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? ›

    Canned tuna is boiled in it's own juices, inside the can. It's basically pressure cooked and heat treated during the canning process. This treatment changes not just the flavor but also a bit of the texture.

    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.

    Which canned tuna is healthiest? ›

    Canned tuna is healthy: all types of tuna are high in protein and feature omega-3 fatty acids, yet lower in saturated fat and calories. However, albacore does have slightly more fat and calories than light tuna such as skipjack or yellowfin—which means it has more omega-3 fatty acids.

    What tuna is lowest in mercury? ›

    Chunk Light Tuna: This type of tuna typically has lower mercury levels and is often considered a safer choice, especially for pregnant women and children.

    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.

    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. Tuna is one of the most popular seafoods worldwide.

    Can I eat 2 cans of tuna a day? ›

    ‌Fish Serving Size‌: An adult serving of fish is the amount that fits in the palm of your hand, or about 4 ounces. Therefore, the recommendation would make eating two to three 5-ounce cans of ‌light‌ tuna a week safe for adults.

    Is StarKist tuna real tuna? ›

    Ingredients. Our “Light” tuna is primarily skipjack or yellowfin. Our “White” tuna is albacore tuna. All StarKist Tuna and salmon are wild caught fish.

    What is the least fishy canned tuna? ›

    Albacore: With an overall light and mild flavor and a natural salinity, albacore is popular for its versatility. If you don't want a fishy taste, this is the tuna type for you. "I love albacore tuna in organic olive oil," says chef and co-founder of the tinned fish company Scout Charlotte Langley.

    Why do I taste metal after eating tuna? ›

    When tuna is cooked, the fatty acids in the fish begin to break down and release a compound called methyl mercaptan. This compound has a strong, sulfurous odor and gives tuna a metallic taste. While methyl mercaptan is harmless, it can be unpleasant to smell and taste.

    Is it OK to eat canned tuna regularly? ›

    Although mercury is a toxic chemical, it's usually not present in tuna in large enough quantities to cause serious issues. Canned tuna's health benefits seem to outweigh any small negative effect of its mercury concentration. In general, eating canned tuna once or twice a week is safe.

    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 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.

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