11 Easy Tuna Recipes

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Canned tuna is a versatile and convenient ingredient that can transform ordinary meals into delicious and nutritious dishes. Check out these 11 Easy Tuna Recipes for new inspiration with this humble ingredient.

Canned tuna is a fairly inexpensive ingredient that makes an easy dinner idea. After 29 years of running my own home daycare and feeding all kinds of picky eaters, I have found that it’s also a protein that most kids like if it’s presented in the right way. Every parent wants ideas to feed their kids and get a meal on the table without too much work. So this post is for you!

Benefits of Cooking with Canned Tuna

1. Convenience: Canned tuna is pre-cooked and ready to use, saving you time in the kitchen.
2. Versatility: It can be incorporated into a wide range of recipes, catering to various tastes and dietary preferences.
3. Nutritional Value: High in protein and low in fat, canned tuna supports a balanced diet and promotes heart health.
4. Shelf-Stable: It has a long shelf life, making it a reliable ingredient to keep on hand for last-minute meals.

Tips for Cooking with Canned Tuna

1. Drain Well: Always drain the canned tuna before using it in recipes to avoid excess moisture.
2. Season to Taste: Enhance the flavor of canned tuna with seasonings, herbs, and spices.
3. Mix and Match: Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and customize the recipes to your liking.
4. Storage: Once opened, any unused tuna should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within a few days.

There’s no quicker or easier way to make quick lunches that are also healthy lunches than to grab a can of tuna fish and get going. It’s always great to find recipes that are made with pantry staples. In my opinion, the type of tuna you use makes a big difference.

We like white tuna. The albacore tuna just tastes better to us. You can get oil-packed tuna or water-packed tuna and we really prefer our recipes with the water-packed tuna as well. It gives you a light tuna flavor that isn’t as strong as the old packed tuna. It’s personal preference, but we find that the recipes turn out better and lighter with the water-packed white albacore tuna.

Another great tip to add some nutrients to your canned tuna dishes without sacrificing texture or flavor is to substitute plain greek yogurt for your mayo or sour cream in your tuna fish recipes. Trust us, it’s amazing.

Easy canned tuna recipes

1. Best Tuna Salad Recipe
   • A classic and versatile dish, tuna salad combines canned tuna with a hint of Dijon mustard, and crunchy diced pickles and red onion. It’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or as a topping for fresh greens.
2. Classic Tuna Sandwich
   • The best way to use tuna salad is to spread it on some delicious whole grain bread. It’s even better if you toast the bread first!
3. Tuna Pasta Salad
   • This refreshing pasta salad features tender pasta mixed with tuna, peas, and red onion, all tossed in a light and tangy dressing. It’s a great side dish for picnics or barbecues.
4. Tuna Melt Sandwich
   • A comforting and hearty sandwich, the tuna melt includes a rich tuna mixture topped with melted cheddar cheese, all grilled to perfection on your choice of bread.
5. Tuna and Avocado Salad
   • A healthy and delicious option, this salad combines creamy avocado chunks with flaky tuna, juicy cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Fresh cilantro and lime juice brighten the flavors, making it a perfect light meal.
6. Tuna Stuffed Bell Peppers
   • These colorful bell peppers are stuffed with a flavorful mixture of tuna, cooked quinoa, provolone cheese, and basil and they make a nutritious and satisfying dinner.
7. Spicy Tuna Sushi Roll
   • Inspired by Japanese cuisine, this dish features canned tuna mixed with spicy mayo, rolled up in sushi rice and nori (seaweed). It’s a simple and delicious way to enjoy sushi at home.
8. Tuna Patties
   • These crispy crunchy tuna patties are a dream come true with a flavorful creamy inside and a perfectly toasted outside.
9. Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl
   • These spicy tuna rice bowls are bursting with flavor and still taste light with fresh veggies to add texture.
10. Lettuce Wraps
    • Lettuce wraps are another amazing way to use our classic tuna salad recipe. Top them with some shredded carrots and a sprinkle of soy sauce or sesame oil and you have a masterpiece.
11. Tuna Roll Ups
    • While tuna roll ups are more of a snack or a lunch item, you could toss some together for an easy dinner if you want to. No cooking, no fuss, no muss. You’ll have a meal ready in minutes with these. And the crispy cucumber inside makes them magical to eat. And kids love them too.

Tuna pot pie

Tuna pot pie is one of our traditional favorites here. We LOVE the biscuit topped pot pie that is so comforting and rich. It makes the perfect easy tuna recipe for any weeknight meal.

Tuna macaroni casserole

There are so many ways to make a tuna noodle casserole. We love them with egg noodles or macaroni noodles. The pasta makes them one of our top kid pleasers. Check out some of our tuna casseroles here:

• Creamy Tuna Macaroni Casserole from Scratch (Spicy)
• Tuna Bake for Kids
• Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe

Is tuna good for you?

Tuna is good for you and offers numerous health benefits when consumed as part of a balanced diet. Here are some key reasons why tuna is a nutritious and beneficial food choice:

1. High in Protein:
   • Tuna is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, producing enzymes and hormones, and supporting overall growth and maintenance of the body.
2. Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
   • Tuna is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These healthy fats are known to support heart health by reducing inflammation, lowering blood pressure, and decreasing the risk of heart disease.
3. Vitamins and Minerals:
   • Tuna is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, vitamin B12, selenium, and potassium. Vitamin D supports bone health and immune function, while vitamin B12 is crucial for nerve function and the production of red blood cells.
4. Low in Fat:
   • Tuna is relatively low in fat compared to other protein sources, making it a good option for those looking to maintain a healthy weight or reduce fat intake.

Health Benefits of Tuna

Tuna, as well as other fish, has a lot of great health benefits. It’s good to try to add fish into your diet at least once a week or even better two or three times. Here are some of the great health benefits of tuna fish:

1. Heart Health:
   • The omega-3 fatty acids in tuna can help lower triglyceride levels, reduce the risk of abnormal heart rhythms, and decrease the buildup of plaque in the arteries, all of which contribute to improved heart health.
2. Brain Health:
   • Omega-3 fatty acids are also beneficial for brain health, supporting cognitive function and potentially reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
3. Eye Health:
   • The DHA in tuna is important for maintaining the health of the retina, potentially reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
4. Immune System Support:
   • Selenium, found in tuna, plays a critical role in the immune system by supporting the function of antioxidants and protecting cells from damage.
5. Muscle Maintenance and Repair:
   • The high protein content in tuna aids in muscle maintenance and repair, making it a great option for athletes and those who engage in regular physical activity.