Even now, if you open up my pantry door, you’ll find a stack of cans on the shelf right next to the cans of sardines and whole peeled tomatoes. It’s just the most perfect food in pinch, when you haven’t had time to shop, or what’s in the fridge is scarily long past its use-by date. Canned tuna is budget-friendly, good for you, and wonderfully versatile. With it you can make tuna patties, tuna salad, tuna crostini, tuna casserole, and even tuna mac n cheese. Here are just a few ideas for creative ways to use canned tuna.
1. Mediterranean Tuna Pasta
This tuna pasta is dressed with a salty blend of olives, capers and mozzarella cheese.
2. Avocado Tuna Salad
Skip the mayo and use avocado instead! Ali’s lightened-up take on the tuna noodle casserole with plenty of veggies.
3. Tuna and Tomato Pasta Casserole
A quick trip under the broiler gives this pasta bake a melty Parmesan crust.
4. Asian Tuna Salad
This Asian-inspired tuna salad features ginger, sesame and green onions. Serve with lettuce or noodles!
5. Pasta with Tuna and Arugula
Pasta, canned tuna, with a peppery kick from red pepper flakes and wilted arugula—but you could easily substitute baby spinach, if that’s what you have on-hand.
6. Tuna Patties
Family staple. Kid friendly. Budget friendly. So good!
7. White Bean and Tuna Salad
With white beans and tuna, this quick and easy salad is packed with protein. With onion, parsley, lemon, and Tabasco.
8. Best Ever Tuna Salad Sandwich
I have yet to have a tuna salad sandwich better than this one. No kidding. You may find the ingredient list a little surprising, but believe me it works!
9. Pasta with Tuna and Capers in White Wine Sauce
Super easy for a mid week meal, and packed with flavor. Want more recipes with canned tuna and other canned seafood? We got ’em!
