein choice and eating canned tuna once or twice a week is safe. Canned tuna is an inexpensive source of protein that can be safely stored on your shelf. Tuna can contain small amounts of mercury but has many health benefits and is safe to eat a few times per week.

    Can I eat tuna straight from the can? ›

    If you're a fan of canned tuna, you'll be happy to know it's safe and ready to eat straight out of the can since it is pre-cooked for your convenience. Canned tuna is a wonderful seafood option, considering not everyone has access to fresh fish, not to mention it's super affordable.

    What is the healthiest way to eat canned tuna? ›

    1. Swap tuna into your favorite salmon or crab cake recipe.
    2. Mix tuna into vegetable- or potato-based soup or into stew instead of chicken. ...
    3. If you're sticking with a simple salad on the run, swap mayo for Greek yogurt, and mix in some Dijon mustard.
    4. Try using cottage cheese in place of mayo or Greek yogurt.
    Dec 21, 2015

    What is the least fishy canned tuna? ›

    Albacore is firm and meaty, with a light, mild flavor. Yellowfin and skipjack are a bit softer and have a richer, more intense taste. The choice comes down to personal preference: If you like a less “fishy” tuna experience, go for white tuna; if you want stronger flavor, light tuna is a better choice.

    Why do I taste metal after eating tuna? ›

    People get scombroid fish poisoning when they eat fish contaminated with high levels of histamines. Histamine contaminated fish often have a metallic, sharp, or peppery taste, smell bad, or have a "honey-combed" appearance. However, some contaminated fish will look, smell, and taste normal.

    Why is canned tuna not pink? ›

    In actual fact, cooked albacore may vary in color from nearly white to light pink, beige, or tan. Occasionally, it may also have a slight gray cast. These natural differences in fish along with variations in diet and environment may result in some product-to-product variation in odor, flavor, and texture.

    Is tuna fish in a can real tuna? ›

    Q: Is canned tuna farm raised or wild caught? A: Tuna is a salt-water fish and found in the oceans throughout the world. Most commercially-available canned or pouch tuna is wild caught.

    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 is the canned tuna scandal? ›

    According to their findings, executives from the three companies met regularly to discuss prices and coordinate their pricing strategies. Turns out, several major tuna producers—including StarKist, Bumble Bee Foods, and Chicken of the Sea—colluded to fix prices and limit competition in the canned tuna market.

    What is the safest 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.

    References

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