From easy wraps and fresh salads to cozy casseroles and classic tuna melts, these canned tuna recipes show how versatile the pantry staple can be.
1/23
Herbed Tuna and White Bean Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 319 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 640mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
Also, try these canned salmon recipes that make some of our all-time favorite pantry meals.
2/23
Tuna Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
I've perfected this classic salad with sweet pickle relish, Dijon and a squeeze of lemon. Serve with crackers, over a bed of greens, or grilled on sourdough as a simply fantastic tuna melt. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 213 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 548mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 2 lean meat.
3/23
Tuna Burger
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 417 calories, 23g fat (7g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 710mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 17g protein.
4/23
Tarragon Tuna Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 151 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 373mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
5/23
Tuna Melt
From the Recipe Creator:
When our children were young, I often fixed these warm, crunchy sandwiches. They go well with chips and a salad for a quick lunch. —Carole Anhalt, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 363 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 629mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
6/23
Comforting Tuna Patties
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 tuna patty: 255 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 419mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
7/23
Tuna Potato Supper
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 potato: 598 calories, 25g fat (6g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 866mg sodium, 63g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 6g fiber), 30g protein.
8/23
Slow-Cooker Tuna Noodle Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
We tweaked this family-friendly classic to work for the slow cooker. It's easy, wholesome and totally homemade! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 393 calories, 21g fat (12g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 752mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
9/23
Tuna Mushroom Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 343 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 770mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
10/23
Tuna-Filled Shells
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
2 each: 291 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 733mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
11/23
Tuna Wrap
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 312 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 628mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
12/23
Snappy Tuna Melts
From the Recipe Creator:
I lightened up a classic tuna melt by using creamy balsamic vinaigretee in place of the traditional mayonnaise. Kids and adults both go for this quick meal. —Christine Schenher, Exeter, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 open-faced sandwiches (calculated without mustard): 341 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 105mg cholesterol, 557mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
13/23
Modern Tuna Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 372 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 767mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
14/23
Tuna Crescent Ring
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 506 calories, 30g fat (8g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 1044mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.
15/23
Tuna Noodle Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 340 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 699mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
16/23
Mediterranean Tuna Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 282 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 682mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
17/23
Tuna Broccoli Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 271 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 601mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
18/23
Healthy Tuna Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup tuna salad with 1 tomato: 280 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 656mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
19/23
Cilantro-Avocado Tuna Salad Sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 506 calories, 30g fat (8g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 908mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 30g protein.
This recipe is just one of several ways to enjoy a tunacado sandwich!
20/23
Tuna Nicoise Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 327 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 206mg cholesterol, 691mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 2 fat, 1 starch.
21/23
Tuna and White Bean Lettuce Wraps
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
3 wraps: 279 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 421mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 7g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 starch.
22/23
Tuna Mac and Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
We all know (and love!) tuna pasta salad or tuna noodle casserole. But tuna mac and cheese? Yes, please! The mild tuna and buttery, toasty mac and cheese come together to create a decadent flavor combination of simple pantry ingredients. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 495 calories, 22g fat (13g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 618mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
23/23
Greek Tuna Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
The combination of tuna, chickpeas and fresh cucumbers, plus bold red onion and feta cheese, is a bright and light meal all on its own or served with a warm pita or a hunk of crusty bread. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 280 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 364mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 6g fiber), 18g protein.
Canned Tuna Recipes FAQ
What are the healthiest ways to cook with canned tuna?
The healthiest ways to cook with canned tuna focus on simple preparations and whole ingredients. Healthy means different things to different people, but tuna is easy to add to fiber-rich cold salads, warm whole-grain side dishes or low-carb lettuce wraps. Try adding beans or cottage cheese to your favorite tuna salad for more protein and satiety, or baking it into zucchini boats or bell peppers for an alternative to pasta.
Can I use canned tuna in hot dishes?
Canned tuna is great in hot dishes like casseroles, stuffed pastas, savory bakes and warm sandwiches because it retains its meaty texture and briny, but not fishy, taste. Since it’s already cooked, make sure there is plenty of sauce or moisture to keep the tuna from drying out as it’s heated. Add it to your favorite mac and cheese recipe for more protein or baked potato filling for a hearty, easy meal.
How do I add flavor to canned tuna recipes?
To add flavor to canned tuna recipes, use bold, salty or tangy mix-ins like capers, sun-dried tomatoes, pickles and olives, or add brightness with fresh herbs and lemon. Pantry staples like mustard, hot sauce or everything bagel seasoning add punch without much effort. Try spice blends, like curry powder and za’atar, or a spoonful of chili crisp to layer in more flavor.
